How to Keep Your Lash Glue Working in a Heatwave
How to Keep Your Lash Glue Working in a Heatwave
When temperatures start climbing, it’s not just your clients who feel the heat — your lash glue does too. High temperatures and humidity can seriously impact how your adhesive performs, which means lash retention can suffer if you’re not prepared.
Hot weather speeds up the curing time of lash glue, often causing it to dry before the lash has properly bonded. The result? Poor attachment, clumping, or lashes that don’t last as long. But with a few smart adjustments to your routine, you can keep your results flawless — even when the salon feels like a sauna.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical tips to adapt your lash routine during a heatwave. From choosing the right glue to tweaking your application pace, here’s everything you need to know to stay cool and maintain perfect retention all summer long.
Before you even think about adjusting your lash glue, the first step is checking the conditions around you. Your room’s temperature and humidity have a huge impact on how your adhesive behaves — and they can shift quickly in summer.
Keep an Eye on Room Temperature and Humidity
In hot weather, lash glue tends to cure much faster than usual, which means it may dry before the lash fully bonds — especially if your space is too warm or humid.
The ideal conditions for most lash adhesives are:
- Temperature: 18–22°C
- Humidity: 40–70%
To stay within this range, use a hygrometer to monitor your lash room at all times. If things get too warm or sticky, consider using a dehumidifier, fan or even working during cooler hours of the day (where possible!).
By maintaining stable room conditions, you give your glue the best chance to perform consistently, even when it’s scorching outside.
Sometimes it’s not just the environment — your lash glue might need a seasonal switch too. What works perfectly in cooler months can become tricky when the temperature rises, so choosing the right adhesive for summer makes all the difference.
Switch to a Summer-Friendly Glue
As temperatures climb, fast-drying glues can become even faster — often too fast. This means your usual adhesive might start curing before you’ve even placed the extension, which can lead to poor attachment and weak retention.
To stay in control, try using a slightly slower-drying glue in the warmer months. Slower adhesives give you more working time, especially in high heat and humidity.
For example:
- If you normally use Bond It or Ultimate II+, try switching to Ultimate II
- If you’re already using Ultimate II, consider trying Ultimate I+
Lash Perfect’s full range of lash adhesives includes options for different conditions and drying times, so explore what suits your environment best. Making the right switch can drastically improve retention during summer.
When the weather heats up, your glue doesn’t just dry faster — it also reacts more intensely. That means even small mistakes in application can lead to clumping or poor bonding if you’re not careful.
Use Less Glue in Hot Weather
In higher temperatures, lash glue cures more quickly, so using the same amount you’d normally apply can be too much. Overloading lashes with glue in the summer often leads to stickies, clumps, or retention issues.
Instead, aim for a tiny, clean bead of glue on each extension — just enough to coat the base evenly without flooding the natural lash. Less really is more during a heatwave, and precise glue control helps ensure clean, strong bonds that last.
Practising a lighter hand with your adhesive can make a huge difference to the finished set and your client’s retention — and it’ll keep your lashes looking lightweight and flawless.
With your glue reacting faster, your timing matters more than ever. In summer, every second counts — but that doesn’t mean rushing. It means finding a pace that works with the glue, not against it.
Adjust Your Application Speed — Without Rushing
In hot conditions, your lash glue can cure up to a second faster than usual. That small shift can throw off your placement if you're not prepared. To avoid retention problems, it’s important to tweak your rhythm so you’re placing each lash just before the glue sets.
This might mean isolating lashes a little faster, or being more deliberate with how you dip and place each extension. The goal isn’t to speed through your set, but to work with more purpose and less hesitation.
Practising with your summer glue before seeing clients can help build confidence and flow. The more in tune you are with your adhesive’s behaviour, the smoother your application will be — even in the heat.
Glue doesn't just cure faster in summer — it also breaks down quicker once exposed to air. That means your usual timing for replacing your glue drop might not cut it during a heatwave.
Replace Your Glue Drop More Often
When it’s hot, lash glue oxidises faster, which can make it stringy, thick, or lose its bonding power before you even notice. If you keep using it, you risk poor retention, clumping or lashes popping off sooner than they should.
To avoid this, refresh your glue drop every 10–15 minutes, or even sooner if the texture starts to change. Keep your glue on a jade stone to help control temperature, and cover it with a glue dot cover if needed.
A fresh drop of glue means consistent performance and stronger bonds — even when the weather’s working against you.
Keeping your glue stable starts long before application — proper storage makes a huge difference in the heat. If your adhesive is exposed to high temperatures, its performance can degrade even before it reaches your client.
Store Your Glue the Right Way
In warm weather, never leave your lash glue in a hot room, car, or anywhere with direct sunlight. High heat can alter the consistency of the formula and reduce its shelf life dramatically.
The best way to protect your adhesive is to keep it in an airtight container with silica packs, stored in a cool, dry place. This helps maintain a consistent environment and reduces the risk of moisture creeping in. If you haven't picked up one yet, try the Lash Perfect Lash Locker glue storage pot - with its digital reader, it will help you keep track of temperature and humidity.
Avoid putting your glue in the fridge — sudden temperature changes and condensation can damage the product. Instead, try something purpose-built like the Lash Locker, which is designed to keep glue safe and stable in all seasons.
With the right storage, your glue stays fresh, consistent and ready to perform — even when the weather isn’t on your side.
Finishing your lash set with the right aftercare product can also support glue performance in warm weather. Even with perfect placement and timing, a final step can help ensure long-lasting retention — especially when the climate is working against you.
Seal the Deal with Cure It
Once your set is complete, using Cure It helps to seal and cure the adhesive bonds more effectively. In hot or humid conditions, it adds an extra layer of protection by accelerating the curing process without shock polymerisation.
By gently applying Cure It at the base of the extensions, you can reduce the risk of irritation, improve retention, and give your clients better results — no matter how warm it gets outside.
It’s a simple step that makes a big difference, and it only takes seconds to apply. For summer clients especially, it’s worth including as part of your regular routine.
Even with perfect technique, summer lifestyle habits can still affect retention — that’s why client education is key. A few simple tips can go a long way in helping your clients protect their lashes between appointments.
Educate Your Clients on Summer Aftercare
Hot weather means more oil, sweat, SPF and time spent in the water — all of which can impact how well lash extensions last. Make sure your clients know what to avoid and how to care for their lashes in the heat.
Key reminders include:
- Avoid applying SPF too close to the lash line, especially oil-based formulas
- Keep lashes dry for the first 24 hours, even if they’re heading straight to the beach
- Be mindful with swimming, saunas and sweat, as moisture can weaken the glue if aftercare isn't followed properly
- Cleanse regularly with a lash-safe cleanser to remove excess oil and product build-up
By offering clear, friendly guidance, you empower your clients to maintain their lashes — and keep them looking fresh until their next appointment.
Final Thoughts: Keep Cool and Lash On
Summer might bring new challenges, but with a few smart adjustments, your lash results don’t have to suffer. From tweaking your glue routine to staying aware of your salon environment, small changes can make a big impact — especially during a heatwave.
By staying in tune with your products, keeping your technique flexible and educating your clients, you can maintain top-tier retention all season long. The heat doesn’t have to slow you down — it just means working a little smarter.
Want help choosing the right summer glue? Explore the full Lash Perfect adhesive range to find your best fit — or reach out to our team for personalised advice.