Is it Safe to Use Hair Glue for Eyelashes?

Last updated on October 16th, 2023 at 12:13 pm

Many women and even some salons use hair glue to fix their lashes which works, but it is not the best glue for lashes. Hair glue is quite similar to a lot of the eyelash glues available so that it will hold your lashes in place for a while.

The main problem is that the composition of hair glue is not the same as that of the eyelash glue.

Is hair glue safe for eyelashes?

The composition of hair bonding glue includes latex and ammonia hydroxide- hence the bad smell. Many people are allergic to latex, so if you use this glue on your eyes, you should expect a negative reaction.

The ammonia is also not safe for use near your eyes regardless of whether or not you have sensitive eyes. A hair bonding glue is also too strong for use on your eyelashes, so don’t be surprised when your natural lashes reduce.

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Can you use Elmer’s glue or super glue for lashes?

No, you should not. Both Elmer’s glue as well as super glue are made for crafts and should not be to on your eyes.

They are too strong for your lashes and will likely cause you to lose a lot of your natural eyelashes and will also irritate your eyes and skin.

Check this too: How many times can you use false eyelashes?

When either of these glues come into contact with your lash line or your eyes they instantly irritate it. Prolonged use of these glues can lead to chemical pink eye, impaired sight and even blindness in some cases.

Don’t lose your eyesight for using the wrong glue for eyelashes. There are plenty of safe tubes of eyelash glues that you can use and are safe for your eyes.

Bottom-line, you should not use any product on your eyes other than the best eyelash glue to apply lashes.

Ensure that you only buy original eyelash glue. Counterfeits can also irritate; hence they are just as bad as all the other glues that you shouldn’t use.

You can look into magnetic eyelash extensions if you want to explore alternatives to glue-based fake lashes.

If you would love to grow your natural lashes, you can check out this post we did on the best oils to grow eyelashes.

Check this too: How to get eyelash glue off the skin

Alternatives to hair glue for eyelashes

The best alternatives to using hair glue are magnetic lashes and self-adhesive lashes. Below are other options you may consider as a last resort if you must have add-on eyelashes.

Magnetic Lashes

These lashes use a magnetic eyeliner to attach eyelashes to your eyelashes. All you do is apply the magnetic eyeliner to your eyelids and then attach the eyelash to it.

And because you are not using any glue to attach the false eyelashes, they tend to feel much lighter and natural. And they are relatively easy to remove, unlike using glue.

Self-Adhesive Eyelashes

These eyelashes come with an adhesive strip that sticks to your lashes. All you do is apply the lashes directly onto your eyes. However, they only last a few hours before the adhesive stops being sticky.

Lash Extensions

If you must have false eyelashes but do not want to fiddle with hair glue, you can get professionally installed lash extensions that tend to last 4-6 weeks. This will give you an enhanced look without worrying about applying the lashes every day or week.

DIY Glue

As a last resort, you can make your eyelash glue using common ingredients that you can easily find. However, this option is not viable if you have sensitive skin.

The ingredients include;
  • Non-toxic white glue
  • Sugar (2 tbsp)
  • Raw/ Organic Honey
  • Water (2 tbsp)
Steps
  1. Heat the sugar and water to form a sugar syrup.
  2. Add the honey and glue once the syrup is cool and mix until you create a homogenous mixture.
  3. Then, wait for it to cool before using it.
  4. This will also help it thicken and become stickier.
  5. Test the glue on your hand to see if you will react to it before using it on your eyes.

Note: DO NOT try this if you have sensitive skin or are prone to eczema flare-ups, anaphylaxis reactions, and contact dermatitis.

How long does hair glue last on lashes?

Hair glue can last for 3 to 4 days on your eyelashes. This is because hair glue is designed to last for a week to a month. As such, it gives a much stronger bond compared to eyelash glue.

How to remove hair glue from eyelashes

To remove the hair glue from your eyelashes, follow the steps below;

  • Soak your eyelashes with warm water.
  • Apply castor oil or any other oil with a cotton swab to the base of your eyelashes.You can also use an oil-based makeup remover.
  • Wait for five minutes to allow the oil to dissolve the glue.
  • Then remove the fake lashes using a tweezer.
  • If fake lashes are not coming off quickly, gently heat the lash line with a blow dryer to melt the weave glue.
  • Then wash your false eyelashes using a cleansing shampoo to remove any remaining hair glue.

Note: you can also use hair glue remover, acetone, hair oil, or conditioner. However, most of these products contain ingredients that may be too harsh for the skin around the eyes. As such, do not attempt to use any of these options if you have sensitive skin.

Can hair glue damage your eyes?

Yes. Most hair glues contain latex and ammonia, which are highly allergenic and can be too strong for the skin around the eyes, especially for people with sensitive skin, eczema, or prone to contact dermatitis.

Additionally, since eyelashes are finer than hair, the hair glue may cause your lashes to break off. Lastly, the chemicals in the hair glue may damage your eyelash hair follicles and prevent them from growing after they fall off.