Is transparent or black eyelash glue better?

Eyelash extension adhesives are one of the most critical items required by professional lash technicians or beauty clinics. These adhesives are required along with the eyelashes themselves. A good adhesive is required for a secure attachment to achieve excellent results with synthetic lashes.

What exactly are glues for eyelash extensions? What exactly are they crafted from? Are they hazardous to your eyelashes or eyes in any way? Which one is better: transparent or black?

As someone who works as an eyelash technician, I can tell you that you should educate yourself on the topic and then advise your customers about it.

Everything has its moment, and everything has its proper place. And yes, this even includes investigating the many kinds of lash adhesives available. Compare the following: sensitive versus standard, 5 milliliters versus 10 milliliters, one second of dry time versus five seconds of dry time, and, last but not least, clear versus black eyelash glue. A wide variety of adhesives is available, which you are probably already aware of. However, which adhesive would work best for both you and your clientele?

Today, in the interest of keeping things as straightforward as possible, we will discuss our primary concern: Which is better: clear eyelash glue or black eyelash glue? But before we get into that, let’s discuss the preliminary question. Why does it even matter what color the glue is?

Why Is It Even Important?

You wouldn’t use the wrong lash adhesive on a client in the same way that you wouldn’t put J-Curl lashes on a client who has downward facing lashes or volume, and you wouldn’t put D-Curl lashes on a client who wants their lashes to seem “natural.” After all, ensuring the happiness of your customers is one of your top objectives! Use the appropriate adhesive if you want to provide your customers with the appearance they desire.

Therefore, when it comes time to choose between clear and black eyelash glue, you have a significant choice on your hands. Black eyelash glue is the more traditional option. Fortunately, the decision can be simplified with the help of a few hints and guidelines.

Getting Down to the Nuts and Bolts: An Overview of Eyelash Extension Adhesives

Adhesives specifically designed for use with eyelash extensions are required to adhere the extensions to the natural eyelashes.

The application process might be summarized as being rather uncomplicated. Before applying the lash extensions on top of the natural lashes, you should begin by dipping the base of the extension fiber, which measures approximately two to three millimeters, into the lash adhesive.

Suppose you’re wondering why you shouldn’t use any old glue. In that case, the answer is that using the improper adhesive might result in the loss of the lashes and severe allergic reactions or even injury to your client’s eyes. Because of this, you must be trained and qualified specialists to do it.

The quality of the service you do and the length of time that the eyelash extensions will remain in place are greatly impacted by the lash glue used.

Eyelash Extension Glue Ingredients

Adhesive ingredient	80-95% of cyanoacrylate (e.g., ethyl, methyl, butyl, ethoxy ethyl, or octyl cyanoacrylate)
Thickening agent	5-10% of PMMA or acrylic resin
Coloring agent	E.g., Carbon black, anthraquinone color
Stabilizing agent	E.g., Hydroquinone or hydroxy anisole
Other compounds	E.g., latex to add flexibility A lot of other stuff may go in there, so paying attention to what’s in the formula is vital.

Adhesives for eyelash extensions consist of various substances, including adhesive components, thickening agents, stabilizing agents, coloring agents, and others.

Cyanoacrylates, the major ingredient in lash adhesives, form a strong bond with a wide variety of materials, including human skin, hair, and other organic tissues, wool, leather, and fiber.

Cyanoacrylate

Every sort of eyelash extension adhesive contains cyanoacrylate. This quick lash extension glue can also be found in Super Glue or Krazy Glue and is commonly referred to as “CA” in the business world.

Simply put, cyanoacrylate is the result of combining cyanide with acrylate. The cyanide makes the glue dense, and the acrylate, made from acrylic acid, makes it more resistant to drying out in the open air.

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cyanoacrylate is an acrylic resin that may be used as a plastic and has a liquid appearance but quickly hardens upon reaction with water to form polymer chains.

If you’ve ever used acrylic nails, you may have come into touch with cyanoacrylates, a substance with a wide range of applications from medical to industrial, home, and cosmetic.

It’s important to know that the cyanoacrylate used to connect eyelash extensions differs from the cyanoacrylate used in Super Glue. In reality, ethyl, methyl, butyl, octyl, methoxy, alkoxy, and many more cyanoacrylate derivatives exist for attaching a wide variety of materials to various surfaces.

Here we will focus on the top three cyanoacrylates in cosmetics that are used topically.

• Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: The most popular cyanoacrylate used in lash adhesives today is ethyl cyanoacrylate. Many lash adhesives, including the ethyl type of cyanoacrylate, are thinner than the ethyl variety. Many producers of ethyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesives boast retention of up to 6 weeks, and its fast-drying period is another perk.
• Butyl Cyanoacrylate: Another cyanoacrylate ester with medical applications is butyl cyanoacrylate, which has a lower formaldehyde production rate and a longer drying time than ethyl cyanoacrylate. Adhesives made of butyl cyanoacrylate are widely employed in the healthcare industry.
• Ethoxy ethyl cyanoacrylate: When applied to natural lashes, ethoxy ethyl cyanoacrylate ensures the extensions are as flexible and smooth as possible. For a comfortable touch, try this. Ethoxy ethyl cyanoacrylate glues dry slowly and have the weakest binding strength. On the other hand, these glues are the mildest on the market; therefore, they’re ideal for customers with sensitive skin.

Poly Methyl Methacrylate

Poly Methyl Methacrylate, or PMMA, is the main component responsible for the extension fiber’s ability to adhere to the natural lashes. The acrylic glass has a slightly tacky feel.

The general rule is that the more PMMA an adhesive has, the stronger it will be. As a result of its extreme durability, PMMA is also put to use in the bone-remodeling process.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone, also known as “the lash antioxidant,” is another typical component of an eyelash adhesive. As a result, the lash adhesive won’t dry out as fast. Hydroquinone can stay in liquid form yet immediately solidifies when exposed to air.

Carbon Black

Can you tell me where the black lash extension gets its deep, inky hue? Carbon black is the source.

Carbon black, which is nothing more than burned hydrocarbons or soot, is a common ingredient in many types of makeup.

If you want the eyelash extensions to look more natural, try using a black adhesive instead of a clear one.

Although most lash adhesives include carbon black, which can be a problem for people with sensitivities, transparent lash glues still have a place in the market.

Different kinds of glue for lash extensions

Eyelash adhesive is available in two distinct varieties, each intended for use with a certain lash application. Read the following to help you choose the right one for your client’s lashes:

• Semi-Permanent Adhesives: This variety of adhesives is typically restricted to applying individual lashes. It should never touch the skin because it is used to glue a single false lash to the natural line. When used appropriately, a glue of this kind has a potential lifespan of three to four weeks.
• Latex-based adhesives: Latex adhesives are made specifically for strip lashes and may be the most suitable choice for your customers. They should be positioned just above the lash line rather than directly on the lashes to achieve the desired effect. This particular kind of glue is only good for one day. Although it can be used for individual lashes, doing so is not recommended; instead, it works best for applying a strip of lashes.

Therefore, picking the type of eyelash glue that works best for your client should not be too difficult. When applying lash extensions or strip lashes, you need to make sure that you read the instructions with the adhesive, and you’ll be good to go.

However, what about its hue of it? You may be contemplating whether eyelash glue color is appropriate for your customer, given that semi-permanent and latex-based adhesives are available in black and clear variants.

The Color of Eyelash Glue

Depending on the circumstances, using black or clear eyelash glue will likely be a fruitful course of action. In fact, 99% of all applied lashes are black, which is why we only stock black glues at this time. But if you’re new to lashing, here are the situations in which you should employ each color:

• Black Eyelash Glue: Does your customer intend to wear black eyeliner and/or black eyelashes? If this is the case, using black glue is most likely your best option. A smooth, polished, and expert-looking finish may be achieved with black glue thanks to its excellent ability to blend in with other eye makeup. However, if they are using a light brown or any other color of lash or liner, black glue can be too noticeable for them to use.
• Clear Eyelash Glue: If you are working with eyelashes that are any color other than black, you should select clear eyelash glue as your adhesive of choice. If the transparent glue dries with a shiny finish, the customer can make it look more matte by applying eyeliner or eye shadow on top of it after it has dried. 

Black Lash Glue

Let’s talk about black eyelash glue to get things started. This eyelash adhesive is the most popular choice for applying lashes to customers. Customers with dark eyelashes are likely to make up a significant portion of your clientele; as a result, they are excellent candidates for black eyelash glue. Because their lashes already have a naturally dark hue, the black eyelash glue will blend in seamlessly and provide a touch of definition to each lash.

