SOLVED: How To Fix Every Lash Glue Problem

Tired of the guesswork when it comes to adhesive problems? Is it the humidity, the new primer, Saturn and Venus not aligning properly?

Well, fret no more! Even the best lash adhesives can sometimes need a little help.

We’ve put together an easy, no-nonsense guide to help you figure out what’s going wrong with your glue and, more importantly, how to fix it. If you’re stuck in a lash glue nightmare, the solution’s right here.

👉 We’ve broken it down into "The Big 3"; the most common adhesive problems, complete with symptoms, causes, and quick-fix solutions.

Let’s dive in and banish those sticky situations for good...

 

1) Adhesive Curing Too Fast

 

SYMPTOMS

• Glue may appear thick and gooey
• Glue dot may dry faster than usual
• Poor attachment (Glue is drying before you can actually place the extensions)

 

CAUSES & SOLUTIONS

• Humidity is too high - Ensure your room is within the proper range for the adhesive and adjust with a dehumidifier, or use an adhesive better suited to high humidity
• Temperature is too high - Ensure room is within proper range for adhesive and adjust
• Glue Temperature - Ensure glue is at room temperature before use 
• Airflow/Ventilation - Ensure there isn’t air blowing directly onto the adhesive from a window/fan etc
• Technique  - Use an adhesive with a slower drying time
• Primer -  Switch to an alcohol free primer or bonder
• Glue Dot Placement - Try switching out your jade stone or glue ring etc to a different product
• Glue dot not changed frequently  - Try dispensing a fresh glue dot more often (at least every 15 minutes)

 

2) Adhesive Curing Too Slow

 

SYMPTOMS

• Adhesive appears runnier or thinner than it should
• Adhesive not drying after an extended period
• Extensions don’t adhere to lashes properly, slide off or lean
• Extensions stick together (stickies)

 

CAUSES & SOLUTIONS

• Humidity is too low - Ensure your room is within the proper range for the adhesive and adjust with a humidifier/mister, or use an adhesive better suited to low humidity
• Temperature is too low - Ensure room is within proper range for adhesive and adjust
• Glue Temperature - Ensure glue is at room temperature before use
• Oil/Residue - Ensure lashes are thoroughly cleaned before application and consider using a primer to remove excess oil
• Too much adhesive used - Ensure the extensions is quickly dipped only 1-2mm down into the middle of the glue dot
• Technique - Use an adhesive with a faster drying time

 

3) Adhesive Gone Bad

SYMPTOMS

• Adhesive looks clumpy
• Pigment not mixing even after shaking
• Stronger than usual odor
• Adhesive dry inside the bottle (even after unclogging the nozzle)

 

CAUSES

• Expired - Lash Adhesive usually has a shelf life of around 6 months and once opened should be replaced every month and never any longer than 2 months
• Improper Storage Conditions - Always store adhesives in a cool, dark, dry place, upright and in an airtight container or pouch
• Contaminated - Always store adhesives away from other lash products like primers which can cause it to dry out. Nearby laundry detergents, cleaning products and bleach can also interfere with your adhesive
• Exposure to Air/Moisture - Never shake the glue with the cap on (use a nozzle pin) and always wipe down the nozzle with a lint free wipe and gently burp the bottle (by squeezing the sides) before replacing the lid

SOLUTION

• Replace your adhesive

 

4) Other Problems

 

ALLERGIES  & IRRITATION

Symptoms: Excessive redness, swelling or irritation to clients skin or eyes

Possible Causes: Sensitivity or allergy to specific adhesive ingredients, improper patch testing.

Solutions: 

• Always perform patch tests on clients prior to application
• Switch to hypoallergenic or sensitive formula adhesives
• Consult with clients to identify any known allergies or sensitivities

 

VOLUME FANS CLOSING

Symptoms: Glue running up the fan and causing it to close after placement

Possible Causes: Too much adhesive used, Glue not properly mixed

Solutions: 

• Ensure adhesive is shaken side to side for at least 1-2 minutes before the appointment and for another 15-20 seconds every time a new glue dot is dispensed
• Ensure the fan is quickly dipped only 1-2mm directly into the middle of the glue dot
• Try holding the fan for a little longer after placement before letting it go

 

EXTENSIONS BRUSHING OUT

Symptoms: Extensions coming out when brushing the lashes at the end of the appointment

Possible Causes: Too much adhesive used. Glue not properly mixed, Glue curing too fast or too slow (see above), Oil/debris/residue on natural lashes

Solutions: 

• Ensure adhesive is shaken side to side for at least 1-2 minutes before the appointment and for another 15-20 seconds every time a new glue dot is dispensed.  
• Also ensure the fan is quickly dipped only1-2mm directly into the middle of the glue dot. 
• Ensure proper cleansing and preparation is followed before application

 

POOR RETENTION AFTER APPOINTMENT

Symptoms: No issues with the curing or application process but clients lashes shed earlier in the days/weeks after their appointment

Possible Causes: If there are no obvious signs of issues with the adhesive during application then 90% of the time this will not be related to the adhesive and will instead usually be an issue with either preparation, technique, choice of extensions or hormonal/medical issues with the client.

Solutions: 

• Ensure proper cleaning and prep before application
• Ensure proper isolation and attachment techniques
• Only use extensions/fans that are suitable for the condition and health of the clients lashes
• Ensure client follows proper aftercare and is not experiencing changes due to medications/supplements/hormones which may cause natural lashes to shed

 

CONCLUSION