Eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular, transforming from a special-occasion look to an everyday beauty staple for many. However, the adhesives used to apply these extensions often come under scrutiny. This article explores the world of eyelash adhesives, comparing them to super glues, examining their ingredients, potential risks, and safer alternatives.
To apply temporary false lashes, lash adhesive is applied along the band of the false lashes to attach them directly above the natural lashes. This kind of lash adhesive is typically made of an adhesive component, solvents, surfactants, and ammonium hydroxide. Some adhesives contain glycol ethers, which are potentially toxic if swallowed. Semi-permanent eyelash extensions last longer than temporary lashes (usually 6 to 8 weeks). Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are applied to each strand of the natural eyelashes with a semi-permanent glue, typically a cyanoacrylate adhesive.
Eyelash glue is sold in hundreds of different stores worldwide by a variety of well-known brands. Because of this, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s a safe product to put near your delicate eyes. However, this isn’t the case. False eyelash glues are full of nasty ingredients that can cause damage to your eyes and eyelids. Eyelash glue has two main harmful ingredients that can cause damage to your eyes. These are formaldehyde and cyanoacrylate. You’ll find them in nearly every eyelash glue and the damage they can cause is significant.
Cyanoacrylate is the main ingredient in all lash adhesives, providing the bonding strength needed for eyelash extensions. It is also found in instant bond glues like Super Glue. When liquid cyanoacrylate interacts with water or moisture in the air, the molecules in the cyanoacrylate join to bond surfaces together. It is a fast-acting adhesive that dries and sets within seconds.
It is important to note that the type of cyanoacrylate that's used in lash adhesive and super glues are different. Depending on what the glue is used for, it’ll have a different percentage of cyanoacrylate in the formula. In the matter of eyelash extension adhesive, no matter if it is clear lash glue or black adhesive, it still has some cyanoacrylate in the ingredient list.
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Cyanoacrylate can be an irritant to the skin and eyes in liquid form and when its fumes are inhaled. Cosmetologists who apply eyelash glue can develop contact dermatitis from repeated exposure. Once cyanoacrylate is dried, it is chemically inert. It's fumes attach to moisture and alcohols and can form a film on them (did you know that heated cyanoacrylate is used by investigative teams to lift fingerprints?) meaning they can attach to skin & mucus membranes. This can potentially cause irritation when used in large amounts or consistently in one area - including our respiratory system, nasal passages, and eyes. MSDS reports state that eyes, nose, and mouth should be protected while in use. (By wearing glasses and carbon-filter or VOC-specific masks) The strength of the fumes varies depending on how it was manufactured (read: QUALITY), how quickly it cures, what it was created to do, and how long it has been open. Opened bottles of cyanoacrylate based adhesives (that have been exposed to the environment, also 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 due to the moisture that has been introduced to the glue in the bottle. After being opened and exposed like this it will start to degrade. Most lash glues are only safe and good to use for 4 to 6 weeks (tops!) before they expire and will not only start causing retention problems, but also irritation, by producing more fumes as the degradation process continues.
Formaldehyde is a chemical that is commonly used in superglue, which instantly tells you how dangerous it can be. The chemical is colorless and highly toxic. As a gas, it can even become flammable at room temperature. Exposure to this harsh chemical can cause skin irritation, so the worst possible place to put it would be your eyelid. Other known reactions include watery eyes, burning in the eyes, a sore throat and coughing. If you notice these symptoms while you’re wearing eyelashes, then you should instantly stop wearing them with lash glue.
With eye exposures, you should immediately irrigate the eyes for 15 minutes. If the eyelids are sealed shut, do not force them open; the adhesive will eventually release. Treatment for swallowing any lash adhesives includes rinsing out the mouth and drinking a few sips of water. A life-threatening airway obstruction can occur if a large amount of cyanoacrylate adhesive is swallowed or inhaled. If anyone is having trouble breathing, call 911. If hardened glue is stuck on the teeth, it can be removed by brushing the teeth gently with a toothbrush. Do not scrape the glue off the teeth as this can damage the enamel.
To remove temporary lashes, dab the top of the lashes with warm water, eyelash remover, or eye makeup remover to loosen the adhesive. If necessary, semi-permanent extensions can be loosened with an oil-based eye makeup remover or an oily substance such as coconut oil. However, removing semi-permanent lashes at home could result in pulling out natural lashes. Do not rip cyanoacrylate glue off the skin, as this will also remove the skin. To remove temporary or semi-permanent lash adhesives from the skin, wash the skin well with water and soap. Soaking the body part in warm, soapy water might slowly loosen the glue. Some cyanoacrylate products intended for household use recommend acetone to remove the adhesive from skin, but acetone should not be used around the face, eyes, or near any mucous membranes. Do not use fabric, like a cotton ball or swab, to remove cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate can react with cotton or wool to release enough heat to cause burns. If you are still unable to remove cyanoacrylate glue, do not worry.
Well most of us know we have to control our temperature and humidity to have our glue work properly, but you can’t base the glue you choose solely on what your average humidity. In addition to environmental conditions, how you personally work with your glue matters - a lot. It really can be a trial and error process to figure out what glue works best for you. Often you’ll find yourself favoring a different adhesive as seasons and environmental factors change. Set about gathering intimate knowledge about many glues. Learn how to observe them, what properties change about them when you use them in different circumstances, and how to personally adapt how you are working so you can work together instead of fighting with each other. Watch your glue as you use it. When it's wet (looks shiny) on the end of your lash or fan, we are able to continue to attach, work with it, & manipulate it. When it's cured (dry/ looks matte) we can't manipulate it & shouldn't try to attach it to anything. It just won't work. (think about the difference between sticking something together with super glue vs. Glue should be wet when we move it over to the natural lash, and apply it. Glue that stays shiny & wet after application isn't curing fast enough.
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The safest option to use is a medical adhesive. It’ll keep your lashes in place and will also ensure you’re free from any skin irritation or other health concerns. A medical adhesive won’t feature harmful glue ingredients like formaldehyde and cyanoacrylate. Instead, it will be kind to your skin and will leave you feeling happy and confident. Medical adhesive tape is often used by doctors to keep bandages and other dressings glued securely to the skin to protect wounds. This goes to show how strong and sensitive the tape is. If it can keep bandages in place, then it can certainly keep your lashes in place. Not only this, but being used so close to open wounds, shows just how safe the adhesive is to use on your eyelids.
The Goodbye Glue strips have been created with a medical adhesive to ensure they’re completely safe to use. The strips are free from harmful glue ingredients such as formaldehyde and cyanoacrylate so there’s no need to worry about the Goodbye Glue strips irritating or damaging your eyes. The strips have been created with 3M medical tape. This is a game-changing medical technology thanks to the tape being so gentle, yet strong on the skin. 3M tape is latex-free and hypoallergenic, so even if you suffer from highly sensitive skin, the tape won’t cause any irritation or allergic reactions. Not only does 3M tape stop any form of irritation, but it’s also waterproof and breathable. This means you don’t have to worry if you get caught in the rain, your lashes aren’t going anywhere with Goodbye Glue strips. As a breathable tape, your false lashes won’t feel uncomfortable or heavy, which can happen with lash glue, especially if you need to keep reapplying glue throughout the day. Along with being safer for your eyes, the Goodbye Glue strips also create less mess. As lash glue comes out of a tube and excess glue can become sticky. Also, accidents can occur if you squeeze too hard or maybe even step on the tube. With the Goodbye Glue strips, you can say goodbye to any mess. All you have to do is peel off the tape and apply it to your eyelids, followed by the false eyelash. Many benefits come with a medical adhesive over eyelash glue. The most important benefit is that a medical adhesive is safe to use. There are no nasty chemicals that can irritate or cause damage to your eyes. The Goodbye Glue strips put your safety first, and with their 3M technology, they’ll stick firmly to your eyelid. There’s no need to worry if they come loose during the day.
