Lash Glue Holders: What to Use & When to Use It
From glue rings to palettes, stones and blossom cups — here’s your ultimate guide.
As a lash artist, you've probably tried every glue holder under the sun — glue rings, palettes, stones, tape, blossom cups… but what’s the actual difference, and which is best for your lashing style? Let’s break it down.
Glue Rings
Best For: Classic Sets & Handmade Fans
Why Artists Love Them: Glue rings are a classic in the lash world. Lightweight, adjustable, and disposable, they’re worn on your finger for quick access to your adhesive.
Available in a variety of styles (split, non-split, deep well, shallow well), glue rings suit different lashing techniques. It's all about your personal rhythm and hand movement. Most lash artists love them for classics or handmade fans because they minimise hand travel and boost speed.
✨ Top Tip: Always replace glue rings every 15–20 minutes to keep your bond fresh and strong.
Blossom Rings
Best For: Handmade Volume Fans
Why Artists Love Them: Blossom rings are the upgrade to standard glue rings — built with special “tunnels” that help you pinch and perfect fan bases as you dip. These tunnels compress the fan slightly, helping hold the strands in place while forming a tidy base.
If you're a handmade volume lover, this is your glue ring's more refined cousin.
Glue Palette
Best For: Classic & Handmade Lash Sets
Why Artists Love It: Over-pourers, this one’s for you. With tear-shaped wells that portion your glue dots perfectly, palettes help avoid waste while keeping your lash station neat.
But here’s the catch: never pour new glue near old glue. The fumes from the cured drop can prematurely cure your fresh one! Use the other side of the palette or cure the old drop before refreshing.
⚠️ Not ideal for premades — there's nowhere to tap excess glue, which can lead to stickies.
Glue Stone (aka Betty’s Fave!)
Best For: Premade Fans
Why Artists Love It: Cool, flat, and long-lasting — glue stones help slow down the curing of glue drops thanks to their naturally chilled surface.
Glue stones come in jade, crystal, marble, and other materials, but never pour glue directly on them. Always use a glue sticker or paper tape on top. This not only protects your stone but also makes cleanup easy.
👉 Ideal for premade fans, where tapping the base is key for avoiding retention issues.
🔟 Top 10 Tips for Using Lash Extension Adhesive Like a Pro
Shake it like you mean it. Use a glue shaker or shake for at least 30 seconds before use to mix ingredients properly.
Don’t mix old and new glue dots. Old glue gives off fumes that will cure new glue faster — and ruin retention.
Don’t tap off on eye pads. This exposes clients to unnecessary chemicals and can trigger sensitivity.
Store glue and bonder separately. Bonder fumes will prematurely cure your glue, shortening its shelf life.
Refresh your glue dot every 15–20 minutes. Don’t wait for stringiness — change it before it changes on you.
Match the glue to your room conditions. Check humidity and temperature recommendations on the label — they’re not just suggestions!
Use less glue. More glue = more problems (like stickies and irritation).
Tap that base. If clients are returning with glue blobs, it's time to start tapping before you place.
Always ‘burp’ your glue. Gently squeeze out air before capping. Wipe the nozzle to prevent buildup and keep it fresh.
Know what’s inside. If a product doesn’t list ingredients or isn't AICIS-registered, don’t use it. Protect yourself and your clients.
Final Thoughts
No matter what tool you use to hold your glue, the goal is the same: optimal retention, faster application, and client safety.
Not sure which tool is right for your sets? Reach out to The Lash Store HQ — we're here to help you choose what suits your style, speed, and skill level.