Lash Extension Glue

The natural eyelashes can have semi-permanent lash extensions attached to each strand with a special glue, usually a cyanoacrylate adhesive. These lash extensions can last for 6 to 8 weeks, unlike the temporary ones.

Cyanoacrylate (80-95% e.g. ethyl, methyl, butyl, ethoxyethyl, or octyl cyanoacrylate) 

The cyanoacrylate adhesive has a unique curing property that makes it dry quickly and hold the lashes firmly for several weeks. It is the main ingredient of all professional lash extension glue and the base material for all fast-curing glue. All types of eyelash extension glue, even those for sensitive or allergic eyes, contain cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate is in the form of monomers when it is liquid. When it comes in contact with water or air moisture, the monomers polymerize and join to bond surfaces together. It is a rapid-acting glue that sets and hardens in seconds. Cyanoacrylate can irritate the skin and eyes when it is liquid or when its vapors are breathed in. Once cyanoacrylate is dried, it is harmless.

Methyl methacrylate (5-10% of PMMA or acrylic resin)

The agent that creates a durable, solid bond is poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA). PMMA makes the lashes stay in place for a long time. PMMA is a thickening agent in the lash extension glue that strengthens cyanoacrylate and helps it stick to a lash extension

Carbon black or black food coloring

Lash adhesives are colored black with carbon black in 99.9% of cases. For those who are allergic to carbon black, food coloring is used instead, because very few people react to food color compared to carbon black allergy

Allergies to glue based on cyanoacrylate are very rare, but some clients may have them. Most people can use semi-permanent lash extensions without any negative reactions. Before applying lash extensions, always do a patch test to check for possible allergies. A patch test means applying the glue on a different skin area away from your eyes or face to make sure you won’t have any irritation or allergic reaction.

You can use an oil-based eye makeup remover or an oily substance like coconut oil to loosen semi-permanent extensions if needed. But removing semi-permanent lashes at home could make you pull out your natural lashes. A licensed professional should remove semi-permanent lashes if you can.