There’s an alternative to lash glue, and it’s called bond and seal. Traditionally, lash extensions have always required lash glue. While these ingredients make the glue strong, they also damage your natural lashes, eyes, and skin. Lash glue can also cause your natural lashes to become hard and brittle. When your natural lashes are hardened with glue, they are more likely to break, taking the attached extension with them. Bond and seal lashes work differently than lash glue lashes. Bonds are generally formulated without cyanoacrylates and formaldehyde. Lashify Bonds never fully cure like lash glue. When you use bond and seal lashes, an additional step helps ensure your lash extensions adhere to your natural lashes properly. At Lashify, we refer to this as Fusing. Fusing Lashify Gossamer® lashes is easy and different from other ways you might have tried to adhere DIY lashes. With Lashify, Your Stripping Days Are Over®. No more awkward strip lashes or hours spent at the lash salon. Always 100% cruelty-free, our Gossamer lashes are made from Korean PBT silk that mimics mink without any mink involvement. This method of application is more forgiving if you don’t place your lashes perfectly, and it also helps your lashes look more natural and feel more comfortable.
To perform a full fuse, you’ll use the end of your Fuse Control Wand with the curve angled against your eye. For this type of fuse, you’ll turn your Wand around so that the curve is angled outward, away from your eye.
Getting started with Lashify is one of the savviest lash moves you can make. With so many options, you might find it hard to choose. We recommend taking your time. Choose your favorite style, your most desired curl, and the length that works best for you. This set gives you the look of eyeliner without the liner. Tweezers need not apply. Don’t be a fool, protect your tool! The tackiness of bonds means they are helping protect your natural lashes from becoming hard and brittle, and to make sure you don’t get into a sticky situation, we recommend Wandoms to protect the tips of your Fuse Control Wand. One of our most popular Bonds, Whisper Light is available in both clear and black. Whisper Light is available with a dual tip for application that you can either comb through your natural lashes or apply directly at the base, close to your waterline. If you decide to wear your Gossamer lashes overnight, it’s best to try it once you’ve gotten used to the application process. Prep and clean up are important, and we developed two products that help you prep your lashes for Gossamer application and remove them with ease. Pre Cleanse is our Japanese Cleansing Water that cleanses your lashes and lids to prepare them for application.
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It can be really confusing to know how long a lash glue should last. Many lash suppliers have different expiry dates. Lash adhesives generally have a short shelf life once opened. Once the glue bottle is opened, it is exposed to moisture from the air which will start to cure the glue. So, it is important to store your glue correctly, in an air-tight container, in a cool, dark environment and away from direct sunlight. Don’t forget to keep some silica gel packs inside the air-tight container to eliminate any moisture that gets trapped inside. As mentioned in the blog, unopened glues have a shelf life of 6 months, even if kept in the correct conditions.
If the glue is not its usual consistency ie; is stringy, thicker viscosity, separation of ingredients or smells really strong of glue fumes, it's time to change. Discard the old bottle and open a new one. Also, if your glue has dried from the inside of the nozzle and nothing is coming out, try changing the nozzle with a spare nozzle and nozzle opener. Sometimes it can just be the product that is stuck inside the nozzle that appears stringy and has come in most contact with moisture.
There are many different types of adhesives out in the market. Eyelash extension glues are targeted at different lash artist levels, glue cure times and viscosities of glue.
Still unsure? How can you tell if your glue is past its shelf life? Most, if not all bottles of glue will have the manufacture date of when it was first produced. To find out when your glue was produced, just look on the bottom or back of the glue bottle or the back of the pouch packaging. At Lash Jungle, we don’t sell any glue if it is older than two months after production date. The fresher the glue, the longer you can use it. If you have an opened bottle of glue, it’s best to always place a piece of tape on the glue and write down the date that it was opened. As tempting as it is to save money and buy the special bundles and deals for lash glues, if you don’t use them quick enough they could go off even without it being opened. The only time where you may be able to get away with buying lash adhesive in bulk is if you work in a salon with other lash artists. If you’re a part-time lash artist (lashing a couple days throughout the week, not always booked) it’s best to buy lash adhesives as you need it. You don’t want to buy all this glue and stock, just to have to store it for the next 3 months because you aren’t using it as quickly as you’d hoped. Once you start booking-in more clients, that’s when you should buy more. If you’re a full-time lash artist, or about to be full-time, it’s best to keep one or two adhesives set aside for when you run out. Some days you may need to use more glue than others, which will in turn, run out of glue faster. Or if you accidentally get a bad batch (unfortunately, it can happen), you’ll still have another backup as spare.
tags: #super #glue #vs #eyelash #glue
