UV Lash Glue: 7 Ways to Get Better Retention
UV / LED lash glue has changed how a lot of artists work. It stays workable until you cure it, then cures in about half a second under the lamp, so you can place each extension precisely without racing the clock. But it behaves differently to traditional glue, and a few habits make a big difference to retention.
1. Prep is still everything
Oil, makeup and dead skin stop any glue from bonding. Cleanse the natural lashes thoroughly before every appointment (our Foaming Cleanser is gentle enough for this), then prime and let the lashes dry fully.
2. Use the right amount of glue
Too much glue makes a heavy, uneven bond; too little leaves the base exposed. Dip just the base of the extension so the glue covers the bonding area without beading.
3. Cure every extension properly
UV glue only sets where light reaches it. Hold the lamp at the distance your lamp's maker recommends and cure for the full time, rather than flashing the light across the whole eye at once. LASHGAME UV / LED glues cure in about 0.5 seconds per extension.
4. Check your lamp matches your glue
UV / LED glues cure at specific light wavelengths. If extensions feel tacky after curing, check that your lamp is compatible with the glue and that the bulb or LEDs aren't fading.
5. Protect your client's eyes
Always use eye pads under the lower lashes and keep your client's eyes closed during curing. Lint-free eye pads also stop fibres getting caught in the bond.
6. Store glue properly
Keep UV glue sealed and out of light between uses, as daylight can start curing it in the bottle. Store it upright, away from heat, and use it within 2 weeks of opening for the best bond.
7. Send clients home with the right aftercare
UV glue is strong, but oils and rubbing still weaken any bond. Give clients a lash-safe routine: cleanse every 2–3 days, avoid oil-based products near the eyes, and brush lashes gently each morning.
Which UV glue should I choose?
- Black UV / LED Lash Glue 1 second: dries black for a defined lash line and cures in about half a second.
- Purple Violet UV / LED Lash Glue: dries clear instead of black, for a bond that disappears into the lash line.
