All About Adhesives

Lash Extension Glue: What You Need to Know

Behind every stunning set of lashes lies a crucial component: lash extension adhesive. In this guide, we will delve into the world of lash extension adhesives, exploring their types, application techniques, and important considerations.

Lash Extension Glue Types

Cyanoacrylate Adhesives: Cyanoacrylate adhesives are the most commonly used in the lash extension industry. They provide rapid bonding and excellent adhesion properties. These adhesives cure quickly when exposed to moisture in the air, creating a solid and durable bond. However, depending on the amount of cyanoacrylate, it may not suit clients with sensitive eyes.

Medical-Grade Adhesives: Medical-grade adhesives are specifically formulated for clients with sensitive eyes or allergies. These adhesives are hypoallergenic and provide a gentler bonding experience. While they may have a slower cure time compared to cyanoacrylate adhesives, they are an alternative for those with sensitivities. However, remember that the retention will not match that of Cyanoacrylate. 

Hybrid Adhesives: Hybrid adhesives combine the best, offering a blend of cyanoacrylate and medical-grade adhesives. They balance rapid bonding and work well with sensitive eyes. Here at The Lash Store HQ, our adhesives are hybrid. Our Rapid Bond will set quickly and has repeatedly shown no sensitivity with clients.  

How fast an adhesive is depends on the drying time; 2-4 seconds is classified as slow, and 1.5 seconds and below is classified as fast. As a beginner eyelash technician, a slow glue can be helpful when you’re first understanding how to dip and tap your glue, but we recommend choosing a faster lash glue once you’ve mastered your glue placement.

By now, you’ve realised there are SO many lash adhesives on the market; some are questionable, but that’s a conversation for another day. And if you're new, I’m sure by now you’ve already bought so many different ones to try. And yet you still have bad retention, stickies, glue dots and stinging eyes.

Let’s quickly break this down:

Rapid Bond (0.5-1 sec) – We’ve been selling it for over 6 years. Most bought item (after lash trays). No stinging, excellent retention, the smallest amount needed and quick drying. Little to no smell, depending on you. (Disclaimer: Many other suppliers have used the same name, “rapid bond” but I can promise you it’s not our product, and we are by no means associated with them.)

Banana Thick (0.5-1 sec) – Very similar to Rapid Bond. Banana scented. It is a little thicker in consistency, still quick drying, and it lasts longer after opening.

Icey Bond (0.5-1 sec) – It's clear, quick drying, and has excellent retention- recommend for classics and coloured lashes. Does have a slight smell.

What we don’t recommend:

You could be an amazing lash artist using top-quality lashes, but your glue could be ruining your work and your reputation. When choosing a lash adhesive, choose wisely. Look for recommendations and proven results.

Colours

Lash Extension adhesives come in clear and black pigments. The clear adhesive is typically used for Classic and colour lash extension application, whilst black is used for everything else. There are now pink adhesives, this is just clear with some pink pigment.

Looking after your lash extension glue: Shake, Pour & Burp

When using lash extension adhesives, follow a few key steps to ensure the adhesive is cared for and gives you the best results. First and foremost, housing your adhesive. All adhesives purchased from The Lash Store HQ should be refrigerated. This ensures that the adhesives will work at optimum levels. A bar fridge or beauty fridge will also suffice. The adhesive does not need to be removed before use. Aim to use it cold.

Shake your adhesive well. Like any liquid product, you should always shake/mix the ingredients before using. Either shake by hand for 30-40 seconds. Or use a glue shaker for ten seconds. A glue shaker works best.

Pour your adhesive. There are many types of glue palettes that you can use, and each of them has pros and cons. Try a few things out and work out what best suits you. We always recommend using a stone and teach our students with them, due to its natural cooling elements, adhesive stays cooler and fresher for longer.

Burp your adhesive. While opening and pouring your glue, air travels into the bottle, and as air cures adhesive, you must remove the air from the bottle. After pouring your glue dot, keep the bottle semi-tilted and squeeze the bottle; you should see little air bubbles from the nozzle. Don’t release your grip, as the air will be sucked back into the bottle.

Wipe your nozzle. Using a glue wipe, wipe away all the bubbles on the nozzle. Do not use a tissue or cotton, as this will block your nozzle. Replace the lid and place back into the fridge.

How to store your lash extension glue

Always follow the instructions on your glue packaging. At The Lash Store, our adhesives are to be stored in the fridge and used cold - keeps it fresh & working at its best. 

Classic lash extensions are a great place to start learning how to dip your glue. It’s important to dip the lash extension in the middle of the glue dot. When the glue dot starts to dry, it dries from the outside in, so dip the lash in the middle and slide out slowly for the glue to grab. The slower, the better, as any fast motion will create bubbles in the glue and extend the drying time, affecting the other lashes.

Premade fans are dipped a little differently, with a dip and tap motion. Aiming for glue only on the base of them stem. Then tap to flatten the bubble.

Avoid dipping the entire stem into the glue dot as this is not necessary and will cause many issues from lashes sticking together, glue being noticeable, extended drying times and to over exposure of adhesive to the client.

A less is more approach is always the best way. Hot tip – Look at the stem of the lash fan; this is your indicator of where and how much glue you will need, and only dip the base of the stem. Dip, Tap, Place!

Troubleshooting your Lash Extension glue

We speak to many customers daily through DMs, Text, phone, and in-store. We are always happy to help Lashtomers with any issues they may be having, not necessarily using our products, but as specialists in this field, we are always happy to share our knowledge. We have compiled the top 10 most asked questions. 

Why does my lash glue keep blocking?

If your adhesive nozzle has blocked, this has occurred by not burping correctly. There is still glue in the nozzle, which has cured/dried, clogging the nozzle. You will need to replace the nozzle. If you were to re-pop the nozzle, the dried adhesive would be pushed down into the bottle and ruin the rest of your bottle.

Extensions not sticking could be one of several reasons, and the best way to work it out is to eliminate the cause: 

• Did you shake the adhesive well? 
• Did you prep the natural lashes correctly?
• Lashes slipping off - use less glue.
• Lashes are falling off when brushing them- check your glue dot, room temperature and humidity levels. Adhesive could be semi-curing before placement.

 Why am I getting many stickies?

Stickies are when lash fans are sticking to neighbouring fans, although you may have isolated and placed them perfectly. It occurs when you move faster than your glue drying time or when excessive adhesive has been used. 

Why are my customers returning with glue dots? 

Glue dots refer to the glue drops remaining on the natural lash after the fan has fallen off. Glue dots can occur for one of the following reasons:

• Sometimes the lash artist isn't tapping off the adhesive correctly, which creates a bulb dot instead of a flat dot.
• Sometimes The client may have been rough with cleaning, or is a face sleeper, or she enjoys picking at them.
• Sometimes the client may use oil based or thicker creams, which will break down the bond between the glue and the extension.

Remember, the glue is strong enough that it doesn't want to come off the natural lashes even though the fan has fallen off, the glue strength isn't the issues but more of how we are using the glue and caring for it. 

Why is my glue dot curing quickly?

Follow this checklist and eliminate what you know is done correctly: 

• Shaking the bottle well
• Storing the glue correctly
• Temperature of lash room
• Humidity of lash room
• Is your Bonder anywhere near your adhesive?

Depending on where the redness is showing up, it will tell you what has caused it:

• If the redness is at the bottom of the eyeballs and it feels bruised when blinking, this has occurred from the lash pads and tape hitting the eyeball. Avoid this with less cheek movement. Although sometimes it could be if you are lid lifting with tape and her eyeball is exposed to the fumes of the glue.
• Redness all over the eyeball - Lash Glue fumes have entered the eye. Avoid this by ensuring your client's eyes are completely closed during the appointment, and when lash drying, the fan is being held behind the eyes, not in front.
• Redness usually disappears within 24 hours.

Is my client allergic to glue?

Depending on the symptoms. Allergic reactions are usually associated with swelling, itchiness, and burning.

If your client has more sensitivity, like watery eyes, it could be the adhesive setting off their hay fever. We always ask that they take an antihistamine before their appointment. (If their health conditions permit it)

What lash glue do I use for sensitive eyes?

Our Rapid Bond has been tried and tested for sensitive eyes, has shown to be very effective, and has little to no reactions. We also recommend using our lash bonder, designed to complement our Rapid Bond. Our Lash Bonder is developed to cure the adhesive, reducing exposure to ingredients that cause the irritant and sensitivity—the winning combination. 

Why are my client's eyes burning during application? 

If your client's eyes are burning during application, fumes are entering the eyes. You are either using excessive adhesive and/or their eyes are slightly open. 

When manufacturers mention "drying time", there are conditions to it. Example, the amount of glue used, temperature, and humidity. All these elements contribute to the drying time of your glue.

Allergic Reactions to Lash Adhesives

Acknowledging that some people may experience allergic reactions in response to lash adhesives is essential. Here, we explore the reasons behind why lash adhesives can cause allergic reactions, shedding light on the potential allergens and elements involved. Lash adhesives can cause allergic reactions due to the presence of potential allergens such as formaldehyde, latex, fragrances, and other additives. Sensitisation to these allergens can occur with repeated exposure, leading to contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. By  understanding the causes of allergic reactions, individuals can take preventative measures and make informed choices when using lash adhesives to minimise the risk of adverse reactions.

Composition of Lash Adhesives:

Lash adhesives typically consist of a combination of ingredients designed to bond the false lashes to the natural lashes. The primary ingredient in most adhesives is cyanoacrylate, a fast-drying adhesive that forms a strong bond. However, it is not cyanoacrylate itself that causes allergic reactions but rather the other ingredients that may be present in the glue.

 A glue trial is an easy way to test your client’s sensitivity, giving them peace of mind. Before their appointment, organise a day to test the glue, prepping the face as normal and then applying a small amount of adhesive behind the ears and on a few 3D fans, which are then placed on the start, middle and end of the eye. Most reactions occur within 24-48 hours, so check in with your client after a day or so to see how their skin responds.

Potential Allergens in Lash Adhesives:

a) Formaldehyde: Some lash adhesives contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, which are known allergens. Formaldehyde can cause skin irritation and trigger allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.

b)Latex: Latex is another common allergen found in lash adhesives. Individuals with latex allergies may experience contact dermatitis, characterised by redness, itching, and swelling of the eyelid area.

c)Fragrances and other additives:Lash adhesives may also contain fragrances and other additives, such as dyes and solvents, that can potentially induce allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. 

Contact Dermatitis:

Allergic reactions to lash adhesives often manifest as contact dermatitis, which is characterised by redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes even blisters or hives in the eyelid area. These symptoms typically occur within 24 to 48 hours after the adhesive is applied.

Prevention and Management:

To prevent allergic reactions to lash adhesives, it is essential to:

- Perform a patch test before completing the application to check for adverse reactions.

- Adhesive should NOT be touching the skin

- If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately, remove lashes and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist

- Choose wisely. Use an adhesive that has shown positive results

- If you can't read the ingredients, toss it

- Ensuring the business is AICIS registered will ensure the ingredients are legal for Australian Consumer sale and use.

If you want to know more or need help troubleshooting your Lash Extension adhesive, visit us instore at: