Understanding lash adhesives: How to choose the best one for you

Let’s be real - lash adhesive is often seen as the enemy in our lash artist journey. How many of us have wasted countless hours (and way too much money) searching for the perfect lash glue, only to feel frustrated when it doesn’t live up to our expectations?

Here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as the “best” lash adhesive for everyone. Every glue out there is the best, just not for every artist or every situation.

The key is understanding how to choose the right eyelash extension adhesive for your environment, speed, and working style. For a deeper dive into selection, storage, and troubleshooting, read our Lash Glue Guide.

Once you get that down, adhesive goes from being your worst nightmare to your best friend.

So, how do you find your ideal match? Let’s break it down!

Your adhesive affects every lash set you create

Your eyelash glue is the backbone of every lash set you create. It affects retention, application speed, and ultimately, the client’s experience. When the lash adhesive isn’t working properly, everything falls apart. Literally!

But before you toss another half-full bottle of glue into the bin, take a step back. More often than not, the issue isn’t the glue itself. It’s the environment and technique that need adjusting.

Those same factors explain why lash extensions don’t last as long as they should.

How to choose the right lash adhesive

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right lash glue for your needs:

Room conditions

Lash adhesive is incredibly sensitive to its environment, and the conditions in your lash room play a massive role in how well it performs.

• Humidity: Most lash glues work best between 40-70% humidity. Too high, and your glue will cure too fast; too low, and it’ll barely cure at all.
• Temperature: Adhesive likes a stable temperature, usually between 20-23°C. Fluctuations can throw off its consistency and performance.

Tip: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor your room’s humidity and temperature. Adjust with a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to keep things consistent.

 

Your Application Speed

Every adhesive has its own drying time, so matching the adhesive to your speed is crucial.

• Fast-drying adhesives (0.5 second or less): Great for experienced lash artists who work quickly. Perfect for big volume and advanced techniques
• Medium-drying adhesives (1-2 seconds): Ideal for artists who like a bit more time to adjust their fans or placements. Great for soft volumes (2-3D) and classic sets
• Slow-drying adhesives (2-3 seconds): Best for beginners or those who need extra time to position the lash perfectly

Tip: Be honest with yourself about your speed. Choosing a glue that dries too fast for you will only lead to frustration and poor retention.

Consistency & viscosity

Not all adhesives have the same texture. Some are runnier, while others are thicker. The consistency you choose will depend on your personal preference and technique.

• Thin adhesives: Fast-drying, perfect for precision work. Great for volume fans 6D+ but can be tricky if you’re not used to working quickly
• Thicker adhesives: Easier to control and great for classic sets or slower application, but they tend to cure more slowly

Tip: If you struggle with controlling glue, start with a medium-viscosity glue and adjust once you’re comfortable.

Consistency is key

Once you find a lash adhesive that works for you, stick with it (pun intended)! Consistency is far more important than constantly switching brands. Give yourself time to learn how your chosen glue behaves in different conditions and adjust your environment accordingly.

If your adhesive suddenly starts acting up, check your room conditions and application habits before blaming the product.

The bottom line

Lash glue isn’t the enemy - it’s just a little temperamental! But once you understand how to work with it, you’ll never fear eyelash extension adhesive shopping again.

Remember: there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. The best adhesive is the one that suits your environment, speed, and technique. So, take your time to find your perfect match by browsing our professional eyelash extension glues, and once you do, your lash sets will level up in speed, retention, and confidence.

 

About the author

Written by a multi-award-winning lash artist, international competition judge, and trusted educator at The Lash Box Shop, with years of hands-on experience helping professional lash artists improve their eyelash extension technique, speed, and confidence behind the tweezers. Passionate about elevating standards in the lash industry, she now shares expert insights to help lash technicians grow stronger, more profitable businesses.