Lash Adhesive: Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating the world of lash extension adhesive can often feel like a maze. But don’t worry! PLA is here to guide you through it, as not only are we a team of highly experienced lash artists and educators but we also are lucky enough to have a chemist on the team who specializes in lash adhesive. This unique combination of expertise empowers us to not only give you opinions but to provide the lash industry with science backed education.

The Sticky Science: What’s In Your Lash Glue Bottle?

First things first, let’s do a deep dive and uncover what exactly is in our adhesive. Lash extension glue is mostly made of cyanoacrylate, this ingredient is responsible for bonding the extension(s) to the natural lash. It makes up 80-90% of the mixture, but there are some other important players too. There’s stabilizer, which controls the curing process (because nobody wants their glue to harden in the bottle), and sometimes carbon black, which of course gives black adhesive its color.

Disclaimer: Most adhesive allergies are actually due to cyanoacrylate which is in ALL currently existing professional eyelash extension glues. So, if your client is displaying signs of sensitivity or an allergic reaction it’s highly unlikely to be the carbon black which many believe and more commonly the cyanoacrylate. This means it might be best to explore other lash enhancement options, like a lash lift or DIY lashes like the ones from TAD.

Best Practices

Let's chat about some key steps to make the most of your adhesive.

Storage: Always keep your adhesive in a cool, dry place, and out of the sunlight. Think of it as a vampire, direct sunlight will just destroy it!

Dipping: Only dip into the center of the adhesive dot where it’s freshest. Avoid scooping as this often leads to too much glue and can mess with your retention.

Environment: Humidity is huge. High humidity makes adhesive cure faster, while low humidity slows it down. So, keep an eye on that hygrometer and adjust accordingly using a humidifier or dehumidifier.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Okay, so what if things still aren’t working out? Here are some quick tips to help you:

Lashes Not Sticking? It could be too much adhesive or a room that’s too cold. Use less adhesive or warm your work space up a bit.

Stickies Galore? Poor isolation or slow curing adhesive could be to blame.. Try a faster curing adhesive and hold your isolation longer after application to ensure curing. Humidity too low could be a problem, try using a humidifier to raise the your rH% and speed up the dry time!

Excess Lash Fall Out? This could be due to adhesive curing too fast or dirty lashes. Slow things down and always be sure to give the lashes a good cleanse before applying. Using a heavy duty dehumidifier in your space can help to regulate your humidity and slow your dry time.

And remember, each adhesive has its quirks, like Michelle always says, “Finding the best lash glue match is like dating, sometimes you have to try a few before you find the one!”

Best Practices: Find The Best Lash Adhesive For YOU

No two lash artists work the same and that’s exactly why there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to adhesive. Your perfect adhesive depends on your speed, environment, and even your mood that day (just kidding, but honestly kind of true). Use your tools, like a hygrometer to find the adhesive that fits your room conditions and preferred viscosity.

Once you find an adhesive that works well with your environment and technique, next you will need to make sure you find the sweet spot for the amount of adhesive that yields the best results for you. The specific method and speed of dipping into your adhesive will majorly impact how much glue you pick up and trust me, when you get it just right, your clients will be so pleased as they notice the improvement in retention!

Keep Calm And Lash On

Mastering adhesive might seem like a lot to remember and it honestly is! But remember, take it one step at a time and soon with these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be an adhesive pro before you know it! Eventually all of this will be second nature and you will be lashing with ultimate confidence. 

And hey, if you’re ever in doubt, you can always come back to this blog or check out our Adhesive Pro e-book. PLA is cheering you on every step of the way!

P.S. If you need to restock or try a new adhesive, we’ve got you covered. Check out our full line of lash adhesives designed to make your job easier and your clients’ lashes last longer. 🛍️

xoxo
Ashley Gonzalez