Hey lash tech! Ever feel like there's just SO much to learn when you're first starting out? Between perfecting your technique and building your clientele, it can be overwhelming. But trust me, getting a handle on your lash adhesive early on is a game-changer. Why? Because the right adhesive is your secret weapon for creating those gorgeous, long-lasting lashes that keep your clients coming back for more.

Why Adhesive Matters

Let's be real, lash adhesives are the main factor behind those stunning lash sets. They're specially designed glues that bond extensions to natural lashes, ensuring they stay put for weeks. But it's not just about strength; a good adhesive needs to be flexible and safe for both you and your client.

Remember that adhesives are formulated to work best in specific environments. Factors like humidity and temperature play a big role, and there are different drying speeds to match your skill level.

Decoding the Ingredients

It's easy to grab your adhesive and get to work, but taking a minute to understand the ingredients can make a HUGE difference in your work. Knowing what's inside that little bottle can help you avoid issues like allergies, storage problems, and application mishaps.

Here's a quick rundown of some key players:

• Cyanoacrylate: This is the main ingredient that creates that strong, fast-drying bond. As you may know pretty much all lash adhesives are cyanoacrylate-based.
• Carbon Black: This is what gives many adhesives their black colour, helping them blend seamlessly with natural lashes. (But don't worry, clear options are out there too!)
• Hydroquinone: Think of this as a stabiliser, preventing your adhesive from drying out before you're ready to use it. Rest assured, the hydroquinone levels in high quality eyelash adhesives typically meet strict EU safety standards, so you can use them with confidence
• PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate): This helps control the thickness of the adhesive, making it easier to apply.

How Ingredients Impact Your Work

• Allergies: Cyanoacrylate can sometimes cause allergic reactions, so it's important to have hypoallergenic options on hand for your sensitive clients.
• Humidity and Temperature: These environmental factors have a big impact on how your adhesive performs. Choosing the right adhesive and keeping an eye on your salon's humidity and temperature can prevent issues like premature drying or slow bonding.
• Performance: The quality and balance of ingredients affect everything from viscosity and drying time to how well those extensions stay put (retention!). And of course, it impacts the shelf life of your adhesive too.

The Science of Bonding

Ready for a quick science lesson? Don't worry, we kept it super simple. Check out the following video where Dr. Dan Whitaker, an adhesive scientist from the University of Cambridge, breaks it all down:

Now that you've heard from the expert, let's recap the key takeaways:

• It's all about Polymerization: Lash adhesives work by a process called polymerization. Basically, the main ingredient (cyanoacrylate) reacts with moisture in the air or on your client's natural lashes to create long, strong chains that lock the extension in place
• Moisture Matters: That reaction with moisture is what kicks off the drying process, so humidity in your workspace plays a big role
• Curing Time is Key: Different adhesives have different curing times (how long they take to dry), ranging from super fast (0.5 seconds) to a bit slower (5 seconds). Faster adhesives are awesome when you're experienced and working quickly, while slower ones give you more time to perfect your placement
• Retention Rules: Once the adhesive is cured, those extensions can stay put for 6-8 weeks (with proper aftercare, of course!). But as you know, most clients will be back for refills every 3-4 weeks