Shake It or Skip It? What Every Lash Artist Needs to Know About Lash Glue Mixing

If you've ever begun applying lashes and wondered, "Why isn't this glue working the way it should?" you're not the only one. One small, frequently disregarded habit might be the cause: improperly shaking your lash extension adhesive.

Indeed, even something as basic as shaking can have a big impact on your retention.

Let's examine the importance of shaking your lash glue, the proper technique, and the potential consequences of not doing so.

Why You Should Shake Your Lash Adhesive

In summary, the science is as follows: The various components of lash extension glue (cyanoacrylate-based adhesives), such as thickening agents, pigments, and stabilisers, can gradually separate on their own.

Layers form when your glue is still, whether it's in a drawer, on a shelf, or even for a few hours. You may only be distributing a portion of the formula if you don't shake the bottle, which might result in:

• Low retention
• Slow drying period
• Unreliable bonding
• Your clients' heightened sensitivity or annoyance

Therefore, shaking your lash adhesive is really necessary, and not just once a day. 

How Often Should You Shake Lash Glue?

The frequency of use determines this section. This is a brief guide:

• Before each lash appointment: Shake for 1–2 minutes
• During long appointments (1+ hour): Re-shake every 20–30 minutes
• You just opened a new bottle? Shake extra well—ingredients separate during shipping!

Pro Tip: It's best to shake manually for one to two minutes. With an electric glue shaker, 15 to 30 seconds is generally sufficient. 

What Happens If You Don’t Shake It?

Ignoring the shaking may result in:

• Clumpy texture: Watery at the bottom, thick at the top
• Poor retention: Lash extensions come off more quickly
• Shock polymerisation, or white blooming: particularly when the glue responds to moisture in an irregular way
• Increased client sensitivity: As a result of the adhesive's active components being distributed unevenly

Basically, if your glue isn't completely combined, it won't work. 

How to Shake Lash Glue the Right Way

• Tightly cap it. Before shaking the nozzle, always make sure it is sealed.
• Make use of a lint-free cloth. To avoid heating the bottle with your hands, wrap it around it.
• Shake from side to side or vertically. Steer clear of vigorous diagonal shaking as it may block the nozzle.
• If you can, use a glue shaker. These are helpful for saving time and mixing completely.

Shake, then discharge a new drop onto a glue ring or jade stone. Clean the nozzle before recapping. 

Bonus: Storing Your Glue Matters Too

If you store your adhesive incorrectly, it can undo all of your hard work, even if you're shaking it perfectly. Don't lose your lash glue:

• In a glue storage capsule or an airtight container
• Keep away from moisture, light, and heat.
• In a dry, cold location (not the refrigerator unless the brand says so)

Real Talk for Lash Artists

We are aware of how simple it is to neglect the shake when you're rushing or managing many customers at once, but even a small change may have a significant impact on your outcomes. Increased recommendations result from happy clients and better retention. It benefits both parties. 

Does your lash glue need to be shaken? Of course. Each and every time.

It's one of the easiest routines you can develop to enhance your lash sets, safeguard your customers' eyes, and maintain the integrity of your company.

Keep your masterpiece intact by shaking it as if your lash game depends on it (because it does 😉).