Sensitive Eyes? The Best Lash Glues for Comfort and Durability

November 26, 2024 Jazmine Backous

Every lash client is different.

Some have more sensitive eyes and delicate skin, which can lead to allergic reactions or discomfort during or after lash application.

Finding the perfect eyelash glue is important for making sure your lash clients feel comfortable and happy with their eyelash extensions.

In this blog, we will explore the best lash adhesives for sensitive clients, how to prepare the eye area, and best practices to prevent adverse reactions.

Troubleshooting Reactions To Lash Glue

When clients react to eyelash extensions, several culprits could be at play.

A common problem with some glues is the main ingredient, ethyl cyanoacrylate.

Cyanoacrylate is a strong bonding agent that makes the glue durable, but it can cause allergic reactions in some people.

As the adhesive dries, it goes through an off-gassing process, which can release small amounts of formaldehyde. It may be these fumes that irritate the eyes or skin.

Another trigger can be the black coloring in some lash adhesives. Carbon black may be a common allergen for those sensitive to specific pigments.

Beyond the glue, some clients might also react to ingredients in lash pads or other products used during the application process.

Symptoms of a reaction can range from mild to severe and include:

Itching
Redness
Swelling of the eyelids
Watery eyes
A burning sensation

Application Tips for Sensitive Clients

When working with sensitive clients, take extra care during application.

Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of reactions:

Pre-application Care

First, cleanse the eye area with a lash cleanser like Lash Suds.
Follow up with hypochlorous acid (HOCl). HOCl is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, so it helps to reduce sensitivity to adhesives.

Check out our blog, The Benefits of Using Hypochlorous Acid with Lash Extensions, to learn how to use it with sensitive clients.

Proper Taping Techniques

Use hypoallergenic tape like our foam tape, which is soft and easy on the delicate skin around the eyes.
Double-check that the tape doesn’t pull on the skin and cause the eye to be exposed to glue fumes.

Use Less Glue

When working with sensitive clients, avoid over-using glue. Apply a small amount of glue to each natural lash to reduce the chances of irritation.
Lash glue should NEVER touch the skin. Keep the extensions 1-3mm from the lash line.

Environment Matters

Keep your lash room at a consistent range of humidity, according to the instructions of the glue you use to help the glue set properly and reduce irritation.
Make sure your workspace has good ventilation and airflow to minimize exposure to strong fumes and ensure comfort during the application.

Look After Your Adhesives

Store the glue properly: Keep the glue bottle sealed tightly and store it in an airtight Adhesive Home. Also, avoid storing it in direct sunlight or high temperatures.
Know the shelf life: Fresh glue not only performs better, but it also has fewer fumes. We recommend replacing our adhesives every four weeks. But if you work part-time, this can often be extended to eight weeks. If you notice a change in viscosity and smell, it's time for a fresh bottle!
Use an adhesive shaker: Shake your adhesive bottle for 30-60 seconds before use so the formula is mixed properly.
Burp your glue: Lightly squeeze the bottle to release trapped air until a bubble forms. Clean the nozzle with our lint-free Adhesive Wipes to remove the stagnant glue. Each drop of glue will be fresh and ready for optimal performance.

How to Choose a Lash Adhesive for Sensitive Eyes

Not all lash glues are created equal.

While our adhesives aren’t marketed as sensitive eyelash glues, they are made with high-quality formulas that make them a favorite for many lash artists.

Many of our clients mention that they have no smell and are low fume, and with the proper techniques, they can still use them for their sensitive clients.

Here’s an overview of our eyelash extension adhesives:

Magnetic Force: A unique formula that magnetically pulls fans together at the base for easy, seamless placement. It has a quick 1-second drying time and works in a high range of humidity.
Lash Bomb: Perfect for beginner and intermediate artists, this glue is gentle yet highly effective for both Classic and Volume lashes. It has a thin viscosity that does not wick up volume fans.
Flash Bond: Our fastest-setting adhesive is designed for experienced lash artists who work quickly.
Out of Sight: This clear-drying lash glue is the perfect alternative for clients allergic to the black color in traditional adhesives. It’s versatile enough for colored, black, and brown lashes.

If your lash client has a known eyelash glue allergy, it’s best to choose a high-quality lash adhesive free from common allergens.

For example, look for latex-free glue and make sure the ingredient list doesn’t include any other irritants that could trigger an adverse reaction.

How To Deal With Reactions To Lash Glue

If your client experiences a reaction to lash glue, it’s essential to act quickly and address the issue.

Here are some steps you can take:

Stop the application immediately if a client experiences any discomfort or adverse reactions during the appointment.
If you must remove lash extensions, be very gentle, as the lids will be sensitive.
If they have a severe reaction, send them to a doctor. Never give medical advice,
Always patch-test sensitive clients before proceeding with a full set of lash extensions.
Use hypochlorous acid pre and post-appointment to help minimize reactions. Encourage clients to purchase it for daily at-home care.