Want to keep your lash extensions on and looking great for weeks?
The key difference between 2-week and 6-week lash extensions comes down to one thing: using quality lash glue and proper storage techniques. As the lash extension market is projected to grow from USD 1.1 billion to USD 2 billion by 2032, more customers are looking for professional-grade adhesive products that are designed to give the best retention performance.
The problem is:
Many people think buying high-quality lash adhesive is enough. But even the best professional-grade adhesive will not last long if you store it incorrectly or use it the wrong way. This means money down the drain, and you end up redoing applications or dealing with frustrated clients (or, if you’re doing your own lashes, a frustrated you).
In this blog post, you’ll learn:
- why storage matters so much to adhesive performance
- what environmental factors impact your glue
- how to apply glue for maximum retention
- how to know when it’s time to replace your adhesive (before it’s too late)
- simple maintenance tips from industry professionals
Lash Adhesive Performance 101
Before we dive into our top storage tips, let’s first establish why maximizing adhesive performance matters so much in the first place.
Your lash adhesive is working a lot harder than you think.
It’s not just gluing two surfaces together – it’s also fighting off humidity, temperature changes, oils from the skin, and day-to-day handling and wear.
Here’s the deal:
If your adhesive is breaking down after just one week, you’re losing money on wasted products and time spent redoing applications. Worse yet, poor adhesive performance can damage natural lashes and give your clients a negative experience.
This is why understanding how to maximize adhesive performance is so critical for anyone serious about doing lash extensions.
Lash Adhesive Storage: Professional Tips
Here’s a big mistake many people make…
They buy high-quality lash adhesive, but then store it like it’s any other cosmetic product. Huge error. Adhesive storage is where the make-or-break happens for its performance.
Your unopened adhesive can last up to 6 months on average, but the moment you open that seal? You’ve got a max of 1-2 months before it starts losing effectiveness.
Stick to these storage rules, and you’ll get the most out of your adhesive:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Store upright to avoid clogging the nozzle
- Use an airtight container with silica gel packets
- Refrigeration is a big no-no for adhesive storage
- Keep it far away from any heat sources
Control the Environment For Perfect Lash Retention
Want to know the secret to achieving good lash retention versus great lash retention?
Environmental control. According to industry standards, the ideal humidity level for lash adhesive performance is 45-60%, and the ideal temperature is 68-72°F.
Why does this matter so much?
Too high humidity causes the adhesive to cure too fast, creating a weak bond. Too low, and the adhesive takes forever to dry, so lashes can shift during curing.
How to nail it every time:
- Control humidity levels by monitoring your workspace with a hygrometer. If it’s too high, use a dehumidifier. If it’s too low, bring in a humidifier or even just a bowl of water near your workspace
- Keep temperature consistent by avoiding windows, air conditioning vents, or heaters near your workspace. Temperature changes throughout the day will throw off adhesive performance
- Pro tip: measure environmental conditions at different times of day. Morning levels might be perfect, but what about afternoon? Check before every work session
Shake It Like A Pro
You may think this is simple, but many people are doing it wrong.
It is mandatory to shake your lash adhesive before use. The wrong way? Giving the bottle a quick 5-second shake.
The right way: give it a vigorous shake for at least 30 seconds before use. This ensures all the ingredients are fully mixed together. The components separate when the adhesive is sitting, so if you don’t mix it thoroughly, you’ll get inconsistent performance each use.
Pro tip: use a bottle shaker if you’re doing multiple applications throughout the day.
Replace Your Adhesive On Schedule
Did you know, even if your adhesive bottle isn’t empty, it still has an expiration date?
Most professional adhesives start degrading after 4-6 weeks of opening, no matter how much is left in the bottle.
How do you know when to replace your adhesive?
Watch out for these signs:
- The adhesive is thicker or stringier than usual
- It takes longer to dry than when first opened
- You’re seeing decreased retention times
- The adhesive is changing colour
- It has an off smell
Don’t try to get the last drop of an old bottle. This is a false economy: using expired or degraded adhesive will waste more of your time and money dealing with poor retention and unhappy clients.
Pro tip: mark the date you open the bottle on the label. Then you’ll know exactly when it’s time to change it out.
Keep That Nozzle Clean
One of the most important, yet most overlooked, aspects of adhesive maintenance.
A clogged or dirty nozzle not only makes dispensing difficult, but it also can actually affect the quality of the adhesive that comes out of the bottle. As the adhesive dries around the opening, it can contaminate the fresh adhesive as it passes through.
Clean the nozzle after every use by wiping it with a lint-free cloth. Avoid alcohol-based products as these can break down the adhesive.
Remove any dried adhesive from the nozzle tip immediately after each use. If adhesive has hardened inside the nozzle, gently squeeze the bottle to clear it out. Replace the cap tightly to avoid air exposure.
Perfect Your Application Technique
Even if you have stored your adhesive perfectly and the environment is ideal, your application technique makes a big difference.
Here’s the thing:
You need just the right amount of adhesive – not too much and not too little. Too much adhesive can create a heavy, clumpy look, and it can actually weaken the bond. Too little means poor retention.
The perfect amount? A tiny bead of adhesive that is barely visible. You should apply adhesive to the base of the extension, not the entire lash.
Key application tips:
- Work quickly, but don’t rush. Adhesive has a limited working time.
- Ensure natural lashes are clean and free of oil before application.
- Apply the extensions at the right distance from the lash line.
- Don’t go back and adjust once the adhesive starts to set.
And keep in mind the cure time. Different adhesives have different cure times, so you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Rushing the cure process will compromise the bond strength.
Test Your Adhesive
You should also test your adhesive’s performance regularly, not just when you start to notice a problem. This way, you can catch issues before they impact client retention.
Do a simple test by applying a small amount to a test strip and timing how long it takes to cure. Compare the results to the manufacturer’s specifications. If it’s taking much longer than expected, something is wrong.
Wrapping Up
Achieving long-lasting lash adhesive performance is not rocket science, but it does take some care and attention. The key is to treat your adhesive like the professional-grade product that it is.
By focusing on proper storage, keeping the environment ideal, and following smart application tips, you can extend both the shelf life of your adhesive and the retention times of lashes.
The basics are important:
- Store properly in cool, dry conditions
- Monitor and control humidity and temperature
- Shake thoroughly before each use
- Replace on schedule, not when empty
- Keep that nozzle clean
- Nail your application technique
Whether you’re a professional lash artist or just doing your own extensions at home, these tips will help you get the most out of your lash adhesive products and give you the best results every single time. Great lash retention starts with how you treat your adhesive long before it touches a lash.
