How to Choose the Best Lash Adhesive

Lash extensions use a special adhesive whose main active component is cyanoacrylate (90% or more). The amount of it, and its proportion relative to the other components, directly affects the grab speed and how long the lashes last.

How lash adhesives differ

Polymerization (drying) speed

The time it takes the adhesive to set once the two surfaces you’re bonding meet.

Fast (0.5 to 1 second) — for experienced artists.
Medium (1 second) — for confident work at a moderate pace.
Slow (2 seconds or more) — for beginners, or for tricky conditions (high humidity, unstable temperature).

Important: don’t choose the fastest adhesive to “grow into” it, if you can’t place the lash before the adhesive starts to polymerize, there simply won’t be a bond.

And one more thing: the higher the speed and strength, the more fumes, as a rule, and the higher the chance of an allergy.

Viscosity

A thin adhesive is better suited to classic sets, or to volume sets using the “wrapping” technique. A thicker adhesive works for volume and mega-volume sets.

Color

Classic black adhesive is more often used with black lashes. Clear adhesive is great for colored sets or adding decorative elements.

Composition

All adhesives contain cyanoacrylate, which is what’s responsible for polymerization and strength. The only difference is the type of cyanoacrylate (ethyl, butyl, methyl, alkoxy) and the additional components. You can also read a separate article about the hypoallergenic adhesive that some brands advertise.

Common mistakes when choosing an adhesive

Going only by ads or social media tips.
Working “blind,” without a thermo-hygrometer.
Thinking expensive adhesive equals the best.
Not accounting for your own working pace.

Not understanding how adhesive works and how to use it correctly can make even a good adhesive a problem for you.

How lash adhesives differ

Common mistakes when choosing an adhesive

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