What Are Lash Glue Fumes?

One query we see quite often is Lash Techs asking for '...a lash extension glue with low fumes...'  and while there may be some general advice on which lash glues will have lower levels of fumes, there is no one answer fits all, as almost all glues (no matter the brand) will emit fumes. So let's discuss why that is and why some marketing schemes out there are just that... schemes.

Fumes

The fumes in Eyelash Extensions Glues come from the cyanoacrylate - this is the main ingredient in any glue formulas, from super glue to eyelash glue. Cyanoacrylate is responsible for the vast majority of allergic reactions, for chemical burns and for some Lash Techs having a little bit of respiratory irritation while applying lashes, so it makes total sense that we’d want to keep fumes to a minimum. However, lower fumes means less cyanoacrylate, which means less adhesion and shorter retention, which in turn means a slower drying glue, which means that the fumes are actually hanging around for a bit longer - so are lower fumes better? 

When you then consider that faster glue does technically emit more fumes, however those fumes don’t hang around quite so long as the glue is curing faster, it can all make your head spin a little bit.

Even when we do find a lash adhesive that has the right balance of drying time and fume emittance, it only takes a reduction in our humidity levels to increase our drying time and, by extension, how much our glue fumes hang around. 

Instead of trying to find a glue with lower fumes, what can we do to ensure that glue fumes are less of a source of irritation for you and your client? 

Use a Jade Stone and NOT a Glue Ring

While glue rings are super convenient when it comes to dipping and placement speed due to their proximity both to you and your client’s lashes, it is that same proximity which leads to irritation for both of you.

That amount of glue being so close to your client’s eyes will lead to a higher risk of chemical burn compared to just the glue being applied to their lashes. It also puts the glue closer to your and their airways which can of course cause irritation. While you can’t really distance yourself from glue entirely, you can increase that distance by using a Jade Glue Stone instead of a ring. There are lots of other benefits to using a jade stone for your lash glue rather than a glue ring, for example generating less waste, using less glue, and being more cost effective. 

Lash Technicians

If you often feel a bit sniffy, or if your throat is a bit dry, itchy or even congested while you’re working, it’s quite likely that the glue fumes are affecting your airways, so while you’re working, just make sure you’re wearing a Face Mask - just this will help so much with any irritation to your airways while you’re working. Another thing you can do is invest in a Glamcor Flow, a revolutionary professional salon ventilation system which will blow away any glue fumes in seconds. Of course, this isn't a magic fix, but it is a huge preventative from the fumes staying around for longer.

Clients

If your client is afraid of a chemical burn, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re doing all you can to avoid this before it actually happens. Chemical burns are due to glue fumes getting into the eyes, but the glue isn’t always to blame.

• Always check that your client’s eyes are completely closed by running a little Mirror along the Eyepatch - if you can see ANY of the whites of their eyes they are highly likely to experience a chemical burn. If your client’s eyes won’t close, try the following:
• Use a small piece of Tape to keep the eyelid closed if they struggle to keep them closed
• Make sure you’re not pressing down too much on the Eyepatches with your Isolation Tweezers
• Try using Foam Tape instead of Eyepatches if your client struggles to keep their eyes closed, Foam Tape is thicker than Eyepatches and will close the gap where your clients cannot close their eyes fully
• Glue down one lash to the Eyepatch to keep the eyelids closed
• Advise against consuming caffeine and/or sugar for at least one hour before the treatment to avoid their eyelids flickering 

After the end of the treatment you can use our incredible Supberbonder Sealant which cures the glue and seals any left over fumes immediately after use. Superbonder is the perfect product to end your treatment on as it will also add elasticity and flexibility to the glue bonds for longer retention.

In short, there are so many factors affecting how much fumes your glue emits and that it’s far better to simply choose the glue that’s best for you in terms of drying time and usability, and to adapt how you work a little bit to prevent any irritation from the fumes. 

To find out the best glue for you, take our short and simple glue quiz, or have a chat with our Customer Service team!