What Is Sensitive Lash Glue?

Discussing The Truth About Sensitive Lash Glue

You may have heard all about ‘Sensitive Lash Glue’ and perhaps potential clients who have allergic reactions to lash extensions—more so the glue fumes themselves—have asked if you would perform a lash extension set using sensitive glue. We’re here to dispel the myths and issues surrounding so-called sensitive eyelash glue and explain why it’s not all that it seems. Even though it is marketed for clients with sensitivities, this glue can cause further irritation, issues and allergic reactions. Here’s all you need to know.

Lash Glue

Regular Eyelash Glue is what is actually responsible for allergic reactions. Getting lash extensions means exposure to the ingredients and fumes emitted by the adhesives. A reaction to lash extension glue is cumulative, which means that the more someone is exposed to the ingredients, the higher the risk of a reaction. An allergic reaction is not guaranteed for every client; some people are simply more likely to react as their bodies are exposed to these chemicals. Read more about allergic reactions to eyelash extensions here.

The ingredient which causes allergic reactions is cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate is present in all eyelash glues, including ‘Sensitive Lash Glue’. Even with its marketing tagline suggesting that it is a safe glue for clients with sensitivities, the adhesive still contains cyanoacrylate. This ingredient helps the glue cure and is needed to create a bond. Without it, the glue would not work.

Sensitive Lash Glue

By now, you may be wondering how sensitive glue works if it still contains cyanoacrylate. This type of eyelash adhesive generally contains lower quantities of cyanoacrylate, meaning that it will still dry and form a bond but will take longer to do so. This is where the issues begin. Not only can the bond be weaker, but because the glue takes longer to cure, fumes remain around the eyes for longer.

So why does the drying time matter? Glue typically dries within 0.5–2 seconds, depending on the type you purchase. Faster-drying glue can speed up the application process for Lash Technicians who are able to work at faster speeds. With sensitive lash glue, you need to hold the lash extension in place for longer to ensure it dries correctly. This can make it more difficult to avoid stickies, which can damage the natural lashes. The longer the glue takes to dry, the longer appointments take and the longer the client is exposed to glue fumes.

Unfortunately, for clients who are allergic to lash glue and cyanoacrylate, reducing the amount of cyanoacrylate will not make the treatment safe. A client who has experienced an allergic reaction may react again, and subsequent reactions can become more severe. Switching to a slower-drying glue may minimise or prevent a reaction once or twice, but the reaction can return.

Should You Avoid Sensitive Lash Glue?

The short answer is yes. Regardless of the client’s wishes, if they have previously experienced an allergic reaction, sensitive glue will not prevent another reaction. This type of glue is also very slow-drying, meaning that if you are used to working with fast-drying glue, you will need to wait longer for each extension to cure. Overall, sensitive eyelash glue may be a poor investment for your business and could be left unused.

If you have a client who wants eyelash extensions but is allergic to glue, you will unfortunately have to turn them away for their own safety. Read more about when to say ‘no’ to clients in this blog post.

If your client is not allergic but tends to experience red eyes after a lash set, it may be worth investing in suitable products. An air-flow system can help move air and fumes away from your workstation and from you and your client.

Having a Jade Stone or Agate Stone can help keep glue fumes further away from your and your clients’ airways while also helping you manage the temperature and humidity around the adhesive.

Last but not least, London Lash Superbonder Sealant is an innovative product which cures glue instantly and seals in fumes, helping to reduce further exposure after you have completed the lash set. Read all about Superbonder in our dedicated blog post.

All in all, Sensitive Lash Glue could be a poor investment for your business and, unfortunately, will not help clients avoid allergic reactions if they are already prone to them. In the past, London Lash has tested sensitive glues and found that they did not provide reliable results, leading to poor application and retention. Save money, time and the hassle of working with imperfect eyelash glue.