How to remove eyelash extension glue...

No matter how well you do your job, there will always be times when a bit of eyelash glue will go where you don't want it to go, whether it's on your clamp, your clothes, your skin or even your client's skin. Obviously, you already know how to get it off when you remove the extensions - but how do you get eyelash extension glue off those other surfaces?

The Flawless Lashes By Loreta team are experienced trainers and have seen it all over the years! We'll show you the different techniques for removing eyelash glue and give you some tips on how to avoid the mess. Armed with the right knowledge, you will be able to stay calm - and act quickly.

How to remove eyelash glue from the skin?

If you have spilled a little glue on your skin - or a client's - don't panic, follow our simple steps:

1. Soak the affected area in water. The cyanoacrylate will thicken/harden and turn white.
2. Take a cotton towel. Using the pad, apply an approved remover such as our Cream Glue Remover following the instructions.
3. Gently wipe off the glue.
4. Wash off any traces of Cream Glue Remover with hot soapy water.

Tip! Be careful when using the Cream Glue Remover in/near sensitive areas. Depending on the location and volume of the spill, it may be safer to let the glue come off gently once it has hardened.

How do I remove the eyelash extension glue from the tweezers?

Glue on your tweezers can cause all sorts of problems for an eyelash artist; follow these tips to make sure it doesn't leak out of your lash application:

• Never use a second pair of pliers to scrape off the glue, as this can damage both pairs of pliers!
• Soak the tips in pure boiled water
• Dry with a tissue
• Use a sponge applicator to slide the hardened glue off the clamp.
• Rinse and dry before reusing.

Tip! Stainless steel pliers are the best choice as they are the easiest to clean. Coloured or patterned pliers can be damaged by the products.

Watch our quick video to see our recommended technique for removing eyelash glue from tweezers - in action!

How do I remove eyelash extension glue from clothing?

If you have glue on your clothes, don't be tempted to use harsh cleaning products that are not suitable - it is possible to remove the glue safely, without damaging the fabric. These tips will show you how.

• Put on clean clothes before trying to remove the glue.
• Use a glue remover such as Goo Gone or Sticky Stuff Remover, or use our Cream Glue Remover.
• First, try a test on an inconspicuous area
• Follow the instructions on the label
• Not suitable for silk, leather, suede or rubber.
• For these fabrics, apply heated white vinegar to the affected area.
• Leave to soak for 30 minutes, then wipe dry.

How do you remove excess glue from eyelashes?

As you become an experienced lash technician, this should not be necessary. However, if you have a little excess glue on the eyelash extensions you have just applied :

• Remove excess using a very small amount of Cream Glue Remover on a sponge applicator.
• Be sure to avoid the glue that holds the extensions in place.
• Using a dry sponge applicator, carefully remove all traces of Cream Glue Remover.

Tip! We recommend that you use a Cream Glue Remover rather than a gel or liquid because it does not drip and is easier to use in a controlled manner.

Tips for minimising glue spills

By following best practices, you can avoid putting eyelash glue where you don't want it.

• Open it insulating clip wide enough to allow you to avoid getting glue on the neighbouring lashes.
• Gently push the lash into the glue, to a maximum depth of 1 to 2 mm depending on the length of the extension.
• Uselint-free wipes to clean the tip of the eyelash glue after each use if you notice glue build-up, and use glue pins to shake out the glue.
• Keep lint-free wipes on hand while you work in case you spill glue on your work surfaces.
• Don't let glue build up on your tools while you work - clean them as soon as necessary / use a clean pair.
• Use the right adhesive for the right temperature/atmosphere
• Make sure that the safety data sheet for your adhesive is always available when you work.

That's it! Armed with these expert tips and helpful hints, you'll know exactly what to do the next time you have a leak. But keep your fingers crossed that there won't be one!