Why Do My Eyelash Extensions Stick Together? (6 Reasons)

Having beautiful eyelash extensions can be a real confidence booster. But do you ever find yourself wondering why your eyelash extensions might be sticking together? We’ve got the answer.

woman covering her face with lashes on them

6 reasons Why Your Eyelash Extensions are Sticking Together

1. Poor application

When it comes to your eyelash extensions, it’s worth taking the time to research the salon you’re looking to go to, as well as the lash technician.

Your eyes are very vulnerable, and the skin around them is delicate and prone to sensitivities.

Chemicals can be used in low-quality, cheap lash appointments, and this is more likely to result in infection or irritation.

If your eyelash extensions are applied badly, this can also result in your eyelash extensions sticking together.

You’ll be able to tell if your technician used too much glue if you’re unable to brush your lashes.

You should be able to run a clean mascara wand or spoolie through your extensions in order to detangle them, and without any discomfort.

If you can’t do this, then there may be too much glue in your extensions.

Similarly, if you’re able to see glue in your eyelash extensions when you blink your eyes, then too much glue has been used by your technician, and your extensions might end up clumping together.

2. You’ve used oil-based make-up

Oil-based make-up and eyecare will cause problems with your eyelash extensions.

Oil interacts badly with the adhesive of your extensions, and will cause it to dissolve prematurely.

You may therefore experience premature shedding, loss, or breakage of your eyelash extensions.

Take care to avoid using oil-based make-up on your extensions, or even using it around your eyes.

If you decide to wear mascara with your eyelash extensions, you need to ensure that you avoid waterproof, oil-based, fiber, or tube mascara.

All of these can cause clumping and sticking of your eyelash extensions, for various reasons.

So, if you plan to wear mascara on your extensions, always do your research and choose an appropriate formula.

You should also only apply the mascara from the mid-point of your extensions to the tips – don’t add any onto the roots of your lashes.

This might react strangely with the extensions, resulting in sticking or clumping.

3. You haven’t given them time to set

The first 48 hours following the application of your eyelash extensions are the critical period.

That’s when you need the adhesive to form a strong bond with your natural lashes so that the extensions are secure and will last as long as possible.

However, if you expose your lashes to water within this period, or you’re over-enthusiastic about touching your extensions or rubbing your eyes, then you might disrupt this process.

This could in turn cause your eyelash extensions to stick together.

4. You’ve slept strangely

If you sleep badly on your eyelash extensions, you’ll probably cause them to clump together. At the least, they may become tangled.

There are a number of ways to improve your sleep hygiene so that you aren’t at risk of causing your extensions to tangle or clump together as you get your valuable shut-eye.

5. You haven’t properly cleaned your extensions

Taking the time to properly clean and care for your eyelash extensions – no matter how tired you are – is vital.

Your eyelashes collect the dirt and debris of your surrounding environment. Combine this with make-up, and you can end up with some serious residue at the end of the day.

If you don’t take the time to clean this off your extensions carefully, this might build up into a nasty substance that could cause your extensions to clump together.

Always clean and dry your extensions using appropriate products at the end of every day.

6. The weather

High humidity can cause the adhesive of the eyelash extensions to dissolve.

The adhesive used for your eyelash extensions relies on a combination of the glue’s viscosity or stickiness, the time it’s allowed to set, and the chemicals in the glue.

If there are excessive amounts of moisture in the air – particularly during the period where your extensions are being applied, and in the 48 hours or so after your appointment – this can disrupt the bonding process.

The ideal humidity level during application is 50 – 60% – any higher, and the adhesive might cause your lashes to clump as a result.

Similarly, if you live in an area with high humidity, you might notice that your lashes become detached quicker, which can cause them to stick together awkwardly.

How To Fix Eyelash Extensions That Are Stuck Together

woman applying mascara on her eyelashes

If you think your extensions are clumping or sticking together, there are two things you can do:

1. Brush them

Grab a clean mascara wand or spoolie and gently try to brush your extensions into place.

Work carefully but thoroughly, sweeping down and away from your eyes towards the tips of your lashes in order to detangle and de-clump them.

2. Go to a salon

If the above strategy doesn’t work, you may need to head to a salon for professional help.

A technician should be able to remove any clumps in your extensions, and can perhaps advise on how to avoid them sticking together going forward.

How To Avoid Clumped Eyelash Extensions

woman brushing her eyelashes

Practice good sleep hygiene

Nailing your sleep routine when you have eyelash extensions is a great way of minimizing the risk of sticking or clumping.

If you’re comfortable doing so, it’s a good idea to sleep on your back. Sleeping on your side means that gravity may work with your weight to pull your extensions down, causing them to tangle. If you’re a front sleeper, friction with the pillowcase will also result in sticking or tangling.

If sleeping on your back isn’t an option, then aim to sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce any tugging or pulling between the fabric and your extensions.

You can also invest in a contoured sleep mask, which provides a protective cup around your eyes so that your extensions remain unencumbered as you sleep.

Purchase a dehumidifier

If you live in a humid country, then your eyelash extensions may not last as long as you’d anticipate, and you may experience some clumping.

Purchasing a humidifier to use whilst you sleep can be a way of reducing the impact that humidity might have on your eyelash extensions.

Do your research

Making the most of cheap deals and convenient appointments can come with a cost – namely, the clumping or sticking of your eyelash extensions.

You should look for a lash technician who is fully qualified and comes well reviewed so that you know you’re experiencing the best service possible.

Going for professional-level care also means that your extensions are more likely to be customized to your face, meaning that they’ll uniquely flatter your features.

There’s no point in spending money on a service that’s dissatisfactory and only requires fixing. Do your research in the first place and avoid the headache of having to fix a bad job.

Don’t use oil-based products

The number one rule of eyelash extensions is not to use anything containing heavy oils around your eyes. This includes eye cream, moisturizers, cleansers, make-up removers, and make-up itself.

Oil dissolves the adhesive of your extensions, which means that they may become tangled and stick together, or even result in premature shedding and fallout.

Always ensure you use products that are appropriate for eyelash extensions.

Regularly brush your extensions

Whether you opt for a clean mascara wand – the disposable ones you find in drugstores are ideal too – or a spoolie, you should brush your extensions every day. You should be able to do this without any discomfort.

Clean your extensions

Take the time to clean your eyelash extensions using appropriate products at the end of every day.

Allowing either make-up or the residue of the day to build up on your extensions may result in their clumping together as a result. Avoid this by thoroughly and carefully cleaning your extensions as appropriate.

Don’t get them wet

For the first 48 hours following application, do not get your eyelash extensions wet. This goes for shower water, sweat, or rain.

Any moisture might cause the adhesive to dissolve, and may result in their setting strangely or sticking together.

On that note, don’t touch your extensions in this post-application period, either. The oil on your fingers might interact with the eyelash glue and cause problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you keep your eyelashes from sticking together?

If you regularly clean and brush your extensions, and take care not to expose them to excess humidity or oil-based products, you should be able to keep them from sticking together.

How do you separate your eyelashes?

You can use either a clean mascara wand or spoolie to gently brush out your eyelashes in order to detangle them. This will work best on clean, dry eyelashes, so gently wash them in advance of brushing.