While we all know how amazing the Elleebana Original Lash Lift Adhesive is (available in brush tube or squeeze tube packaging here), we never fail to get questions about the Elleebana Strong Hold Adhesive. Why/how is it different? What to expect? Are the ingredients the same? Why does it look different? 

If you struggled to use the Strong Hold Adhesive after using the Original, you're not alone - let's talk about it! 

Elleebana Certified Educator Renee Gilanshah offers her insight and troubleshooting tips when making the transition from Original to Stronghold isn't as seamless as expected. 

The Strong Hold was released in response to lifters who were needing a stronger hold on stubborn/strong lashes. The Strong Hold has a 10 percent extra hold than the Original, along with the addition of Biotin and Keratin to support the hair structure as it's being chemically processed. It's a completely different formula than the Original and it requires a different technique than most other water-based glues/adhesives, including the Elleebana Original lash lift adhesive! 

Strong Hold has a "set and grab" timeframe that typically requires working in smaller sections than with the Original formula. 

Renee's Pro Tips: Use a smaller amount lengthwise on the rod/shield so that as you lift up the lashes, you don't push the glue out of the way. Try applying to approximately 1/5-1/4 of the way across the rod/shield and pause a little longer than what you've done with the Original. This is necessary to allow for the polymerization(the grab/tackiness) to happen. The glue has to be exposed to air for 15-30 seconds before the monomers combine to form a chain like link called a polymer. After you've paused, lift up your smaller than usual section and hold for a beat, don't go into separation until there's the grab.

With the Original Glue, we lift and scoop upwards, with the Strong  Hold glue it's a lift and hold movement. When you use Stronghold to glue down the rods or shields, you still need to wait a bit after applying the glue for the polymerization to happen before attaching to the skin. I use Original to glue down my shields and rods, but if I do use Strong Hold, I wait about 15 seconds before trying to place it on skin. If there isn't grab, I'll hold them in place longer until it grabs and not apply more glue. 

Another element to consider is room/weather conditions. With all adhesives, the temperature and humidity level of the room can speed up or slow down the grab of the glue. Even experienced lifters can forget to take the environment into consideration when using glue or solutions. 

If you're having trouble it's possible that the glue tip has dried glue in it. Try standing the glue tubes upright so that glue doesn't flow to the tip. Always cap the tube, and ensure that you're not squeezing glue into the nozzle and then capping. If it becomes clogged, I have found that the end of my lash lifting tool will open it back up. 

If you prefer to use the brush bottle, I might suggest that you use a single use microfiber brush to dip into the tube for each application. 

Strong Hold has a purpose. I highly recommend keeping both glue tubes on hand because they do work differently and fill different needs.  If I start out with Original and I have "pop offs",  I'll use a tiny dab of Strong Hold using the lift and hold technique on those stubborn lashes. 

If you're someone that's struggled with the Strong Hold, please try it again - perhaps on a coworker/lash mannequin or just on your hand and see how long it takes before it "grabs". 

-Renee Gilanshah | Certified Elleebana Trainer

Watch this helpful 3-Minute video below from Otto Mitter on the Elleebana YouTube Page: