CAN YOU LASH FASTER WITH A FASTER-DRYING GLUE?
IS FASTER GLUE BETTER AND STRONGER?
The Real Story Behind Fast Lash Glue and Application Speed
If you've been in the lash industry for a while, you've likely heard technicians seeking the fastest-drying, strongest eyelash extension glue, thinking it's the secret to quicker, longer-lasting lash sets. We’re here to set the record straight and answer these burning questions.
Is Faster Always Stronger?
There's a connection between what makes glue fast and what makes it strong. The key ingredient, cyanoacrylate, is responsible for the glue's bonding power. More cyanoacrylate means speedier drying and, theoretically, stronger bonds.
The Humidity Factor
Cyanoacrylate reacts with moisture in the air, speeding up curing in higher humidity. While temperature also affects curing, humidity often goes unnoticed. High cyanoacrylate levels plus high humidity result in super-fast-curing glue. That’s why we always ask for your room’s temperature and humidity when recommending glue and why every lash artist should have a Digital Hygrometer.
Each glue performs best within a specific temperature and humidity range. If your humidity is too high for the glue you're using, it will dry even faster than expected.
Faster Doesn’t Mean Stronger
While more cyanoacrylate leads to quicker curing, it can make the bond more brittle. This is especially true if the glue contacts moisture directly, causing shock polymerization and producing a white residue.
Even with perfect humidity and expected drying times, issues can arise. If your application speed doesn’t match the glue’s drying time, the glue might start curing before the extension is placed on the natural lash, resulting in a weaker bond—even with perfect preparation.
Instead of chasing the fastest glue, time yourself dipping and placing extensions to determine the glue speed you genuinely need.
The strongest and best glue is the one that bonds effectively with your natural lash, considering your room conditions and application speed. While the idea of the fastest, strongest glue may be tempting, it’s not worth risking client retention if it is too quick for your application pace.