At Gollee, we provide clients with various choices regarding black eyelash glue. Every glue has a thin, liquid consistency and comes in a 5ml bottle; this is the ideal size for lash artists who don’t want to throw away excess glue. In our retail location, you can purchase black eyelash adhesives.

When looking for the best glue, you must pay attention to how long it takes to dry. Eyelash technicians with more experience might prefer lash adhesives that dry in a shorter amount of time, but beginners are better off choosing a product that takes longer to set. This gives you time to make necessary adjustments if the initial lash does not attach successfully!

Transparent Lash Glue

Even though many lash professionals do not utilize clear eyelash glue as regularly as they once did, you will discover that having clear adhesive available is helpful. When working with customers who have brown or other colored eyelashes, clear eyelash glue is the best option. This will make it possible to create a link between the extension and the natural lash that is completely invisible.

In addition, if your customer has had an allergic reaction to the black lash adhesive, it is possible that the reaction was brought on by the Carbon Black component used to tint black eyelash glue. Clear eyelash glue may be the ideal choice for customers with sensitive eyes, given that carbon black is an ingredient in most other adhesives.

At Gollee, we provide clients with a wide variety of choices regarding transparent eyelash glue. Every glue has a thin, liquid consistency and comes in a 5ml bottle. On our website, you will be able to purchase transparent eyelash adhesives.

What effects humidity has on eyelash extension adhesives

When your clients are getting lash extensions professionally done by you, humidity is your greatest friend. Now, to the point!

For the extension to bond to the natural lash, a chemical reaction must occur between the humidity in the air and the key ingredient in lash adhesives, cyanoacrylate.

Achieving the best results from your lash extension adhesive requires maintaining the appropriate humidity levels. However, not all lash extension adhesives require the same humidity level for optimal performance. So, before applying such an adhesive, make sure you read the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Humidity levels of 60% or higher may be required by some manufacturers, while others simply recommend them. In addition to humidity detectors, lash technicians also need humidity control in the salon for optimal adhesive application.

Shock polymerization, where the outer layer solidifies too quickly without letting the inner layer attach correctly, frequently occurs in environments with higher humidity and is the cause of premature lash adhesive hardening. On the other hand, drying could take longer in dry conditions.

Eyelash Extension Adhesives and Temperature

Heat is just as important as humidity when it comes to drying, curing, and even post-bonding.

Generally speaking, lash adhesives dry rapidly in warm environments and slowly in cooler ones. You should aim for a temperature between 200 and 220 degrees Celsius in your lash salon. Regarding adhesives, spring and fall are typically the worst times.

It’s also important to remember that humidity and temperature are related. For the glue to dry and cure properly, you should, for instance, maintain low temperatures when humidity is high and high temperatures when humidity is low.

Avoid having any sources of heat or air conditioning near your lash station. A humidifier is also necessary since heating and cooling systems remove so much moisture from the air.

Instead of a humidifier, if you want to be fancy, you may use an aroma diffuser to eliminate the smell. Lastly, invest in a hygrometer to guarantee optimal circumstances while using medical-grade adhesives.

Here’s how to pick the perfect glue for eyelash extensions

It may be time to learn about the newest lash adhesives. Several aspects of the drying and curing processes have evolved, including consistency, viscosity, and time required.

You need to know the difference between drying and curing before we can select the correct lash adhesive for you.

The first step in the sticking process is drying, during which the glue becomes less moist. Curing, on the other hand, indicates that adhesion has been fully achieved. The first option takes only a few seconds, whereas the second can take up to several hours.

You should prioritize these three factors when selecting an adhesive for lash extensions.

Fast-Drying Adhesives vs Slow-Drying Adhesives

There are benefits and drawbacks to both slow-drying and quick-drying lash extension adhesives.

Slow-drying adhesives

Lash glues that dry slowly take longer to cure. To give you an idea, the bond usually takes 5 seconds or more to set as a general rule of thumb. They’re more comfortable than quick-drying glues. These glues take longer to set and are, therefore, easier for novices to work with.

Fast-Drying Adhesives

Lash glues that dry in only a few seconds are ideal. Expert lash stylists favor these adhesives because they speed up the process of applying for lash extensions. Although, these could aggravate sensitive customers even more.

Adhesion Strength

Eyelash extensions are meant to last anywhere from three to eight weeks, while artificial lashes only last a few hours. Here is a detailed case study on the longevity of lash extensions.

Lash extension adhesives rely on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) since it strengthens and guarantees the link between the extension and the natural lash stays intact until the real lash sheds naturally.

