Lash Glue & Humidity: The Tea Every Beginner Lash Tech Needs to Know

Okay, babies, let us have a little heart to heart. You may buy the most expensive tweezers, stock up on trays of lashes, and practise isolation till your hands hurt, but if you don't understand how lash glue and humidity interact, you'll be chasing your tail. To be honest, it's one of those things that every newbie should start doing right away—otherwise, you'll end up with shaky retention, sticky sets, and customers wondering why their lashes are falling out before payday.

Does this sound dramatic? It is not. Glue is fundamental to our trade, and it is far more delicate than most people realise. Let's break it down in easy steps.

Why Humidity & Temperature Matter 

Your lash glue is a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive (a fancy name for "it reacts with moisture"). This implies that as soon as it comes into contact with a lash in the appropriate environment, it begins to heal. However, if the humidity and temperature in your lash room are not consistent, the glue becomes confused and does not function properly.

• Insufficient humidity or too cold: Your glue will take forever to set. That means you're sitting there with a lash in place, hope it sticks, and quietly swearing under your breath. Worse, because it dries slowly, lashes can move around or become trapped together—a nightmare.
• Too much humidity / too hot: The glue sets way too rapidly, before you have a chance to properly position it. What happens? It creates a crusty tiny ball at the base or "pops off" the natural lash within a few days. In any case, your customer will not be pleased.

So, yes, the environment important. Big time. 

The Goldilocks Zone

Think of lash glue like your fussy mate who only drinks oat milk lattes at exactly 68 degrees. Most lash adhesives are happiest in the sweet spot of around 40–60% humidity and 18–24°C temperature. Stray too far outside that, and you’ll be fighting a losing battle.

That’s why seasoned lash artists bang on about hygrometers and thermometers. They’re not just cute desk gadgets—they’re lifesavers. Pop one on your lash trolley and you’ll know straight away if your room is lash-glue friendly or if you need to tweak things. 

How to Tame Your Lash Room

Don't be concerned if your lash space feels like the Sahara one day and the Arctic the next—this occurs. Here is what you can do.

• Is it too dry? Get a humidifier. Even a cheap tiny one from Amazon can keep your room damp.
• Is it too humid? A dehumidifier, or even a bag of moisture absorber (such as silica packets), might help balance things out.
• Too hot or cold? Portable fans and warmers are the finest companions. Just keep the airflow gentle—you don't want gusts blowing your glue drop dry before it reaches the lash.

Basically, treat your room as if your client's lashes depended on it—which they do. 

Why Beginners Should Care

Here's the thing: when you first start out, it's tempting to blame yourself for every set that doesn't last. "Maybe my placement's rubbish?" "Maybe I'm not quick enough?" However, half of the time, the adhesive is misbehaving because the atmosphere is not right. Knowing this from the start saves you months of self-doubt and a lot of discarded merchandise.

Plus, if you understand humidity and glue, you can pick adhesives that are appropriate for your location. Some glues dry quickly and prefer higher humidity levels, while others are more forgiving and may tolerate drier environments. It's similar to dating: pick someone who complements your personality. 

So, if you're a rookie lash technician reading this, don't underestimate adhesive science. Humidity and temperature may not seem spectacular, but they are the secret sauce for perfect retention. Get a hygrometer and maintain your room in the Goldilocks zone. You'll notice the change right away.

Because nothing makes me happier than seeing a customer return for an infill with the majority of their lashes still intact. That's when you know you've got it—and it all starts with knowing your adhesive.