Eyelash Extension Adhesive 101

The questions we get asked most often are about adhesive ingredients, storage or humidity levels. Have no fear, because we’ve put together a list of the most popular adhesive questions. Whether or not you use Bella Lash adhesive, we hope these facts help you out. Adhesive decisions are always up to the artist themselves, but we hope this guides your decision making process.

Ingredients

• Ethyl-2-Cyanocrylate: This adhesive ingredient is a colorless liquid and has low viscosity. This ingredient is most often used in medical glues for liquid bandages. Because of this, it is toxin-free and safe for use around the skin.
• Alkoxy-2-Cyanoacrylate: This ingredient is what makes our adhesives flexible. It’s a key ingredient because it helps the extensions lay smoothly on the natural lashes, and gives lashes that “soft” feel. Alkoxy-2-Cyanoacrylate is also used for medical practices.
• Polymethyl Methacrylate: Also known as PMMA, polymethyl methacrylate is what gives our adhesives their hold. It’s so strong, that higher concentrates of it are used to remodel bone loss! A little goes a long way, so most adhesives only contain a very little concentration of PMMA.
• Carbon Black: This is what gives adhesives their black pigmentation. It is 100% safe and used in food and beverage coloring.

When to Replace Your Adhesive

Always make sure you are shaking your adhesive for at least 30-60 seconds before use. This allows all of the ingredients above to mix well and give the best bond possible. Here’s some signs that it’s time for you to change out your adhesive bottle.

1. Change in consistency. The adhesive will either get really thin and watery, or thick and stringy.
2. Performance. If you notice your adhesive is decreasing in bond and hold time, it is time to replace.
3. Separation of ingredients. When your adhesive isn’t black throughout, that means the ingredients are separating and not bonding to your lash.

Storage and Application

Storage Recommendations

No matter what brand adhesive you’re using, keeping it a consistent temperature is key. Now, a lot of brands will recommend putting your adhesive in a fridge, and this is ok, IF your fridge stays at a constant temperature. If you notice liquids in the back of your fridge freeze, don’t put your adhesive in there! This means that your fridge does not stay at a constant temperature, and most adhesive ingredients become ineffective when frozen and defrosted. Our newest storage recommendation is to keep adhesives in a cool (around 60°) and dry place. The back of a pantry, a basement cupboard, a hall closet, etc.

Application Temperature and Humidity

To get the most hold and retention, adhesives should be kept at a moderate temperature and humidity. Try to keep the area were you lash between 60° and 70°. This ensures that the adhesive doesn’t get too hot and stringy, or too cool and stiff.

For humidity, keep your room between 40-60%. You may have to purchase a humidifier, but it is worth it. This keeps the adhesive at it’s highest quality liquid state!