Sensitive Lash Glues: Are they all they're made out to be?

Sensitive Lash Glues: Are They All They're Made Out to Be?

By now, you’ve probably had a client that is allergic to, or very sensitive to lash glue. However, it’s rare that the client wants to give up having lash extensions completely because come on… who does?! Whilst it’s widely assumed that the best lash glue for these customers is a sensitive adhesive, we’re here with some bad news. If your client is prone to reacting to lash extension glue, then using a sensitive glue will unfortunately not solve the problem. Here’s why…

What causes an allergic reaction to lash glue?

The main ingredient and the culprit for causing allergic reactions is cyanoacrylate. The cause of the allergic reaction is the exposure to the cyanoacrylate fumes, and it’s very common for a client to seemingly develop an allergy out of the blue. This is because allergies to lash glue develop over time as a result of prolonged exposure. So yes… this means that the more your client has their lashes done, the more vulnerable they are to developing a lash glue allergy.

What is a sensitive lash glue?

A glue that is branded as ‘sensitive’ simply contains less cyanoacrylate than other lash glues. A standard lash extension glue contains around 80% cyanoacrylate and a sensitive glue usually contains around 50%.

Believe it or not, a sensitive lash glue can actually be counterproductive, as the less cyanoacrylate there is, the longer the glue will take to cure, meaning your client will actually be exposed to the glue fumes for a longer period of time. This will also increase the chances of chemical burn if the eyes aren’t fully closed.

A sensitive lash glue is marketed to make you think that all your allergy problems will be solved, and whilst it may appear that way at first. We know that a lash glue allergy is accumulative, and therefore it’s likely that after a few appointments, your client’s reaction will come back with a vengeance.

Can you buy a lash glue that doesn’t contain cyanoacrylate?

Technically, the answer is yes. Companies are starting to develop lash glues without cyanoacrylate, but they aren’t very common and are not widely used by lash artists. The long curing time results in poor retention, and there is yet to be a safe alternative that works in the same way. If we find one, you’ll be the first to know!

What should you do if your client is allergic to eyelash extension glue?

You’re not going to like this one. If you determine that your client is allergic to the lash glue (you have ruled out eyepatch allergy and chemical burn), then you should no longer perform lash extensions on them.

Once your client reacts to the eyelash extension glue, it is likely that they will continue reacting and therefore it isn’t safe for you to continue offering the treatment. Not only will it cause problems for your client, but it will most probably cause problems for you too as your insurance may be void if you perform a treatment whilst being aware of a contraindication.

Your last resort could be to request that the customer has a 6-month break, and then come back for a classic or half lash set, but bear in mind that this is still risky and you should be very careful if you decide to take this route.

Click the chat icon to speak to our amazing customer service team if you have any questions. We know it can be a little scary and overwhelming at times, but we are here to help.