How to Determine the Best Eyelash Glue for Lash Extensions

Eyelash extension adhesive is a tricky subject. But all you have to do is dip your extensions and stick them to the natural lash, right? Not so fast! We need to understand the science behind these adhesives to create an environment that is mutually beneficial and use them effectively.

Our guide will help you understand the science, how to select a great lash adhesive type, and how to properly store and handle humidity changes to ensure a strong hold every time.

The Science Behind Eyelash Extension Adhesive

Cyanoacrylate-based adhesives on the market vary greatly - from instant bond glues like Super Glue and Krazy Glue to lash extension glue, dental glue, surgical glues, and more. There's a lot of science that goes into each one, but there's a lot of debate as to what that science says for the lash world. Let’s dig in!

Cyanoacrylate bonds almost anything as long as there is at least a small amount of moisture involved. When moisture is introduced, the glue will start to polymerize (harden) and cure. As it cures, it ideally wants to stick a non-porous item (false lashes) to a porous one (natural lashes). This is why it is important for your humidity levels and temperature to be within ideal range so that your adhesive can cure properly. 

Proper Eyelash Extension Glue Usage and Storage

Opened bottles of cyanoacrylate-based eyelash adhesives that have been exposed to the environment, and therefore moisture, will typically work for 6 to 8 weeks before the remaining adhesive polymerizes itself.

However, after 4 weeks of being open, your glue may not bond the same way it did before. After being opened and exposed, it will start to degrade. Most lash glues are only safe and good to use for 4 to 6 weeks (tops!) before they need to be replaced. They will not only start causing retention problems but also irritation by producing more fumes as the degradation process continues. We offer an adhesive subscription program to ensure you never run out of eyelash extension glue. With auto-shipping, your adhesive will be replaced every 4 weeks so you're always stocked up.

Getting the Temperature Right

Temperature needs to be taken into consideration when working with and storing your adhesives - even when working with the best lash glues on the market!

As temperatures rise above the ideal range (20 to 22° C or 68 to 73° F), they tend to get stickier, and the dry time becomes shorter. As temperatures dip below the ideal range, they have a harder time curing, and it may take a long time to get a strong lash bond. 

It will actually work in your favour if you can optimize your working environment. LBLA’s lash adhesives work best in humidity levels between 25%-45% and temperatures between 20.5 - 22.5° C. For low to moderate humidity levels, incorporate LBLA’s  Glue Aid to help speed up drying time.

Dealing with High Humidity and Low Humidity

When humidity is high, lower the temperature. This will help reduce some of the moisture in the air and give you a little more time to work with your lash glue. You do not want to jeopardize your retention so you might also consider investing in a dehumidifier to help control the humidity.

In low humidity, it's best to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This is especially helpful during the winter months when the environment tends to be cold and dry, and the humidity is low.

Balancing the humidity in your workspace is key to delivering great customer service and ensuring your lash clients leave with the flawless, long-lasting lashes they deserve.

How does Temperature and Humidity Play into Eyelash Extension Retention

Most of us know we have to control our room conditions to have our lash adhesive work properly, but you can’t base the lash glue you choose solely on your average humidity. In addition to environmental conditions, how you work with your glue matters - a lot! We highly recommend using  LBLA’s Volume Expert Glue Trays. Glue trays offer a more controlled environment for dispensing lash glue and do not expose the adhesive to as much air as a jade stone would. How quickly you work needs to be considered in conjunction with your particular technique, application, and fan attachment process. 

Figuring out what glue works best for you takes trial and error - experiment with different lash adhesives,  application techniques, humidity levels, and room temperatures. That's why LashboxLA Canada offers a variety of adhesives, so you can choose the one that works best for your environment. Keep in mind that as seasons and environmental conditions change, you may prefer a different adhesive. One might perform better in the summer, while another could be more effective in the winter.

Our Advice to You

Use  LBLA’s adhesive finder to discover the perfect lash glue for your environment. This chart allows you to compare all of our adhesives and provides the ideal humidity and temperature conditions for each one to perform at its best.

Simple Steps You Can Take to Improve Ease of Use

1. Pay attention to your humidity. A hygrometer is the best tool to keep track of your humidity levels. You will likely base the adhesive you want to use around those average numbers.

2. Watch your glue as you use it. When it's wet (shiny) on the end of your lash or fan, you're able to continue to attach, work with it, and manipulate it. When it's cured (matte), it can't be manipulated, and you shouldn't try to attach it to anything.

3. The glue should be wet when you move it over to the natural lash and apply it. If it is wet the whole time and turns matte as you press it to the natural lash, that is ideal to wrap the lash extensions around the natural lashes.

4. Any glue that turns matte before it reaches the natural lash is curing too fast. Here, you have 4 options: work faster, use slower drying glue, use a dehumidifier, or lower your room's temperature.

5. Any glue that stays shiny and wet after application isn't curing fast enough. Here, you also have 4 options: work slower by holding your isolation, use a glue with a quick-dry formula, apply Glue Aid to speed up the dry time, use a humidifier, or increase your room’s temperature.

Conclusion

The best eyelash extension glue is the one that is most compatible with your process, your working conditions, and, most importantly, your lash clients. Whether you’re working with  classic lashes, wispy lashes, or coloured lashes, it’s important to choose quality products and lash extension adhesives that meet your needs. If you're a lash artist or lash tech, always keep proper storage and usage techniques top of mind to achieve better results.

LBLA's line of adhesives are bestsellers - with 5-star ratings from customers across Canada and globally!

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