Lash Cleanser and Primer: Do You Need Them?

A quality lash service requires mandatory prep of the natural lashes, done after cleansing, in two steps: degreasing and applying primer.

A cleanser (degreaser) helps clear oil off the lashes thanks to the alcohol in its formula, and it’s also antibacterial.

Primer is the final prep step. Thanks to its chemical makeup, it boosts the adhesive’s performance by alkalizing the surface of the lash, improves the bond, and extends the life of the extensions.

Tip: different brands use different names for the same formulas, so when choosing a product, pay attention to the ingredients.

Sometimes, instead of a cleanser, artists use a saline solution, since salt breaks down oils. However, unlike a cleanser, saline isn’t antibacterial.

Instead of primer, to save money, some artists use a baking-soda solution, since baking soda is a very strong alkali that, like primer, creates the right pH to improve the adhesive’s grip. But baking soda dries out the natural lash quite a bit, and it’s already fairly dry after the cleanser, whereas a professional primer doesn’t over-dry the lash, keeping the surface perfect for the application.

We recommend working only with professional products, since cheaper “at-home” substitutes don’t fully deliver the same result.

Read also: How to Properly Prep the Lashes for the Service