The What, Why, and How of Stringy Lash Glue

When it comes to your lash extension kit, nothing is more crucial than fresh Lash Glue. Using expired or improperly stored eyelash extension glue can lead to a stringy, goopy mess, which is a recipe for poor retention and unhappy clients. Let’s break down what stringy lash glue is, why it happens, and how you can avoid it.

What is Stringy Lash Glue?

If your lash extensions adhesive starts feeling or looking stringy or gloopy, it’s a sign that something’s gone wrong. Lash glues have a shelf life, and once they expire their consistency can change dramatically. If you’re thinking about using that old bottle "just one more time...", think again. Expired glue isn’t just unprofessional—it’s unsafe.

Stringy Consistency: What It Means

You might have heard terms like "gloopy" or "stringy" when it comes to eyelash extensions glue. This refers to a thick, sticky consistency that makes it tough to work with. If you notice this, it’s a sign that your lash adhesive has expired and needs to be swapped out immediately. Every London Lash Glue has a specific consistency, and once it changes, it won’t perform properly.

It’s important to note that if you’re using a Jade Stone (which we recommend over glue rings), your lash glue drop may become stringy after about 15 minutes. This is normal—just dispense a fresh drop of glue. However, if your glue is stringy right out of the bottle, it’s time for a new one.

So, what does stringy lash glue actually look like? Below we have a clear image that shows it perfectly — a lash extension being pulled away with a string of glue still attached. This sticky, stringy consistency can sometimes be hard to spot when you're just dispensing a fresh glue dot, but seeing it in action makes it unmistakable. If you notice your glue behaving like this, it's a sure sign that it’s time to swap it out for a fresh bottle.

My Glue Was Fresh Yesterday—It’ll Be Okay Today

You might be tempted to use your glue for just one more day if it seemed fine the day before. However, stringy lash adhesive can lead to poor lash retention or even cause damage to your client’s natural eyelashes. It’s not just a question of aesthetics—this can be dangerous. Stringy glue is harder to control, which means you might apply too much, causing stickies, which is an industry term for when lashes stick together. Stickies aren’t just unsightly; they can lead to permanent eyelash damage.

Even if your eyelash glue seemed fresh the day before, its bonding power could deteriorate quickly. This leads to premature lash fallout, uneven sets, and ultimately, disappointed clients.

Client Reactions

Expired lash glue isn’t just bad for retention—it can also increase the risk of sensitivities and discomfort. As the adhesive ages, its chemical composition may change, making the fumes stronger. This can lead to issues with breathing and a higher risk of chemical burns. Even fresh eyelash glue emits fumes though, so be sure to work in a well ventilated environment or invest in a Glamcor Flow which blows any unwanted fumes away from you, and your clients.

How Can You Tell if Your Lash Glue Is Fresh?

Check the DOP (Date of Production), which tells you when your glue was made. You’ll find this date on the bottom of the bottle or on the aluminum pouch it arrives in. Your adhesive is good for six months from the DOP, and once opened, it should be replaced every 4-6 weeks for best results and safe practices. To keep track, label the bottle with the date you opened it on a piece of tape and set a reminder to replace it.

How to Keep Your Glue Fresh for Longer

While you can’t extend your glue’s shelf life indefinitely, proper storage will keep it fresh for as long as possible and save you money from having to repurchase a new one sooner than expected. While you can store unopened eyelash glue in its original packaging in the fridge, you should never refrigerate opened glue. This can cause condensation inside the bottle, ruining the adhesive. Once opened, glue should be stored in an Air Tight Container away from heat and sunlight. This keeps the temperature stable as well as keeping moisture away from it, which is key to maintaining its effectiveness.

Using a Glue Shaker can also help mix the ingredients quickly and thoroughly, ensuring consistent performance. Shaking the bottle manually can be tiring and time-consuming and may not always result in perfectly combined ingredients, but a lash glue shaker takes care of it in seconds. Where accessories are concerned, having a digital hygrometer on your lash trolley is essential for helping you stay on top of how your glue might be affected by your environment.

By knowing the signs and causes of stringy lash glue and how to prevent it, you can ensure flawless lash sets every time—without compromising your client’s lashes or your reputation.