Glue Dots on Natural Lashes: What They Are, What Causes Them, and How to Avoid Them
If you’ve ever noticed small blobs of glue left on a client’s natural lashes after their extensions fall off, you're dealing with glue dots. They’re common in the lash world, but understanding why they happen and how to prevent them is key to clean, long-lasting lash sets.
Let’s break it down for you.
What Are Glue Dots?
Glue dots are the residual adhesive blobs that remain on the natural lash after a lash extension has fallen off. It’s a sign that the glue was strong enough to hold onto the natural lash, but the bond between the extension and glue was compromised.
This means:
- The extension detached.
- The glue remained stuck to the client’s natural lash.
- The lash artist’s adhesive is likely working, but the technique may need tweaking.
What Causes Glue Dots?
The main reason glue dots occur is due to poor bonding at the time of application. Here’s how it usually happens:
When you dip the base of the lash extension into adhesive, a small droplet forms. If you then place that extension directly onto the natural lash without adjusting, the extension sits on top of the glue bubble. This creates a "floating" lash that hasn't adhered to a flat surface, weakening the bond from the beginning.
💡 Result: The glue stays behind while the extension pops off later.
How to Avoid Glue Dot: Use the | Pick–Dip–Tap–Place Technique
The best way to eliminate glue dots is to flatten your glue droplet before placing the extension.
Step-by-step:
- Pick up your lash extension.
- Dip into the adhesive.
- Tap off the excess glue on the tape, NOT ON THE LASH PAD!
- Place the extension onto the natural lash.
This tapping motion flattens the glue droplet, removing excess adhesive and creating a tighter, cleaner bond with the natural lash.
Important Note for New Lash Artists
Don’t panic if you see glue dots on one client — it doesn’t necessarily mean your technique is wrong. If glue dots were a consistent problem, you’d see them across all your clients.
If it's just happening with one client, it’s likely an isolated issue, and here’s how you can troubleshoot it:
Ask Your Client These Questions:
-
Do you pick at your lashes?
Picking breaks the bond and often causes the extension to pop off while leaving the glue behind. -
Do you sleep on your face?
Face-sleeping creates pressure on the lashes and can dislodge them unevenly. -
Do you use makeup wipes or oil-based removers?
These products can weaken the extension bond over time. -
When applying skincare, do you avoid your eyes or rub over them?
Creams and cleansers near the lash line can interfere with retention.
By asking these questions, you can help identify the root cause and educate your client with personalised aftercare advice.
Final Thoughts
Glue dots may be small, but they tell a big story. They're usually a sign of strong adhesive paired with improvable technique or client habits. With a slight adjustment — like tapping your glue before placement — you can significantly reduce glue dots and enhance retention. 1-3 glue dots are permissible, having MANY then change needs to occur.
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📍 Visit us in-store to explore our full range of lash adhesives, tools, and accessories — or reach out anytime if you have questions about your lash sets, retention, or application techniques. We’re always happy to help!
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