London Lash Glue: Ingredients, Application, and Best Practices

For lash technicians, mastering the art of eyelash extensions involves a deep understanding of the products they use, especially the adhesive. London Lash offers a variety of glues, each with unique characteristics and ideal applications. This article delves into the ingredients commonly found in these glues, along with best practices for storage, application, and troubleshooting retention issues.

Understanding Lash Glue Ingredients

The primary active ingredient in all London Lash glues is cyanoacrylate. This ingredient is responsible for the quick-drying and strong bonding properties of the adhesive. The fumes from cyanoacrylate are the most common cause of allergic reactions.

London Lash glues are formulated to be vegan, cruelty-free, and latex-free. This ensures the safety and comfort of clients, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and sensitivities. Some of the glues offered by London Lash include:

• Satin Bond: A strong adhesive suitable for beginner and intermediate lash technicians.
• Lady Bond: A reliable and easy-to-use glue suitable for all skill levels, performing well even in unstable room conditions, ideal for both classic and volume lashes with a drying time of 1-2 seconds.
• Crystal Bond: A clear lash glue ideal for any experience level, perfect for colored lashes, brown lashes and lash art, also suitable for clients who have sensitivities to black pigment.
• Power Bond: A fast-drying glue for advanced lash technicians.
• Royal Bond: Designed for advanced technicians, best suited for low-humidity environments with a drying time of 0.5-1 second.
• Flexie: A flexible glue with a velvet consistency, ideal for low-humidity conditions.

Optimizing Glue Performance

Several factors can affect the performance of eyelash extension glue, including temperature, humidity, and storage conditions.

Environmental Factors

Temperature and humidity play a crucial role in the drying time and overall effectiveness of lash glue.

Read also: Eyelure Eyelashes: Application Tips

• Temperature: The ideal temperature range for most London Lash glues, including Lady Bond, Power Bond, Royal Bond and Flexie, is 18-22°C (64.4°F - 71.6°F). If the temperature is too low, the glue may dry slower, while a higher temperature may cause it to dry too quickly.
• Humidity: Humidity levels also affect drying time. For Power Bond, the ideal humidity is between 50-65%, for Flexie is 40-70% and for Royal Bond is 30-80%. If the humidity is too low, the glue may dry slower, while higher humidity can cause it to dry too quickly.

To monitor these conditions, it is recommended to use a hygrometer in the lash room. Adjustments can be made using an air conditioner, fan, heater, humidifier, or dehumidifier.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and effectiveness of lash glue. Unopened glue has a shelf life of up to 6 months from the manufacture date. After opening, it is recommended to replace the glue every 4 weeks for best retention. Sample bottles should be replaced every 5-7 days.

Here are some tips for storing lash glue:

• Store the glue in an upright position in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the glue in an airtight container.
• Store unopened glues in the fridge until ready to use, but allow them to reach room temperature before opening. Do not refrigerate after opening.
• Write the opening date on the bottle to keep track of freshness.

Application Techniques

Proper application techniques are crucial for optimal lash retention. Here are some recommendations:

• Shake the glue bottle for 1-2 minutes before each use to ensure ingredients are properly mixed. When shaking the glue by hand, make sure to remove the cap first, and cover the nozzle with a glue nozzle wipe.
• Burp the lash adhesive bottle before squeezing out a fresh drop of glue. To do this, turn your bottle into an upright position and squeeze out the drop of glue that is stuck at the top of the nozzle.
• Change the glue drop every 10-20 minutes, or more frequently in hot months.
• Use a glue nozzle wipe to clean the nozzle after each use to prevent it from sticking to the cap.
• Ensure you pick up a good amount of glue. A bead that is too small or a very thin layer of adhesive might not be enough to hold the extension on the natural lash.

Troubleshooting Retention Issues

If retention issues arise, consider the following:

Read also: Is Your Lash Glue Vegan?

• Check Room Conditions: Ensure that the temperature and humidity levels are within the recommended ranges for the specific glue being used.
• Clean Natural Lashes: Use a lash foam cleanser to remove dust, oils, and makeup from the eye area, followed by protein remover pads. After cleaning, prepare natural lashes using a cleanser and primer to remove oils and balance pH levels. For even better results, use Retention & Speed Booster as a last preparation step to open hair cuticles and enable the glue to bond better with a natural lash.
• Use Fresh Glue: Ensure the glue bottle is fresh and within its recommended shelf life.
• Application Amount: Ensure you are using an adequate amount of glue on each extension.
• Client Aftercare: Advise clients not to expose their lashes to high temperatures, such as saunas or steam rooms, as this can break down the cyanoacrylate. For clients who "play" with their lashes and sleep with their "face in the pillow" - use Retention Superbonder as the last step of your application procedure, as SuperBonder cures the glue faster and makes the glue texture more flexible and less likely “to snap off” the natural lashes.

Pre-Treatment Procedures

The pre-treatment process significantly impacts lash retention. Neglecting proper pre-treatment can lead to poor retention, regardless of the quality of the glue.

A comprehensive pre-treatment routine includes:

1. Makeup Removal: Use a lash foam cleanser to wash the lashes thoroughly.
2. Protein Remover Pads: Remove any remaining traces of mascara, makeup, oils, or sebum build-up around the lashes.
3. Cleanser: Use a cleanser with a high alcohol content to remove any remaining oils or residue.
4. Primer: Apply a primer to moisturize the lashes after cleansing, as the cleanser can be drying.
5. Booster: Apply a retention and speed booster to gently open the hair cuticles, enabling the glue to better adhere to the natural lashes.

It is not recommended to use a lash cleanser without following with a lash primer. Saline solution is not recommended as a substitute for a comprehensive pre-treatment routine, as it may not remove all traces of oil and makeup.

Addressing Common Glue Problems

Several common issues can arise with lash glue, including:

• Stringy Glue: This is often caused by temperature fluctuations. Ensure the glue is stored within the recommended temperature range and shake well before use.
• Blocked Nozzle: Wipe the nozzle with a glue nozzle wipe after each use to prevent blockages. If the nozzle becomes blocked, a spare nozzle can be used as a replacement.
• White Residue: This is adhesive that has shock polymerized due to exposure to moisture. Ensure the glue is stored in a dry place.
• Glue drying too slowly: In this case, your lash glue may now be too slow for you. Review the necessary room conditions for your glue and adjusting accordingly to increase the temperature and humidity. A great solution to prevent fans from closing and control and improve the bonding process is using Booster on the lash strip before you pick off the lashes to create your fans.

Choosing the Right Glue

Selecting the appropriate glue depends on the technician's experience level and the specific application. Beginners may prefer glues with a slower drying time, such as Lady Bond or Satin Bond, while advanced technicians may opt for faster-drying glues like Power Bond or Royal Bond.

Read also: Gorgeous, Healthy Lashes

When working with colored lashes, clear glue is recommended to prevent any visible bonding. Crystal Bond adhesive is the perfect choice for this! Alternatively, you can use a black adhesive to create a more defined eyeliner effect.

tags: #london #lash #glue #ingredients

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