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Lash Extensions 101: The Eyelash Adhesive

Move over falsies, the era of false lashes has ended and it's officially the decade of the lash extension! Lash extensions have garnered popularity over recent years as a convenient and long-lasting alternative to false lashes. Through professional application, women can enjoy the length, volume, and curl that false lashes afford without the everyday hassle of reapplying lash strips.

Lash extensions can last anywhere from 4-5 weeks without retouches, but the staying power of your lashes really depends on the type of lash adhesive that your technician uses. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about lash adhesive so your next set is your best set yet.

What is Lash Extension Glue?

Eyelash extension glue is the key factor used to attach a lash extension to a person's natural eyelashes in the lash application process. While it may seem that any adhesive can be used to achieve this, using the incorrect type of glue could wreak havoc on your natural lashes. Low-quality adhesives can make your extensions uncomfortable, flaky, and can cause pain and discomfort.

Because lash extensions can be pricey and are a true investment into your beauty regimen, it's important that the adhesive your technician uses is of the highest quality so that you're left with the natural-looking lashes you've always dreamed of.

The main ingredient in all lash adhesives is cyanoacrylate, a fast-drying, glue-like chemical bonding agent. This compound is made from cyanide and acrylate, which both sound like things you definitely shouldn't put near your eye, but stay with me here. Cyanide is a carbon atom that is triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.

On its own, cyanide can be extremely dangerous, but it is necessary as a thickening agent for adhesives. Once the adhesive is fully processed and manufactured, the cyanide is completely neutralized and isn't found in the final product at all. Acrylate is a conjugate base of acrylic acid. Acrylic acid is an organic acid that quickly hardens or thickens when exposed to air which aids in the fast-drying component of professional lash adhesives.

Adhesion Strength

Unlike traditional false lashes, lash extensions are intended to last anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Because of this, the lash adhesive used needs to be much stronger in order to keep your natural lashes attached to the extensions for long periods of time. This is where methyl methacrylate comes in handy. Methyl methacrylate is a monomer made of methyl (a single carbon atom) and acrylate, the organic acid found in cyanoacrylate that causes the adhesive to harden. When this compound is polymerized and used in conjunction with cyanoacrylate it acts as a reinforcer that strengthens the adhesive's bond.