Ultimately, the humidity where you reside is another factor to consider when selecting an adhesive.

Color

The adhesives used for applying eyelash extensions typically come in black or clear color, as you may already know. Black glue is most popular because it mimics the look of dramatic eyeliner and defines the lash line.

However, we have witnessed a few customers developing an allergy to the black carbon component. The clear adhesive is great for customers who have skin sensitivities.

Exactly how long does the glue for eyelash extensions keep working?

Eyelash extension adhesive is made to adhere to the natural lash and stay put till the lash falls out. However, as you read in the section on the Dos and Don’ts of eyelash extensions, extreme temperatures, salt, chlorine, and oil can weaken this lash connection and lead to premature lash loss.

If properly stored, lash extension adhesives have a shelf life of more than six months. When it comes to lash extension adhesives, the typical shelf life is one month from when the bottle is opened.

It’s easy to spot lash adhesive that’s past its expiration date. When lash adhesives are affected by fluctuations in temperature, they may become runny, sticky, or even smell differently.

What can be done to accelerate the curing process?

To begin, it is important to understand the fundamental distinctions between drying and curing.

Drying is the process by which the lash glue dries from the outside. This allows lash technicians to continue adding extensions one after the other without the adhesive clumping with many strands.

Curing occurs when the glue dries inside out by utilizing the moisture available in the atmosphere. It could take anywhere from four to twenty-four hours to successfully lash together extensions, depending on the adhesive you use. Because of this, you should warn your clients against getting fake eyelashes wet before the curing period is through.

Instructions For Applying and Distributing the Lash Extension Adhesive

Lash extension fibers or fans are dipped for two millimeters in the adhesive and then placed on the natural lash that has been isolated.

To learn how to use the lash glue bottle, start by reading the three easy steps provided below.

1. First, give the bottle a good shake to combine all ingredients. This includes the thickener, binder, stabilizer, pigment, accelerator, etc. Before using the glue, manually shake the bottle by tilting it from side to side 30 times or for several minutes.
2. When applying the glue to your ring or jade stone, be careful not to get the nozzle dirty by touching the surface.
3. Eliminate any lingering air from the glue bottle, which can compromise its quality. To accomplish this, gently squeeze the body to release the gas.
4. Using a cosmetic sponge or lint-free applicator, clean the glue from the container’s nozzle to prevent it from clogging, clumping, or jamming the outlet.

Once you’ve learned how to keep it safely and effectively, you can shut the lid and move on to the next section.

Tips for Storing Lash Adhesive

All climatic conditions, especially heat, moisture, and humidity, can negatively impact the adhesives used to apply false eyelashes. This is why most lash artists keep their adhesive in secure locations. Read this handy guide to learn everything you need to know about storing eyelash extension glue.

1. The glue bottle should be kept in a dark, sealed container. Keep a packet of silica gel or rice nearby to absorb any moisture that can cause the glue to deteriorate.
2. Lash extension adhesive should never be refrigerated or frozen. For the most comfortable experience, store it at room temperature.
3. Before using the adhesive, give it two or three minutes of shaking to incorporate all of the materials.
4. The natural lash must be protected before the extension can be dipped in glue.
5. Avoid getting the glue in the eyes or skin by avoiding the urge to brush it down the lash line.
6. Frosting or blooming is a term used to describe the tendency of some lash adhesives to turn the lashes a pale color. It’s because the glue has dried out before it should have. Misting or fanning the lashes while applying, or forgoing the primer completely, will prevent this.
7. If your glue appears to be coming apart, it has been compromised by either heat or moisture. You should throw it out.

The bottom line

Unlike black adhesives, which often include Carbon Black as one of their key components, clear adhesives do not.

Due to the higher concentration of the bonding component (cyanoacrylate) with clear adhesives compared to the diluted black adhesives (carbon black), clear adhesives often achieve a stronger contact with the natural lash in improved retention. Some customers may be allergic to carbon black but not cyanoacrylate. Thus, adhesives are a better solution for them.

To put it simply, black adhesives are just clear adhesives containing a small amount of carbon black as a pigment. Lash artists favor black adhesives because they can more easily see the lashes against a dark background.

Both adhesives are effective in the correct conditions; therefore, the choice comes down to individual preference. It’s in everyone’s best interest to test both out and discover what your customers respond best.

At Golle, we have transparent and black eyelash glue on our website with the best quality. You can check it out on our website