Many key factors go into how long lash extensions last, one of which is the lash adhesive. Lash adhesives come in different types that suit different lashing skill levels or client sensitivities.

Two of the most popular ones are clear adhesives and black adhesives. Obviously, they differ in colour, but how else are they different? When is the best time to use each?

Read on to find out.

Before we compare clear and black lash glues, we should know what ingredients are in lash adhesives.

The primary ingredient of lash glues is cyanoacrylate, a group of strong and fast-acting glues that can bond to various surfaces.

Beauty Boss Academy’s eyelash adhesives contain alkoxy-2-cyanoacrylate, giving the adhesive more flexibility in bonding to natural lashes. This flexibility enhances lash retention, making the eyelash extensions stay on natural lashes longer.

Carbon black is a crystalline ingredient that gives black adhesives their colour. Although black adhesive is the standard, it does not look as good with coloured extensions. So if you’re applying coloured extensions, it’s better to use clear adhesive, which does not contain carbon black. There is also a small percentage of the population that is allergic to carbon black, in which case, clear adhesive is always the best choice.

Question: Is eyelash adhesive waterproof? Lash extension adhesives are ‘waterproof’ in that you can get your extensions wet—let’s say to wash your face or shower—and they won’t come off as false strip lashes would. However, lash extensions still require care, so we recommend avoiding swimming with them on if possible.