How to Get Better Retention with Your Lash Glue
If you're a lash artist, you know that lash retention can make or break your client’s trust in your work. Great lash sets that don’t last will hurt your reputation no matter how pretty they look when the client leaves your studio.
One of the biggest factors in retention is your lash adhesive—how it works, how you use it, and how you store it. In this post, we’ll break it all down.
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Understand What’s Actually in Lash Glue
Most lash adhesives are made from Ethyl-2-Cyanoacrylate. It’s the same ingredient used in superglue, but made for professional use near the eyes.
How It’s Made:
The adhesive is created in a lab by mixing cyanoacrylate with formaldehyde gas, which helps trigger the bonding reaction.
Once the reaction happens, the adhesive is purified, and all trace amounts of formaldehyde are removed.
So no—there is no formaldehyde in the lash glue you’re using on clients.
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Key Facts Every Lash Artist Should Know
1. No, Lash Adhesive Doesn't Contain Dangerous Formaldehyde
It’s a myth. While formaldehyde gas is part of the process to create cyanoacrylate, it's not present in the finished product.
2. Glue Rings Are Safe
Glue rings made from PBT plastic do not react with lash adhesive. They’re chemically resistant and won’t affect your glue’s performance.
3. Medical-Grade vs. Industrial-Grade
Always use medical-grade adhesives with at least 95% purity. Cosmetic or industrial-grade glues are not designed for use on skin or near the eyes.
4. Hydroquinone and Carbon Black Are Safe in Small Amounts
Hydroquinone prevents the glue from curing in the bottle. Carbon black gives it color. Both are safe in trace amounts, usually under 0.3%.
Why Retention Fails (and How to Fix It)
Surface Prep
Lashes must be clean and oil-free. No sunscreen, no moisturiser. Use a lash cleanser before every appointment. You can also use a primer—but only if needed. Overuse can hurt retention.
Correct pH
Lash adhesives cure best in a neutral pH. Natural skin is acidic. Use primer if needed to neutralise this, but don’t overdo it. Less is more.
Adhesive Quantity
Too little adhesive = weak bond. Too much = clumping and slow curing. Dip just enough to create a seamless bond.
Curing Needs Moisture
Cyanoacrylate cures with moisture. That’s why lash adhesive releases fumes. It’s normal. Keep your client’s eyes closed the whole time to avoid irritation.
Ventilation
Good airflow helps remove fumes, not formaldehyde. The fumes are just from the curing reaction. Still, you don’t want them building up in your lash room.
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Should You Use a Super Bonder?
Super bonders are applied after lash application. They help seal the adhesive, reduce fumes, and slightly speed up curing.
They don’t improve poor lash application, but they do help with retention if you're already applying lashes correctly.
Lashes, Straight Isolation Tweezer, Optite Low Humidity Adhesive and Super Bonder are used in this set. To shop, please click here.
Best Practices for Glue Use
Store glue correctly: Cool, dry place. Don’t leave the cap off.
Shake before use: Separates the ingredients properly.
Change drops every 15–30 minutes: Especially in humid rooms.
Use a hygrometer: Monitor humidity and temperature for consistency.
Velour Lash Adhesive, Color Lashes, Short Tip Boot Lash Tweezer and Ultra Crystal Clear Bond are used here. To shop, please click here.
What About Safety Concerns?
Let’s clear this up.
Cancer risks? No link between lash adhesive use and cancer. Concerns come from factory-level exposure, not salon use.
Pregnancy risks? No evidence supports birth defects from exposure during lash services.
Bacterial growth in glue? Rare. Most adhesives contain small amounts of preservatives that prevent this.
Expensive glue = better? Not always. Look at the ingredients and ask for an SDS (Safety Data Sheet), not just the price tag.
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How to Choose the Right Lash Glue
Here’s your checklist:
- Main ingredient is cyanoacrylate (95%+)
- Minimal additives
- SDS and COA available
- Medical-grade
- No unnecessary fillers
Barbie Lash Adhesive, Bullet Adhesive, Chloe Lashes and Noir Fiber Tip Collection Precision 90 Degree Tweezer are used here. To shop, please click here.
Retention Starts With You
Retention isn't just about the glue—it’s about how you apply it, how your room is set up, how your client preps their lashes, and how you educate them on aftercare.
Teach clients to:
- Avoid oil-based skincare or makeup.
- Wash lashes daily with a gentle lash cleanser.
- Sleep on their back if possible.
- Avoid steam, saunas, or hot showers for 24–48 hours after their appointment.
Cashmere Noir Collection Lashes, Velour Lash Adhesive, Incredible Retention Primer, Super Bonder, Straight Isolation Tweezer are used in this set. To shop, please click here.
Final Takeaway
Retention isn’t luck—it’s technique, knowledge, and control over your products and your lash room. The more you understand about lash adhesive and how it works, the better your results will be.
Get your glue knowledge right, and your retention will improve—making happier clients, better reviews, and more referrals.
These tips are just a glimpse of so many things that you need to learn on how to improve your client's retention.
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