Professional Lash Artist Gives the Scoop on Choosing the Best Eyelash Extension Glue

Eyelash extensions are becoming increasingly popular as women try to create more drama and interest around the eye area. Many practitioners in the beauty industry are considering adding lash application to their service offering. Clients want long, full, glamorous lashes without the hassle of waiting for growth serums to work or applying strip lashes or multiple coats of mascara.

However, eyelash extensions are an investment and founder of Infinit Lash Products and professional lash artist Tasha Land says artists need to have the right tools to do the job.

Land has been working with lashes since 2010 and she started her first company Wink Lashes in 2013 in Los Angeles. Three years later, she expanded to include San Diego and she now sees clients in both cities, in addition to managing Infinit Lash Products which is sold across the world.

Land says adhesives and technique make a huge difference. Many beginning artists find it challenging to know which lashes to use, what type of adhesive to get and even how to get the more dramatic lashes applied. However, Land says it’s not all that difficult once one gets the hang of it.

“High-quality eyelash extensions are expensive to get and maintain since they require regular upkeep. Artists need to use the best products and offer excellent service if they want clients to keep coming back. Eyelash extension glue is an integral part of the process,” Land says.

When choosing eyelash extension glue, Land says a number of factors need to be taken into consideration including climate, speed, sensitivity, retention, and preference. She says lash adhesives feature an optimal temperature and humidity and it is important to choose the right ones.

Artists working in very humid locations will realize some adhesives cure quickly so they may want to get a glue which typically takes five to seven seconds to dry to give them some time. Those working in drier climes will typically notice the glue takes a longer time to dry. They may want to try one that’s supposed to dry in two or three seconds since it will take longer for them. Artists can also purchase humidifiers or dehumidifiers to help them.

Land says lash artists who are now beginning should opt for adhesives with a longer drying time since they will need time to get the lashes placed correctly. When they begin to work faster, they can move on to other glues if they so desire.

When thinking about how to choose the best eyelash extension glue, artists should also ensure that they also get an option for sensitive clients. Some may suffer irritation from fumes or they may just prefer a gentler glue. Land says lash artists need to think about these types of requests. Sensitive adhesives reduce the likelihood of irritation and have a low odor. However, it should be noted that these eyelash glues tend to have a shorter retention period. Clients should be notified of this so they know exactly what they’re getting.

With the right adhesive and application, lashes can last for seven to eight weeks. Land says Infinit’s sensitive formula can last up to five weeks. However, all results depend on how quickly the client’s lashes grow and how well they care for them.

Many of the choices come down to preference, Land says. Some artists will find they like to work with a thinner consistency while others will like something thicker. Their preferences will likely change as they get more skilled and gain more experience.

Beyond adhesives, Land stresses the importance of knowing how to apply volume eyelash extensions. Most clients want them to appear dramatic, yet natural and it will take some skill to achieve this, she says. This technique requires extensive training and artists should ensure they seek the best teachers. That way, they will learn the correct techniques to create extra fluff and length without overloading the natural lash. Land suggests using up to five different lengths to create the illusion of naturally long lashes which add interest to the face and brighten up the client’s look.