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For lash artists, salon owners, and lash suppliers, choosing the right eyelash extension glue is critical for retention, speed, and client satisfaction. The wrong adhesive can lead to poor retention, client irritation, or even allergic reactions. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about lash adhesives, including their ingredients, drying times, storage, retention tips, and troubleshooting common problems.
What Is Eyelash Extension Glue Made Of?
Eyelash extension glue is a type of cyanoacrylate-based adhesive, which cures (hardens) when exposed to moisture in the air. The main ingredients include:
- 90-95% Cyanoacrylate – The bonding agent responsible for adhesion.
- 5-10% Additives, such as:
- Stabilizers – Maintain consistency and prevent premature hardening.
- Thickeners – Adjust viscosity for easier application.
- Hardening Accelerators – Improve drying speed.
- Colorants (Carbon Black) – Give the glue its deep black color for a seamless lash look.
Understanding these components will help you choose the right adhesive based on speed, retention, and client sensitivity.
Types of Cyanoacrylate in Lash Adhesives (Which One Should You Choose?)
Different types of cyanoacrylate are used in lash glues, each with unique properties.
🚨 DO NOT USE: Methyl-Cyanoacrylate (MCA)
- Toxic and used only for industrial applications.
- Can permanently damage eyes if exposed.
- Never buy a lash adhesive that contains this ingredient.
✅ Most Commonly Used: Ethyl-Cyanoacrylate
- Fast-drying with strong adhesion.
- Produces strong fumes, which may cause irritation.
- Best for experienced lash artists who work quickly.
✅ For Sensitive Clients: Alkoxy-Cyanoacrylate/ Cosey NC-05 Glue
- Low odor and low irritation formula.
- 8x more expensive than Ethyl-Cyanoacrylate.
- Ideal for clients with sensitive eyes.
✅ Medical-Grade & Hypoallergenic: Butyl-Cyanoacrylate
- Slower drying time, weaker adhesion.
- Used in medical adhesives (e.g., skin glue).
- Best for sensitive eyes and allergy-prone clients.
✅ Least Irritating & Odorless: Methoxy-Cyanoacrylate
- Very low fumes and minimal irritation.
- Slower drying time, so best for beginner lash artists.
💡 Key Takeaway: Most lash adhesives use Ethyl-Cyanoacrylate for strong retention, while sensitive formulas use Alkoxy, Butyl, or Methoxy-Cyanoacrylate.
How Humidity & Temperature Affect Lash Glue
Cyanoacrylate cures (hardens) by reacting with moisture in the air. This means humidity and temperature will significantly impact drying time.
Ideal Room Conditions for Lash Adhesives:
✔ Humidity: 45-60%
✔ Temperature: 22-26°C (71-79°F)
How Humidity Affects Drying Time:
- Low humidity (< 45%) → Slower drying, poor retention.
- High humidity (> 60%) → Faster drying, may cause improper bonding.
- Over 70% humidity → Glue drying time slows down again due to excess moisture.
Example:
Cosey NC04 Glue has a 2-3 second drying time:
- At 45% humidity → Dries in 3 seconds
- At 60% humidity → Dries in 2 seconds
How Temperature Affects Glue Viscosity:
- High temperature: Glue thins out and dries too fast.
- Low temperature: Glue thickens and dries too slowly.
Best Adhesives for Different Climates:
- Hot & Humid (Tropical): Use NC03 (1.5-2 sec drying) or NC04 (3-4 sec drying), which have thicker viscosity.
- Cold & Dry (Winter): Increase humidity with a humidifier and use faster-drying adhesives.
Choosing the Right Lash Adhesive for Your Skill Level
💡 The wrong adhesive can slow down your work and reduce retention!
For Experts (Fast Application Speed):
- Cosey OS01, OS02, OS03, NC01, NC02
- Fast drying (1-2 sec), strong adhesion
- Best for lash artists who work quickly.
For Beginners (Slower Application Speed):
- Cosey NC03, NC04, NC05
- Slower drying (2-3 sec), easy to control
- Ideal for beginners or those still perfecting technique.
How to Improve Lash Retention
✔ Use the Right Amount of Glue – Too little = poor retention, too much = stickiness.
✔ Apply with Proper Technique – Ensure a seamless bond between the natural lash and extension.
✔ Pre-Treatment Matters – Use a primer to remove natural oils before application.
✔ Aftercare is Key – Apply a coating sealant after 24 hours to protect the bond.
Lash Adhesive Storage & Shelf Life
💡 Proper storage extends the glue’s lifespan!
✔ Unopened: 6 months
✔ Opened: 1 month
🚫 Do NOT store in the refrigerator!
- Moisture condensation can damage the glue.
- Instead, store in a cool, dry place with a desiccant.
How to Store Lash Glue Properly:
✔ Keep the bottle upright in a zip-lock bag with a desiccant.
✔ Write down the opening date to track freshness.
✔ Wipe the nozzle clean after each use to prevent clogging.
Common Lash Glue Issues & Solutions
Why Does Lash Glue Cause Irritation?
- Glue releases fumes during curing.
- Use hypoallergenic glue for sensitive clients.
- Technicians should wear goggles and masks for protection.
Why Is My Glue Sticky or Thick?
- The glue is expired or improperly stored.
- Replace with a fresh bottle if drying time slows.
Why Does My Glue Bottle Get Clogged?
- Glue residue at the nozzle hardens over time.
- Wipe the nozzle clean after every use and store properly.
Why Is There White Powder on My Glue Bottle?
- Cyanoacrylate vapors react with moisture, creating a white residue.
- Cosey Lashes’ double-layer PE bottles help reduce this issue.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right lash adhesive depends on your:
✔ Application speed
✔ Room humidity & temperature
✔ Client’s sensitivity level
By understanding how adhesives react to humidity, temperature, and storage conditions, you can maximize retention and ensure the best results for your clients.
📩 Need help selecting the best lash adhesive? Contact Cosey Lashes for expert recommendations!
Know more about Cosey glues. https://coseylashes.com/eyelash-extension-liquids/
