The Sticky Truth: How to Check for Lash Stickies Like a Pro

Accuracy is crucial for lash artists. Even if you find the greatest curls, isolate correctly, and map wonderfully, your entire set may suffer if you omit one important step. We are referring to lash stickies—tiny, knotted errors that can cause pain, harm, and dissatisfied customers.

Let's examine what lash stickies are, how to spot them, and—above all—how to avoid getting them in the first place.

What Are Lash Stickies? 

When do Lash Stickies occur?

• Two natural lashes are joined with adhesive.
• An adjacent natural lash has a lash extension adhered to it.
• An unintentional link between the top and bottom lashes (also known as a top-to-bottom stickie)

While they may seem minor, stickies can cause: 

• Pain from unequal lash growth
• Natural lash damage
• Early shedding
• Low retention
• Inflammation of the eyes

To put it another way, they're a major thing, and the secret to becoming a reputable, knowledgeable lash specialist is to avoid them. 

Why Checking for Stickies Is So Important 

Checking for stickies after application is a must, even if you are confident in your isolation strategy. It guarantees a pleasant, long-lasting set, safeguards the health of your client's lashes, and demonstrates expertise. 

How to Check for Lash Stickies (Step-by-Step) 

Here’s how to check for lash stickies effectively—without ruining your set: 

1. Wait for the Adhesive to Cure 

Make sure your lash adhesive has completely dried before checking; this usually takes one to two minutes, depending on the glue and humidity levels. Too early contact with damp lashes might cause them to move or come loose.

2. Use Isolation Tweezers 

Using clean, precision tweezers, gently isolate each lash extension and move it side to side. If it doesn't move freely, it’s likely stuck to another lash. 

3. Check from Different Angles 

Examine under the lash line using a lash mirror. Examine from above, side, and below. Stickies often hide in places you can't see from one angle alone.

4. Work in Sections 

Sort the lash line into inner, middle, and outside zones, then examine each one separately. This guarantees that no lashes are missed and keeps you organised.

5. Separate Any Stickies Gently 

If you come upon a sticky:

• Gently separate the lashes with two pairs of lash tweezers.
• To prevent irritation or tugging, support the natural lash.
• Be patient; hurrying might result in lash loss. 

Types of Lash Stickies to Watch For

• Lash-to-lash stickies are made by adhering two natural lashes together.
• Extension-to-natural stickies: When an extension unintentionally adhered to a natural lash in the vicinity
• Top-to-bottom stickies: When the client opens their eyes, the upper and lower lashes are stuck together, causing pinching.
• Extension clumps: When many extensions adhere to one another, generally due to excessive adhesion

How to Prevent Lash Stickies 

• Before applying any lashes, thoroughly isolate each one.
• Apply just the correct quantity of glue—not too much!
• Before putting the extension on, give the adhesive a moment to cure.
• To prevent overlap, work in layers.
• Verify your work twice both during and after the set.

Pro Tip: To identify problems early rather than waiting until the very end, some lash artists like to check for stickies after every 20 to 30 lashes. 

Small yet powerful, stickies have the power to make or ruin a lash set. You may demonstrate to your clients that you value their lash health by spending a few more minutes checking and separating them.

It's important to keep in mind that perfect lash job involves more than simply appearances; it also involves feeling, checking, and preventing. And a lash that has been de-stickied? The gold standard is that.