Eyelash Extension Adhesive - Everything You Should Know

Before you choose your eyelash glue, it is important to understand the ingredients in it. Viscosity, Drying time, and Irritation risk are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before committing to using one. Formaldehyde is also an important issue to consider when choosing an eyelash extension adhesive. Luckily, there are several brands on the market that meet all of these criteria.

Viscosity

The eyelash extension glue is a reactive type. When it comes into contact with water, the instant glue becomes a solid acrylic-like substance. This substance doesn't immediately fall off, but the temperature does drop dramatically. It takes 2 to 20 seconds for the adhesive to harden at 93 to 97%. If you store eyelash extension adhesive in a warm or humid environment, it will shorten its shelf life and will eventually become clumpy. This is bad news for you and your clients because it will result in efflorescence.

In addition to the viscosity, the eyelash extension adhesive may also contain preservatives. Preservatives can include benzoic acid, pyrocatechol, and alkyl parabens. These ingredients may contribute to the overall runniness of the eyelash extension adhesive. It is also important to note the concentration of these ingredients. For example, a lower viscosity eyelash extension adhesive might contain more cyanoacrylate than a higher one.

Eyelash extension adhesive compositions also contain a thickening agent. Organic polymers are the primary thickening agents, while inorganic fillers are used as secondary thickening agents. The latter thickens the adhesives, making them transferable. These ingredients should have a shelf life of at least six months. The longer the shelf life, the more economical it will be for the consumer and the manufacturer.

In some embodiments, a plasticizer is used to improve the adhesion of the eyelash extension adhesive to natural eyelashes. The plasticizer is preferably non-moist and shouldn't affect the stability of the cyanoacrylate composition. Examples of suitable plasticizers include tributyl citrate, dimethyl sebacate, and trioctyl trimelliate.

Drying Time

There are many factors that affect the drying time of eyelash extension glue. In the event that the adhesive is not used right away, storing it in a refrigerator can compromise its performance. Even if it is labeled as "refrigerated," it should not be exposed to heat or sunlight, since it contains moisture. To prevent the possibility of damage, store it at room temperature or in a refrigerator.

The drying time of eyelash glue varies according to its type. The longer the glue is left to dry, the longer it will take to harden. It is generally recommended to leave a bead of adhesive on eyelashes for two to three seconds. However, the adhesive needs at least 24 hours to fully harden. Once the glue has hardened, you can use serum or coating sealants to maintain the look. Different adhesives have different curing times and are recommended for different types of hair. For curly eyelashes, low-viscosity glue will result in lesser retention of the extensions. On the other hand, high-viscosity glues are recommended.

The drying time of eyelash extension adhesive is largely dependent on its type and brand. Some products are no fume and nontoxic, while others are more expensive and contain a weaker bond. Generally, eyelash adhesives are made of cyanoacrylate or butyl cyanoacrylate. Ethyl is the most commonly used glue because of its fast drying time, butyl is more expensive and may cause allergic reactions.

Another factor that affects the drying time of eyelash extension glue is humidity. High humidity speeds up the drying time of glue. In high humidity, some glue dries in less than three seconds. When humid, some takes four to five seconds. When humidity is low, the glue can easily dry, which will reduce the risk of a faulty attachment. If your room is too dry, you should consider a humidifier.

Irritation Risk

The use of eyelash extension adhesive has several risks, and one of them is irritation. It's also possible that a client may have an allergic reaction, or an adverse reaction to an allergen. An allergic reaction is a hypersensitive response of the body's immune system to a substance or agent that causes discomfort. Some clients may develop an allergy to the adhesive or to ingredients in it, such as cyanoacrylate. However, such reactions are extremely rare.

The most common form of irritation involves fumes that come from eyelash extension adhesive. These fumes may be absorbed by the Sclera, which is the skin's outer layer. To minimize this risk, you should avoid swimming, showering, and using a lot of steam or water. If you experience any irritation, it's important to seek medical attention. The FDA provides a detailed list of safety tips for beauty treatments.

Clients with allergies should consider removing their extensions until the season passes. This is important because the body cannot distinguish between the allergens and the glue on extensions, and it can develop an allergic reaction. It may also cause minor swelling and itching. If this occurs, you should remove the extensions and consult a physician. If you're not sure whether a client has an allergy, it's important to seek medical help as soon as possible.

The worst case scenario involves an allergic reaction, and it's a good idea to get a second opinion from a qualified healthcare provider as soon as possible. Even a small drop of lash glue could irritate the eye and cause irritation. In addition to avoiding the worst case scenario, eyelash extension technicians generally take steps to minimize the risk of irritation. When the eye is irritated, you should remove the extensions and consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Formaldehyde-free Formula

When choosing an eyelash extension adhesive, make sure it is formaldehyde-free. Although cyanoacrylate is an industrial strength glue that is widely used in the medical field, it is not recommended for eyelash extensions due to its toxicity. You can prevent exposure to formaldehyde by wearing protective eyewear and keeping your eyes closed while you apply the glue. You should also watch out for expired eyelash extension glue, which is often dry and stringy. When you buy a new tube of glue, dispose of it right away, especially if it's been more than two months old.

When looking for an eyelash extension adhesive, consider its composition. While all eyelash glue contains cyanoacrylate, some products contain more formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a by-product of the decomposition of other materials in the adhesive. It is not a component of the adhesive, but it can still be found in the finished product. A quality eyelash extension adhesive should contain no more than 1% of formaldehyde, and still provide a high level of hold.

Although many of the current eyelash extension adhesives are not medical grade, they do contain formaldehyde. This substance is known to cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals and can cause eye irritation. A large number of clients who have undergone eyelash extensions have complained about breathing in glue fumes, so it is vital to choose a formula that is formaldehyde-free.

While the best eyelash glue should contain no formaldehyde, it is still recommended to use a non-formaldehyde primer to ensure that the bond is strong enough to hold the extension. For instance, you can choose to apply Ubemay Lash Primer prior to applying the extension glue. Besides eyelash extension adhesives made from natural ingredients, Ubemay Lash Primer contains no formaldehyde, which allows for a better bond between the extension adhesive and the lashes.