The Importance of Clean Eyelash Extension Application: Eyelash Glue Control & Preventing Stickies
A flawless set of lash extensions isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about precision, control, and the health of natural lashes. One of the most crucial elements in creating seamless, comfortable, and long-lasting eyelash extensions is eyelash glue control.
Even the most experienced lash artists can encounter stickies - when lashes unintentionally bond together. However, the key is knowing how to prevent them and, more importantly, how to check and separate them before your client leaves.
What Are Stickies and Why Do They Happen?
Stickies occur when two or more lashes adhere together due to:
❌ Too much eyelash glue
❌ Poor lash isolation
❌ Incorrect placement
❌ Unsuitable humidity & temperature for the eyelash glue
❌ Not replacing the eyelash glue drop often enough
While they may seem minor, stickies can cause serious damage to natural lashes if left unchecked.
The Two Types of Stickies
There are two main types of stickies that lash artists must be aware of:
1. Neighbour Lash Stickies
When two fully grown natural lashes or an extension and a natural lash get stuck together. This usually happens when too much eyelash glue is used or when it hasn’t cured properly. It leads to discomfort and can cause premature lash loss as one lash pulls the other out of alignment.
2. Baby Lash Stickies
When a tiny, newly growing baby lash is stuck to a fully grown lash or extension. Since baby lashes grow faster, they push or pull the mature lash, causing irritation and misalignment. This often results from the improper placement of the extension or overuse of eyelash glue.
If left unchecked, both types of stickies can cause significant damage—pulling lashes out prematurely, affecting hair follicles, and even leading to permanent lash loss over time.
The Damage Caused by Stickies
Lashes grow in different stages, and stickies disrupt the natural growth cycle:
- Catagen Stage Lash + Anagen Stage Lash
A lash in the Catagen stage (mid-growth) can get stuck to a faster-growing Anagen stage lash. As the younger lash grows, it drags the older lash out before its natural shedding time—often due to excess eyelash glue bonding multiple lashes together.
- Baby Lash Pushing Out a Fully Grown Lash
Baby lashes stuck to mature lashes—usually from poor eyelash glue control—force the older lash out of alignment, which affects retention and causes discomfort.
- Hair Follicle Damage & Permanent Lash Loss
Consistently poor eyelash glue application leading to stickies can result in repeated trauma to the follicle. Over time, this weakens the natural lash line, leading to gaps and, in extreme cases, permanent hair loss.
How to Check for Stickies
Leaving enough time at the end of each lash set to check for stickies is absolutely essential. Even the most beautiful work can be compromised if stickies are left untreated.
There are two highly effective methods to detect and remove stickies:
1. One-by-One Check
Using isolation tweezers, gently go through each extension and separate any lashes that may be stuck together. This is often where excessive eyelash glue becomes apparent, and precision is key.
2. Horizontal Layer Check
Assess the lash line horizontally to uncover hidden stickies. Sometimes, excess eyelash glue causes lashes to stick deeper within the layers—where they aren’t immediately visible but can be felt when brushing through.
Final Thoughts: Lash Health = Client Retention
Lash extension application isn’t just about creating beautiful results - it’s about maintaining the health of your client’s natural lashes. By prioritising eyelash glue control, proper isolation, and thorough stickies checks, you ensure a comfortable, damage-free experience.
Clean application = Happy, loyal clients who return time and time again!
I AM Lash ♥️