WHAT IS SHOCK POLYMERIZATION OR "BLOOMING?"
Have you ever heard of or experienced shock polymerization or “blooming?” Lash blooming can be frustrating, but understanding what it is and how to address it makes all the difference. In this post, we’ll cover how to identify blooming, fix it safely, and prevent it to ensure your clients enjoy flawless, long-lasting lash sets!
What Is Shock Polymerization (Blooming)?
In lash extensions, shock polymerization, often called blooming, happens when lash adhesive cures too quickly after contact with moisture. Cyanoacrylate based lash glues are designed to cure with small amounts of humidity in the air. When they are exposed to too much moisture at once, the curing reaction speeds up rapidly.
When this happens, the adhesive can turn white or cloudy, creating a frosty or dusty appearance around the lash bond. This whitening effect is what lash artists refer to as blooming. It does not always mean the extensions will fall off right away, but it can affect how the set looks and may weaken the bond over time.
What Causes Blooming to Happen?
Blooming is most often caused by:
- High humidity levels in the room
- Natural lashes that are still wet during application
- Tears or watery eyes while working
- Excessive use of water based products near fresh adhesive
- Applying bonder or nano-mist too quickly
Does Blooming Affect Retention?
Yes, blooming can impact lash retention, but the effects depend on how severe it is and the underlying cause. Blooming occurs when adhesive spreads slightly around the lash, creating a “halo” effect. While a minor bloom is mostly cosmetic, it can sometimes indicate that the adhesive is not curing as it should.
If lashes appear wet or clumpy due to blooming, they may not bond as securely to the natural lash which can shorten the lifespan of the set.
How to Fix Blooming if it Happens?
There are a few steps you can take, such as gently cleaning the affected area or allowing the adhesive to fully cure. However, we recommend removing the bloomed lashes and reapplying new ones. Because blooming can impact retention, starting fresh ensures your clients receive a set that will last as long as possible.
The safest method is to remove the white, bloomed extensions using a cream or gel remover before reapplying new lashes. Addressing blooming promptly helps your clients leave with a flawless finish and supports long-term retention for future appointments.
To help prevent shock polymerization, lash artists should make sure the natural lashes are completely dry before application, maintain stable humidity in their workspace, and avoid exposing freshly applied extensions to excess moisture. If you’re not sure what humidity your space is, we recommend using a hygrometer to measure!