The What, Why, and How of Stringy Lash Glue
When it comes to your lash extension kit, nothing is more crucial than fresh lash glue. Using expired or improperly stored glue can lead to a stringy, goopy mess, which is a recipe for poor retention and unhappy clients. Let’s break down what stringy lash glue is, why it happens, and how you can avoid it.
What is Stringy Lash Glue?
If your glue starts feeling stringy or gloopy, it’s a sign that something’s gone wrong. Lash adhesives have a shelf life, and once they expire their consistency can change dramatically. If you’re thinking about using that old bottle "just one more time", think again. Expired glue isn’t just unprofessional—it’s unsafe.
Stringy Consistency: What It Means
You might have heard terms like "gloopy" or "stringy" when it comes to glue. This refers to a thick, sticky consistency that makes it tough to work with. If you notice this, it’s a sign that your glue has expired and needs to be swapped out immediately. Every London Lash glue has a specific consistency, and once it changes, it won’t perform properly.
It’s important to note that if you’re using a jade stone (which we recommend over glue rings), your glue drop may become stringy after about 15 minutes. This is normal—just dispense a fresh drop of glue. However, if your glue is stringy right out of the bottle, it’s time for a new one.
My Glue Was Fresh Yesterday—It’ll Be Fine!
You might be tempted to use your glue for just one more day if it seemed fine yesterday. However, stringy glue can lead to poor retention or even damage to your client’s natural lashes. It’s not just a question of aesthetics—this can be dangerous. Stringy glue is harder to control, which means you might apply too much, causing stickies, which is an industry slang term for when lashes bond together. Stickies aren’t just unsightly; they can lead to permanent lash damage.
Even if your glue seemed fresh the day before, its bonding power could deteriorate quickly. This leads to premature lash fallout, uneven sets, and ultimately, disappointed clients.
Client Reactions
Expired glue isn’t just bad for retention—it can also increase the risk of sensitivities and discomfort. As the adhesive ages, its chemical composition may change, making the fumes stronger. This can lead to issues with breathing and a higher risk of chemical burns. Even fresh lash glue emits fumes though, so be sure to work in a well ventilated environment.
How Can You Tell if Your Lash Glue Is Fresh?
Check the DOP (Date of Production), which tells you when your glue was made. You’ll find this date on the bottom of the bottle or on the aluminum pouch. Your glue is good for six months from the DOP, and once opened, it should be replaced every 4-6 weeks for best results. To keep track, label the bottle with the date you opened it and set a reminder to replace it.
How to Keep Your Glue Fresh for Longer
While you can’t extend your glue’s shelf life indefinitely, proper storage will keep it fresh for as long as possible. While you can store unopened glue in its original packaging in the fridge, you should never refrigerate opened glue. This can cause condensation inside the bottle, ruining the adhesive. Once opened, glue should be stored in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight. This keeps the temperature stable as well as keeping moisture away from it, which is key to maintaining its effectiveness.
Using a glue shaker can also help mix the ingredients quickly and thoroughly, ensuring consistent performance. Shaking the bottle manually can be tiring and time-consuming and may not always result in perfectly combined ingredients, but a glue shaker takes care of it in seconds. Where accessories are concerned, having a digital hygrometer on your lash trolley is essential for helping you stay on top of how your glue might be affected by your environment.
By knowing the signs and causes of stringy lash glue and how to prevent it, you can ensure flawless lash sets every time—without compromising your client’s lashes or your reputation.
