Why Are My Eyelashes Sticking Together? Causes, Solutions, and Prevention

From natural lashes to lash extensions, there are so many reasons why your lashes might be sticking together. Even a mild case of tangles can progress into a severe annoyance involving lash loss or eye irritation, especially if you let your lashes stay stuck. 

So whether they’re temporarily intertwined or glued with lash adhesive, you need to know what’s happening and how to fix it.

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Clumpiness is a common issue with volumizing mascara because they tend to have more viscous formulas or dense mascara wands that don’t separate lashes well. Sleeping with mascara residue could also make your lashes stick together, so you should also consider whether you’re removing your makeup thoroughly at night. 

Mascara isn’t the only makeup product that can cause lashes to stick together. Eyeliner (especially liquid eyeliner) and eyelash glue can also get in your lashes and cause them to stick.  

3. “Gunk” Buildup 

Our skin and eyes both secrete fluids that can get trapped in the lashes and cause them to stick together. 

The skin secretes oils and sheds dead skin cells, while the eyes produce tears and mucus to keep them clean and moist. It doesn’t take much buildup for the sticky and sometimes invisible layer to form, especially if you don’t cleanse your eyes often. 

4. Infections

The most unpleasant reason why your lashes might be sticking together is an eye or skin infection. There are quick a few eye infections that can lead to a discharge from the eyes which can cause the lashes to stick to one another. If this is the underlying reason for your lashes sticking together, however, you have bigger issues and should see a doctor as soon as possible. 

5. Bad Lash Extension Technique 

If you notice that your lashes are sticking together after you’ve gotten professional lash extensions, it might be a problem. One of the worst mistakes a novice lash technician can make is to attach one extension lash or cluster to a few natural lashes. 

This ends up leading to clumpy and messy lash extensions. It also puts a lot of pressure on the natural lashes, potentially leading to lash loss. 

This usually happens because the technician doesn’t isolate the lashes properly during the application, but it may also be an issue with over-using glue. Uncertified lash artists sometimes use false eyelash flares instead of real extension lashes but apply them with non-compatible extension adhesive. This can also cause major issues with lashes sticking together and shedding. 

• Comb your lashes. You can use any lash comb or clean spoolie to gently detangle both natural lashes and extensions. This is the first and easiest solution in cases where your lashes get tangled together. You can also comb your lashes before and after applying your mascara to prevent lashes from sticking together from makeup. 
• Don't rub your lashes in an attempt to separate them - this can lead to lash loss. Always use a spoolie or lash brush. 
• Clean your lashes with a gentle cleanser. This will help if your lashes are sticking together because of mascara residue or regular eye discharge. You can use a gentle baby shampoo or pick up a dedicated lash shampoo. 
• Use a strong makeup remover to get rid of water-proof makeup or leftover lash glue that might be causing your lashes to stick together. 
• Switch to mascara with a thinner formula, and that is advertised as separating or non-clumping.
• Sleep on your back to avoid friction and rubbing against your eyes. If you can’t change your sleeping position, you can buy a 3D eye mask to protect your lashes from tangling instead. 
• Speak to your doctor if you think your lashes might be sticking together due to some sort of eye infection or if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort as a result of your lashes sticking together. 

For Eyelash Extensions

• Choose your technician wisely to avoid getting sticky lashes in the first place. Look at photos and read reviews - an experienced stylist knows how to isolate lashes correctly. 
• Comb and cleanse your extensions on a daily basis as part of your lash extension aftercare. This will not only help to prevent your lash extensions from getting tangled or sticky, but it’ll also help maintain their longevity and fluffiness. 
• If you do have a lot of “sticky” lashes where one extension fiber or cluster is attached to multiple lashes, get your extensions professionally removed. Otherwise, you’re at risk of losing some of your natural lashes. 

For Lash Technicians 

• Practice your lash isolation technique as much as you can on models or mannequins. It’s very important to master this technique to avoid sticky lashes and to maintain the health of your client’s natural lashes. 
• Use a minimal amount of glue. Using too much adhesive can also lead to lashes sticking together and put your client at risk of eye irritation. 
• Don’t lash adjacent lashes. Instead, apply your next extension a few lashes over or even to the other eye. This will give the adhesive a little more time to dry down and prevent two spots of fresh glue from sticking to one another. 
• Separate lashes stick together immediately if you do notice it happening as you lash. You can use a little bit of adhesive remover to separate them.