Eyelash extension glues are one of the key factors of successful lashing. Choosing the right lash glue is very crucial when you are doing your lash application. As a lash artist, you might probably want to look for extension glue that can be used all around. Unfortunately, no single extension glue can do that. Each extension glues are made depending on the needs of your lash clients. But you don’t have to worry about looking for lash glue that suits your lash client's needs, there are numerous lash types of glue available on the market today. 

It may feel overwhelming knowing that there are a lot of adhesives out there that you might wonder, how can you choose the suitable extension glue for you and for your lash clients? 

Choosing your lash glue: Am I the perfect one? 

As said, choosing the right glue is very important when you want to start your lash career or you want to stay long in the industry as the best lash artist. There are many options available to choose from when choosing your partner in lashing and there are factors to consider as well when choosing the best one:

1. Knowing how fast you are

Lash glue differs uniquely in its components. As a lash artist, you may ask yourself how fast you are when lashing. Different lash glues have different drying speeds. 

If you are a beginner, you should consider slow-drying glue. Start with a 2-2.5 second glue to give yourself just enough time to apply for lash extensions without rushing. As you gain skill by practicing, you can switch to lash glue with a faster drying speed like one that takes 1-3 seconds. 

2. Knowing your lash clients

Aside from creating a beautiful lash set for clients, one of your top priorities as a lash artist is to ensure that your lash clients are safe during and after the lash application. You may encounter clients that have allergic reactions to adhesives or that are sensitive to fumes. Because of these, it is highly advisable that you always have sensitive glue in your lash extension kit.

When using sensitive glues, you should inform your lash client of the possible effect. Commonly, when using sensitive lash glues, lash extensions have shorter retention than normal, and also sensitive glues have less drying time, which means volume and mega volume can be challenging to achieve if lash clients choose these sets. Simple information should be informed to lash clients for them to understand the process and products. It is also one way of good communication you build with your lash clients. 

3. Checking the lash glue ingredients

Ideally, cyanoacrylate is the primary component of every lash extension glue as this takes the highest percentage of all the components a lash glue has. Some may not be aware of the ingredients used to make lash glues, but as a lash artist, you should take time to know information like this. It is one critical part of finding the right adhesive for your lashing. 

Do you know that there are 5 different types of cyanoacrylate? Not all of these are safe to use, especially using them near the eyes. Methyl and Methoxy are two of them that are harmful and should be avoided. Methyl has the strongest vapors and has extremely good adhesion quality but it is not advisable to be used since it is very harmful to the eyes. Methoxy, on the other hand, is less harmful yet has very poor adhesion qualities which would be useless to use. 

So, what types of cyanoacrylate can be used as a safety component in lash glues? 

Ethyl and Butyl are the ones that are considered safe and used for Sensitive glues for sensitive clients. Ethyl has medium emissions yet strong adhesion while butyl has low fumes with low adhesion. Ethanol can also be used as an ingredient since it can guarantee high retention without harming the eyes. The most commonly used type among these is Ethyl cyanoacrylate. 

4. Understanding the importance of your room environment 

One of the most known enemies of lash glues is room temperature and humidity. Workplace conditions directly impact the lash glues performance. As mentioned above, cyanoacrylate is the main ingredient of lash glue that acts as a bonding agent which is also the reason why lash glues are sensitive to room temperature and humidity. When moisture is present, cyanoacrylate begins to yield. Moisture will function as an activator for the glue used for eyelash extensions to adhere.  

Low Humidity 

Working with low humidity makes your lash glue dries slowly. Meaning your 1-second glue will probably work in 4 seconds. This results in a delay in the application and may sacrifice your time to do lashing to another client in the next line. 

The glue won't have enough moisture to begin curing if the recommended amount of room humidity is low. Prolonged exposure to cyanoacrylate, usually causes allergic reaction and stickiness in the lashes.

High Humidity

On the other hand, if the humidity is high in your workplace, the cyanoacrylate in the glue will highly activate, meaning the glue will cure and dry faster than the normal drying time. The glue that dries too fast causes poor retention and poor hold, and definitely, it will not serve its purpose as the bonding agent between the natural lashes and lash extensions. 

The ideal room humidity range is 45%- 60%. So, if you are looking for perfect lash glue, consider checking your room environment and the lash glue itself if it is fit for your room humidity. 

Room Temperature 

Your lashing room temperature should be between 68 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, your adhesive needs to be kept at a moderate, steady temperature of roughly 65 degrees F. Keep your adhesives upright and out of direct sunlight in a dark area, such as a cabinet or drawer, for maximum performance.

5. Considering your lash style and set 

Different sets and styles come with different adhesives to use, that is why you should look for a lash glue that is right for your client’s style and set preference. For example, if you are doing a volume set, the required glue for it is a fast drying glue. Volume fans have a tendency to quickly lose their thickness and posture if the adhesive dries too slowly. 

Conclusion… 

Your lashing career will truly become successful when you find your right match glues. Working with these different glues can be overwhelming but all you need to do is to have knowledge about it. By selecting the appropriate eyelash extension glue formulations and working in ideal lashing applications you can build a great career. 

You may make strong lash extensions with incredible retention if you follow all the advice and suggestions on selecting the right eyelash extension glue. 

Happy Lashing!