TIPS FOR THE DIP
Dipping volume fans into adhesive sounds simple enough but in reality there is a proper technique. The right dip will give you the best attachment, keep the fan open, and ensure good retention. Here’s all the tips for the right dip!
The 90 Degree Dip
Holding your fan at a 90 degree angle or perpendicular to your glue dot, inserting straight down and straight back out you are covering all sides of the base. If you are dipping at the wrong angle you could be only grabbing adhesive on the back or side of the fan and your attachment will be weaker or not attach at all. Covering all sides of the base allows for top, bottom, or side attachment while also attaching/wrapping each lash in the fan to the natural lash giving you optimal retention.
The Scoop
Instead of a straight up and down dip, you can use a scooping motion to collect adhesive at the base. With a scoop, you still want to be covering all sides of the base so insert your fan into the adhesive and scoop on the way out in one seamless motion. I like a scoop when the base needs a little help coming together or I’m using an adhesive cup.
The Tap
Still using a 90 degree angle to insert the fan into the adhesive, but using a tapping motion when picking up adhesive you can really bring separated bases together. Tap the back of the base at the edge of the adhesive as many times as it takes for the base to “suction” together. I prefer the tap as a specialty dip used for troubleshooting and recovery.
Center is Best
Whichever approach to dipping you take, the center of your adhesive dot is going to give you the freshest adhesive. The edges of your adhesive start to oxidize first because they are the thinnest.
Slow & Steady
A slow dip in and out is going to coat the base evenly compared to a fast dip that will pool adhesive creating a ball at the base. If you do end up with a ball of adhesive at your base, you can re-dip with slower speed to spread that ball out onto your base. If you do need to re-dip you want to act fast before the ball starts curing—you do not want to attempt placing the lash and then re-dip!
Refresh as Necessary
You can have the perfect dipping technique but if you are not refreshing your adhesive as needed during the appointment your attachment will be all wrong, your fans will likely fall apart, and you could be dealing with a stringy mess.
Create a Dome
With the exception of an adhesive cup, you want your adhesive dot to form a dome so that you have something to actually dip into compared to a runny mess of adhesive. A dome happens when you are storing your adhesive properly, shaking before each use, and most importantly using a jade stone with a foil sticker or piece of paper tape!
Not Too Little or Too Much
My last tip when dipping volume fans is to use the correct amount of adhesive. Too little adhesive will have the fan falling apart before you can place it and if you do manage to attach it, the bond will be weak. Too much adhesive will have your fan closing at the first attempt of placement and leave you with poor isolation. The amount of adhesive differs between fan shapes and lengths but finding the sweet spot every time will give you the best results.
