Avoid Stringy Lash Glue with These Simple Tips

Understanding Stringy Lash Glue: Causes and Solutions

Your eyelash glue is the most important product in your eyelash extension kit, and keeping it fresh is essential. Adhesives have an expiry date, and if you’re using glue past that, it can turn stringy or gloopy. This can ruin your lash extensions and affect your client’s results. Some Lash Techs might think it’s okay to squeeze out a few extra classic eyelash extensions or volume lashes with old glue, but this is a major no-no. Here’s why you should avoid using expired lash glue.

How to Identify Stringy Glue

Stringy or goopy eyelash glue is a tell-tale sign it’s expired. All glues have their own ideal consistency, which you can check using our Glue Chart. Once this changes, the adhesive won’t perform properly—and there’s no way to fix it.

Top Tip: If you’re using a jade stone (which we recommend over glue rings), you might notice your glue becomes stringy after 15 minutes—that’s normal and just means it’s time for a fresh drop. But if your glue is stringy as soon as you dispense it, it’s expired and needs to be replaced.

Not sure what stringy glue looks like? Check out our video here to see how lash extensions react when dipped into stringy glue. If you notice this happening, it’s time to switch to a fresh bottle.

Is Yesterday’s Glue Still Fresh?

Even if your glue was fresh yesterday, using it today could still cause issues. Stringy glue is harder to control, and the wrong amount can cause problems like stickies. These occur when excess glue spreads to neighbouring lashes, causing them to stick together. Not only is this bad for aesthetics, but it can also damage your client’s natural lashes. If you’re doing classic lashes or hybrid lashes, stringy glue can disrupt the flow of your set and lead to poor retention.

Additionally, just because your glue seemed fine the day before, it doesn’t mean it will bond as strongly today. As glue breaks down, the bond between natural and synthetic lash extensions weakens, leading to premature lash fallout and patchy sets. No client wants uneven wispy lashes or volume lashes after a few days.

How Expired Glue Affects Clients

Expired lash glue can also increase the risk of allergic reactions. As the glue breaks down, its chemical composition changes, making it more likely to trigger irritation or allergies in clients. Although allergic reactions to eyelash glue are rare, using fresh adhesive is the best way to protect your clients and prevent problems like chemical burns or sensitivity to glue fumes.

Fresh or Expired? Check Your Glue

Check the DOP (Date of Production), which is printed on the bottom of the glue bottle or its aluminium pouch. From this date, you have six months to use the glue. Once opened, it’s best to replace your glue every 4-6 weeks. An easy way to remember is to write the opening date on the bottle using micropore tape or set a calendar reminder to order a fresh one when it’s time.

Keeping Lash Glue Fresh

While lash glue has a set expiration, you can take steps to keep it fresh for longer. For unopened glue, store it in the packaging it came in, and keep it in the fridge. However, never store opened glue in the fridge, as this can cause condensation to form inside the bottle, leading to shock polymerisation and rendering the glue unusable.

Between uses, keep your glue in an airtight container to protect it from moisture. Store the container away from heat sources and direct sunlight, ensuring the temperature stays between 18-22°C for optimal performance.

To prevent strain and save time, consider using a glue shaker to mix your adhesive. Shaking eyelash glue for a full minute by hand can get tiring, especially if you’re doing several sets of classic lashes, volume lashes, or wispy lashes throughout the day. A glue shaker uses centrifugal force to evenly mix the glue, ensuring consistent performance and preventing separation.

Stringy glue can be frustrating, but by keeping an eye on its consistency and using fresh adhesive, you can consistently deliver flawless lash extensions. By properly storing your glue, replacing it regularly, and using tools like a glue shaker, you’ll avoid damaging your client’s lashes and ensure long-lasting, beautiful results—whether you’re applying classic eyelash extensions, hybrid lashes, or volume lashes. Staying vigilant with your glue management not only protects your clients but also enhances your reputation as a skilled and professional Lash Technician.