Lash Adhesive Part Three: Understanding Cyanoacrylate Adhesives

CYANOACRYLATE ADHESIVES: Lash Artists do not use conventional glue. Cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives are actually acrylic resins.

HOW IT WORKS: Cyanoacrylate Adhesives do not dry, but cure instantly on contact with its intended target as it interacts with moisture in the air around you. When we expose Cyanoacrylates to water, the molecules form a tightening chain that becomes a strong holding matrix, called polymerization. Polymerization needs some moisture: natural humidity in the air or by using a humidifier or Nano mister.

Cyanoacrylate is formulated to set uniformly – the amount of adhesive applied is key a reason in whether, how, or when you can use a Nano mister. With too much adhesive, a Nano mister could cause shock curing, or not curing uniformly resulting in a weak, cracked bond (failure)

Some adhesives are thinner, some thicker – often modified with rubber polymers to increase flexibility and resilience. Thicker high viscosity allows more re-positioning time/placement correction, while thinner formulas have immediate grab or tack.

Always use the thinnest, most uniform coating necessary. Apply to one of 2 clean surfaces, hold together with moderate pressure until initially set (the placement and release of an extension to a natural lash).