Faster is Better, Right? The Truth About Fast Drying Lash Glue and Application Speed
If you’ve been in the lash game for even a short while, you’ve probably seen people asking for the fastest-drying lash glue, thinking it’s the secret for quicker lash sets that last forever. So, you can imagine how many times we’ve been asked about this, especially as we gear up to celebrate London Lash’s 10th birthday!
But here’s the thing—we always give the same answer: faster doesn’t always mean stronger. Here’s why:
Does Faster Actually Mean Stronger?
Yes, technically, what makes lash glue fast and what makes it strong is the same ingredient—cyanoacrylate. This is the magic component that makes your lash glue stick. The more cyanoacrylate in the glue, the faster it dries and the stronger the bond... theoretically.
But it’s not quite that simple...
The Role of Humidity
Cyanoacrylate reacts with moisture in the air, which is why it cures faster when humidity levels are higher. Temperature plays a part too, but you’re more likely to notice when your room gets warmer than when the humidity rises.
When your lash glue has a high cyanoacrylate content and the humidity in your space is high, the glue will cure incredibly fast. That’s why we always ask about your room’s temperature and humidity levels when you inquire about the best lash glue for you. And it’s also why we’ll never stop recommending you keep a Digital Hygrometer in your lash kit. It’s a game-changer!
Every glue has a “sweet spot”—a temperature and humidity range where it works best. If your humidity is higher than what the glue can handle, it’ll dry faster than advertised.
Fast Glue Isn’t Always Strong Glue
Here’s the catch: the more cyanoacrylate in the glue, the faster it reacts to moisture, meaning it cures quicker. While that might sound great, there’s a downside. The faster a cyanoacrylate-based glue dries, the more brittle the bond becomes. If the glue comes into direct contact with moisture, it can even shock polymerize, causing that white residue you may have seen before on lash extensions.
Now, let’s assume your room humidity is perfect, and the glue is drying at exactly the speed it should. That’s great, but it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear just yet
Using glue that’s too fast for your application speed means it could start curing between the time you dip your lash and when you place it on the natural lash. If this happens, the glue won’t form a strong bond, even if your room conditions are spot on and your lash prep is flawless.
Find the Glue That Matches Your Speed
Here’s a tip: instead of reaching for the fastest glue on the shelf, time yourself. Seriously—take a few minutes to track how long it takes you to dip the lash and place it onto the natural lash. That will give you a good idea of what drying time you actually need.
At the end of the day, the best glue for you isn’t necessarily the fastest one. Ultimately, the strongest and best lash glue for you is the one that creates a strong bond between the extensions and the natural lashes in your specific working conditions and at your application speed. It’s tempting to go for the fastest glue on the market, but choosing a glue that’s too quick could result in weaker bonds and, in turn, unhappy clients. And we all know that’s the last thing you want!
If you know your room conditions, check out our Lash Glue Chart to find out which is the best glue for you!
