Lash lamination is a popular lash treatment that lifts and sets your natural lashes into the shape you desire. It gives a semi-permanent curl and makes your lashes look longer and more beautiful without the need for lash extensions. Unlike lash extensions, where synthetic or mink fibres are attached to your natural lashes, lash lamination lifts and sets your existing lashes in place. It’s a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance way to get voluminous lashes without the added weight of extensions.
But one of the concerns of our clients is if applying lash glue (which is used for strip lashes or classic lash extensions) can ruin the results of a lash lamination. Since lash lamination involves a chemical process that restructures the lash hairs, introducing adhesives too soon after the treatment can interfere with the results. Understanding how lash glue works with laminated lashes is key to maintaining a long-lasting and healthy lash lift.
Process
Lash lifts and laminations involve a chemical process that restructures the lash hairs to create a lifted and curled effect. This is done with a perm solution and neutralizing agent, often applied with silicon pads to shape properly. The lifting process is delicate and any interference from cosmetic products like lash glue or oil-based products can compromise the results, something students learn early in a professional lash lifting course. Proper lash aftercare is essential to keeping your lashes healthy and voluminous.
Lash technicians and lash artists use lash lift kits to do these treatments, which is why an eyelash lift course in Brisbane should cover both product chemistry and lash structure in detail. But understanding the lash growth cycle, lash fibre structure and natural lash strength is important in determining how external products like adhesives can affect the results.
The Effects of Glue
1. Disruption to the Lamination Bond
Lashes work by changing the structure of the lash hairs through a chemical process involving a perm solution, neutralizer and conditioning treatment. The adhesive bond in lash glue can interfere with this process by adding extra weight to the lashes and causing them to lose their lifted shape too soon.
Also, different curl types, such as a gentle curl or a flat curl, can be affected by the weight of adhesives especially when cluster lashes or pre-made lashes are applied. Lash technicians must be mindful of the standard in lashes to ensure the integrity of laminated lashes remains intact.
2. Ingredient Sensitivities and Allergic Reactions
Some lash glues contain harsh products such as cyanoacrylate and alcohol based products which can be cruel to chemically treated lash hairs. Sensitive clients may react or get irritated.
Repeated exposure to adhesives on clients who have had lash lamination may also cause an allergy over time. Brow stylists and lash technicians must assess a client’s sensitivity to avoid any adverse effects. The combination of harsh chemicals and adhesive bonds can weaken the lash cuticles, impact natural lash strength and cause breakage.
3. Premature Breakdown of the Lamination Treatment
The longevity of a lash lamination depends on proper lash aftercare. Applying adhesives on clients who have had a lamination, especially oily products or oil-based products can cause the lamination to break down faster. This will result in uneven or less voluminous lash effects which may require additional appointments over time.
Also, frequent use of strip lashes and extensions to bond on laminated lashes may weaken the lash follicles. Weeks between infills should be observed to allow the natural lash cycle to progress without excessive strain from adhesives.
4. Difficult Removal Process
Lash glue requires an oil-based remover for safe and effective removal. However, oil-based products should be avoided after a lash lamination as they compromise the lifting process. Incorrect removal methods can result in flat lashes, sparse lashes, or even lash fibre damage.
Using a gentle lash shampoo or lash bath can help maintain lash health and prevent damage. Lash aftercare guides often recommend avoiding eye makeup with aggressive products and following proper lash application techniques to preserve the results.
5. Brow Lamination and Eye Shape Considerations
Clients who have had an eyebrow lamination along with a lash lift will find that adhesives and cosmetic products affect both treatments. The shape of brow hairs and lash types can affect the overall look, so it’s important to use products that don’t interfere with the lifting process.
The eye shape and structure of natural lashes should also be considered when choosing an adhesive to use after lamination. Heavy adhesives can create an ugly effect especially on straight lashes or sparse lashes that need extra lift and definition.
Lash Care
To get the best results for your lash lamination:
- Don’t use lash glue for at least 24-48 hours after lamination to allow the lifting process to set.
- If you must use strip lashes after lamination, use a gentle, oil-free lash glue.
- Use a lash serum or conditioning treatment to keep lashes healthy and moisturized and promote a healthy lash cycle.
- Don’t rub or pull on your lashes too much. This can weaken the actual lash and affect the lash follicle.
- Choose the right lash techs and brow stylists who know the processing time and product function of lash lift kits, ideally practitioners who have completed a recognised eyelash lifting course.
- Consider lash weights when putting extensions on lashes to prevent too much strain on laminated lashes.
Conclusion
Lash glue won’t ruin a lash lamination immediately, but frequent use can damage the laminated lashes. If you must use strip lashes or pre-made lashes, be mindful of the type of glue and removal process to keep your natural lashes lifted and healthy for as long as possible.
Knowing the lash growth cycle and the weeks between infills will help you maintain a standard in lashes and not damage them over time. Being aware of the active ingredients, base ingredients and harsh chemicals in adhesives and eye makeup can further protect laminated lashes.
FAQ
Can I wear strip lashes after a lash lamination?
Yes, but wait at least 24-48 hours after the treatment. Using lash glue too soon can interfere with the lifting process and lash health.
Will lash glue make my laminated lashes fall out?
Lash glue itself won’t make lashes fall out, but improper removal or frequent use can weaken the lash follicle and cause breakage, especially on baby lashes and sparse lashes.
What type of lash glue is safe for laminated lashes?
Oil-free and latex-free lash glue is the safest if you need to wear strip lashes after lamination. Avoid alcohol-based products and aggressive product formulations that can interfere with the adhesive bond.
How long does a lash lamination last?
A lash lamination lasts for 6-8 weeks depending on the lash types, natural lash strength and proper lash aftercare. Oily skin or using oil-based products can shorten its lifespan.
Can I use oil-based makeup remover on laminated lashes?
No, oil-based removers will destroy the lamination. Use a gentle oil-free cleanser or lash shampoo. Follow the lash aftercare guide to keep the lift process and lashes healthy.