Saline Solution vs. Primer

When pre-treating natural eyelashes before an eyelash extension, the question often arises: Should you use a primer, or is a saline solution sufficient? The answer depends on various factors, and there is no universal “always” or “never.” It’s important to consider the client’s needs and the properties of the products to achieve the best results.

The primer thoroughly degreases the natural eyelashes while simultaneously removing moisture from them. Since eyelashes can store about 10% moisture, this removal is important for optimal curing of the eyelash adhesive, which requires moisture to cure. However, for clients with adhesion issues and non-oily skin, priming can cause the adhesive to draw moisture only from the ambient air, which can result in a longer curing time and less-than-optimal hold.

A different scenario arises for clients with oily skin. In this case, priming is essential to remove excess oil. After priming, it is advisable to rinse the eyelashes with a saline solution to restore moisture.

It is important to emphasize that saline solution cannot completely replace a primer. While saline solution has a mild degreasing effect, it is not as thorough as a primer. Even a homemade saline solution with a higher salt concentration cannot provide the same thorough degreasing as a primer.
Ultimately, it is crucial to understand the clients’ needs and the properties of the products in order to decide on a case-by-case basis which pre-treatment will deliver the best results. This ensures that every client receives the optimal treatment and that the eyelash extensions remain long-lasting and beautiful.