The Importance of Clean Eyelash Extension Application: 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 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 glue
❌ Poor lash isolation
❌ Incorrect placement
❌ Unsuitable humidity & temperature for the adhesive
❌ Not replacing the 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 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.
If left unchecked, 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 natural lash in the Catagen stage (mid-growth) gets stuck to a faster-growing Anagen stage lash. As the younger lash grows quickly, it pulls the older one out prematurely.
- Baby Lash Pushing Out a Fully Grown Lash
When a baby lash sticks to a mature lash, it forces the fully grown lash out of its natural alignment, often creating a looped effect that affects retention and comfort.
- Hair Follicle Damage & Permanent Lash Loss
Repeated premature lash shedding weakens the hair follicle over time, causing gaps in the lash line and even permanent hair loss in severe cases.
How to Check for Stickies
It is absolutely essential to leave enough time at the end of each application to check and separate any stickies. Even a flawless set of lashes can be ruined if stickies aren’t properly addressed.
There are two methods to check for stickies effectively:
1. One-by-One Check
Using isolation tweezers, gently go through each extension and separate any lashes that may have stuck together. This is a meticulous but necessary step to ensure the best results.
2. Horizontal Layer Check
Check lash layers horizontally to ensure there are no hidden stickies deeper in the lash line. Sometimes, stickies aren’t immediately visible but can be felt when carefully brushing through the lashes.
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 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 ♥️