As a lash artist, one of the most common challenges you’ll face is dealing with lash extension stickies—when multiple lash extensions accidentally bond together, forming clumps. These “stickies” can cause issues for both you and your client, including uneven lash lines, discomfort, and poor retention. Fixing stickies is a crucial skill every lash artist must master. But it’s equally important to know how to fix them safely without damaging the natural lashes.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to effectively separate lash extensions, avoid common mistakes, and prevent damage to your client’s natural lashes. You’ll also find tips on using the best products for lash separation, including Aki Lashes' professional-grade tools and products that can make this process smoother and safer.
Why Lash Extension Stickies Happen
Common Causes of Stickies
Before we dive into the steps for fixing stickies, it’s helpful to understand why they happen in the first place. Stickies can occur due to several reasons, including:
- Excess glue: Applying too much adhesive can cause the extensions to bond together, leading to stickies.
- Incorrect isolation: If natural lashes aren’t isolated properly, multiple lashes can be glued together by mistake.
- Premature adhesive curing: If the adhesive hasn’t dried completely before placing another lash, the extension may accidentally bond to the neighboring lash.
Understanding these causes is the first step to preventing stickies, but when they do happen, knowing how to fix them properly is essential.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Stickies
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before taking action, examine the stickies carefully. Are they affecting multiple lashes, or is it just one or two extensions? If it’s a minor sticky, it might be easier to fix without removing the entire extension. If several extensions are stuck together, a more thorough approach may be necessary.
Step 2: Isolate the Sticky Lashes
Proper isolation is key when fixing stickies. You’ll need to isolate the sticky lash extensions to separate them without causing damage to the natural lashes.
- Use precision tweezers to carefully isolate the extensions that are stuck together. Be sure to gently hold each lash to avoid pulling on the natural lashes.
- Aki Lashes’ premium isolation tweezers are designed to make this process easier, offering you a precise grip and reducing the risk of pulling natural lashes in the process.
Step 3: Use a Gentle Removal Solution
Next, you’ll need a product designed to break the adhesive bond without damaging the lashes. Gentle lash extension remover is essential here, as it softens the glue without harming natural lashes.
- Apply a small amount of remover to a microbrush or cotton swab and carefully apply it to the areas where the extensions are stuck.
- Allow the remover to sit for about 30 seconds, then gently wiggle the extensions apart. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this could damage the natural lashes.
Aki Lashes offers lash adhesive removers that work efficiently to dissolve the glue without compromising the health of natural lashes.
Step 4:Separate the Lash Extensions
Once the adhesive has softened, gently separate the stuck lashes with tweezers. Start from the base of the lash and work your way to the tip. Be patient during this process, as rushing can cause damage.
- Use a fine-tipped tweezer to avoid squeezing and potentially damaging the natural lashes.
- Move carefully, ensuring each extension is properly separated and isolated from the others.
Step 5: Clean and Reapply Extensions if Necessary
After you’ve separated the lashes, clean the area to remove any remaining adhesive remover and debris. You can use a gentle lash cleanser to wash the lashes and ensure they are free from residue.
If any extensions need to be replaced, apply a new lash using the correct isolation technique and make sure the adhesive bond is secure. Ensure there’s no excess glue and the natural lash is free of any sticky residue.
Step 6: Final Check
Once all the stickies are fixed and the new extensions are applied, do a final check to ensure everything is perfectly isolated. Look for any more stuck lashes, and make sure the extensions are uniformly placed with no extra glue or debris.
Pro Tip: Always use a lash brush to comb through the extensions after fixing stickies to ensure they are neatly aligned.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing Stickies
1. Rushing the Process
One of the biggest mistakes a lash artist can make when fixing stickies is rushing. This can lead to accidentally pulling natural lashes or damaging extensions. Take your time, and don’t try to force a separation.
2. Using Harsh Chemicals
Using too much or the wrong type of adhesive remover can damage the natural lashes and cause irritation to the eyes. Always opt for a gentle, lash-safe remover like Aki Lashes' gentle adhesive remover.
3. Not Isolating Properly
Proper isolation is key to preventing stickies in the first place and fixing them safely. If you don’t isolate the lashes correctly when separating them, you could cause even more damage or create new stickies.
FAQs About Lash Extension Stickies
What causes lash extension stickies?
Lash extension stickies are caused by excessive glue, improper isolation, or premature curing of the adhesive. Stickies can also occur if a lash artist rushes through the application or doesn’t use the right tools.
How do I prevent lash extension stickies?
To prevent stickies, always isolate lashes carefully, apply the right amount of adhesive, and ensure that the glue has fully dried before applying another extension. Using high-quality adhesives, like those offered by Aki Lashes, will also reduce the chance of stickies.
Can lash extension stickies damage natural lashes?
Yes, if not fixed properly, lash extension stickies can lead to natural lash damage, premature shedding, and discomfort. Always take care when fixing stickies to prevent any harm to the natural lashes.
How do I remove lash extension stickies without damaging natural lashes?
Use a gentle adhesive remover, isolate the lashes carefully with tweezers, and gently separate the extensions without pulling. Avoid using harsh chemicals or force during the process.
Conclusion: Fix Stickies Like a Pro
Fixing lash extension stickies is a skill that requires patience, precision, and the right tools. By following the steps outlined above and using high-quality products like those offered by Aki Lashes, you can effectively separate lash extensions without causing damage to your client’s natural lashes.
Remember to always isolate properly, use the right adhesive remover, and be patient while working with your client’s lashes. If you want to perfect your lash extension techniques, consider enrolling in Aki Lashes’ training programs or shopping our premium lash products to enhance your skillset.
Ready to fix stickies like a pro? Shop Aki Lashes now or sign up for training today to level up your lash game!
