Clear vs Black Lash Glue: Is Clear Lash Glue Better Than Black or Vice Versa?

Many lash artists have their go-to eyelash extension glue, but if you are newer to lashing (or even just going off common misconceptions) you might assume clear or black lash glue perform differently. Maybe one dries faster? Maybe one holds longer? It’s also easy to think that one might be “better” than the other.

Well, is clear lash glue better than black? While all adhesives vary, in reality, the only real difference between the two is the color, and one key ingredient.

Let’s break down the real differences between clear vs black lash glue.

Overview of Black Eyelash Glue

To get into the basics of black vs clear lash glue, let’s start with the ingredients in eyelash glue. Black lash glue contains the same core ingredients found in all eyelash adhesives: cyanoacrylate and stabilizer, with the addition of carbon black for color. Carbon black is also used in eyeliner and mascara, and gives the adhesive its deep black finish.

Out of the 6 PLA Adhesives, 5 of them are black — Onyx, Pearl, Fusion, Matrix and Flex.

Overview of Clear Eyelash Glue

Clear lash glue is made without carbon black. Its cyanoacrylate and stabilizer, which dry completely transparent. This makes it ideal for color lashes, including brown lashes.

Between clear or black lash glue, clear adhesive is also a great option for any clients that may have sensitivities to the carbon black pigment, offering the same reliable bond without the color.

PLA has one clear adhesive, Halo.

Clear vs Black Lash Glue: What’s the Difference Between These Adhesives?

The only real difference when we are talking about the basics of black vs clear lash glue, is the presence of carbon black in black adhesives. Aside from that, the structure and chemistry of the adhesives are essentially the same.

Performance characteristics like cure time and viscosity of adhesives wouldn’t necessarily be different in clear lash glue vs black lash glue. These characteristics are not due to the color, but the balance and concentration of the ingredients.

Color Visibility During Application

One difference between clear vs black lash glue, is visibility during application. Since clear glue is translucent, it can make depth perception when dipping and placing a little trickier, especially if you’re a beginner.

Does Black Eyelash Glue Dry Clear, Though?

Short answer, no. Black glue dries black. If you are looking for an invisible finish, you will need to stick with a clear adhesive.

Client Sensitivity and Irritation Potential

When choosing between clear vs black lash glue, is one better than the other for sensitive clients? The answer is yes, but it’s not that simple.

If you have a sensitive client and are wondering if you should use black vs clear lash glue, clear can be a safer choice due to its lack of carbon black, which some sensitive clients can have a reaction to. However, if a client is sensitive to the main ingredient of lash extension glue, cyanoacrylate, they are not a good candidate for lash extensions overall. 

Always check with clients about sensitivities beforehand, and consider a patch test, this way you don’t have to worry about doing a lash removal process if your client has an allergic reaction.

Dry Time and Humidity Behavior

When comparing clear lash glue vs black glue, it’s important to understand that one is not better or faster than the other based on color alone. The dry time (or cure time) and performance of an adhesive have nothing to do with whether it’s clear or black. Instead, these factors are determined by the adhesive’s ingredient composition—specifically the balance of cyanoacrylate, stabilizer and carbon black.

Both clear or black lash glue can have fast or slow cure times depending on the formulation. A clear adhesive can dry just as quickly (or slowly) as a black adhesive. The color itself plays no role in the speed of curing.

In the world of humidity behavior, clear vs black lash glue react similarly to humidity. In fact, humidity directly affects how quickly lash adhesive cures, regardless of the color. The more humid your lashing environment is, the faster your adhesive will cure. In low humidity, your adhesive will cure more slowly. This chemical reaction is tied to the cyanoacrylate, and is not influenced by color.

With this in mind, you shouldn’t be choosing an adhesive based on color alone. Instead, you should focus on selecting an adhesive that matches:

• Your working environment (humidity and temperature)

• Your personal skill level (fast or slow curing)

• Your lashing needs (using a thicker viscosity adhesive for ProMades)

Long story short, choosing the right adhesive for you isn’t about the color of your adhesive.

Compatibility With Lash Styles

When it comes to certain lash styles, is clear lash glue better than black? Let’s get into it.

For traditional black lash sets, both clear and black adhesives can be used with great results. When working with colored lashes, we recommend using clear adhesive.

So Is Clear Lash Glue Better Than Black?

Between clear vs black lash glue, is one better than the other? I bet you could guess our answer. Both adhesives are great when paired with the right set and technique, but one is not better than the other. It just depends on preference. 

Pick the Perfect Eyelash Extension Glue at PLA Pro!

At PLA, we offer both black and clear adhesives, and many other eyelash extension supplies to suit every artist’s needs, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. 

As one of the top private label lash suppliers and wholesale eyelash extension suppliers, we are proud to deliver adhesives and lash products trusted by pros around the world.

Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Black vs Clear Lash Glue

When it comes down to it, the main difference between clear and black lash adhesive is more visual than functional. Other than those sensitive clients, choosing the right adhesive for you, regardless of color will make the biggest difference.