5 Retention Killers That Every Lash Artist Needs To Know

As a lash artist, nothing beats the feeling of seeing your clients walk out of your studio with full, flawless lashes. But if you're dealing with retention issues, that excitement can quickly turn into frustration.

We all know the struggle—clients come back with lashes that didn’t last as long as expected, and that can be discouraging.

Let’s break down 5 retention killers that could be sabotaging your work and how you can fix them to keep your clients happy and coming back for more.

Hydrogel Pads, Lash Tape, Mega Volume Lashes and Elite High Humidity Adhesive are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

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1. Dirty Lashes Before You Start

One of the most common mistakes is assuming your client's lashes are clean when they may have leftover oils, makeup, or dirt. This can seriously affect how well the adhesive bonds to the lashes.

Why this hurts retention: If lashes aren’t clean, the adhesive can’t form a strong bond, causing the extensions to lift or fall off quicker than expected.

Fix it: Always clean the lashes thoroughly with a gentle cleanser before applying extensions. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in how well your lashes last.

Lash Shampoo Foam and Disposable Eye Lash Brush are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

Struggling with dirty lashes before application? CLICK HERE to discover how to properly clean lashes for better results with Lash Shampoo vs Cleanser.

2. Wrong Adhesive for the Job

The adhesive you use plays a big role in how long lashes last. If your glue isn’t suited to the temperature or humidity in your room, or your client’s natural lash type, you could end up with poor retention.

Why this hurts retention: If the adhesive cures too quickly or not fast enough, the lashes won’t stay bonded properly, leading to faster shedding.

Fix it: Choose an adhesive that matches your working environment. For example, if you're working in a high-humidity space, make sure to pick a glue designed for those conditions. Always consider your client’s lash type and match the adhesive accordingly.

Chocolate Collection, Bullet Adhesive and Chocolate Charm Bond are used here. To shop, please click here.

Click HERE to learn more about choosing the right eyelash extension glue for perfect retention.

3. Using Too Much Glue

It can be tempting to use a lot of glue to ensure your lashes stick, but this actually backfires. Too much glue can cause the extension to slide or shift, leading to poor retention.

Why this hurts retention: Over-saturating the lash with glue doesn’t allow it to bond correctly and can cause the extension to loosen and fall off prematurely.

Fix it: Apply a thin, even coat of glue to the base of the extension. Less is more when it comes to adhesive. A small amount of glue will bond securely and help the lashes last longer.

Hydrogel Under Eye Patches, Lash Tape, Classic Lashes, Velour Lash Adhesive, Incredible Retention Primer, Oblong Tweezer, and Straight Isolation Tweezer are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

Learn the proper use of adhesives: CLICK HERE to understand the types of Cyanoacrylate and prevent glue overload.

4. Clients Not Following Aftercare

Aftercare is just as important as the application itself. If your clients are using oil-based makeup removers, rubbing their eyes, or getting their lashes wet too soon, retention will suffer.

Why this hurts retention: Oil, moisture, and friction can break down the adhesive, causing the lashes to lose their bond. Plus, rubbing or pulling can lead to lash fallout.

Fix it: Educate your clients on how to care for their lashes after the appointment. Recommend a lash-safe cleanser and encourage them to avoid touching or rubbing their lashes. The better the aftercare, the longer the lashes will last.

Deluxe Aftercare Kit and Lash Apron are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

Struggling with retention? Learn the essential aftercare tips for lash extensions – Click to read more!

5. Wrong Lash Length or Weight

Using lashes that are too long or too heavy for your client’s natural lashes can cause strain, leading to premature shedding.

Why this hurts retention: If the extensions are too heavy or long, they put stress on the natural lashes, which causes them to shed sooner than they should.

Fix it: Choose the right length and weight for each client's natural lashes. Lighter, shorter extensions work best for clients with finer lashes, while longer, thicker lashes should be applied to stronger natural lashes. It’s all about balance for better retention.

Classic Lashes, Elite High Humidity Adhesive, Incredible Retention Primer and Super Bonder are used in this set. To shop, please click here. 

Want to avoid lash retention issues? Click HERE to understand how lash length and weight affect your extensions.

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Lash Retention Explained: Low and High Porosity

Understanding how porosity affects lash retention is key to making sure your lashes last longer.

Let’s break down low and high porosity in easy-to-read bullet points so you can better understand how it impacts your lash work.

Low Porosity: Closed Cuticle

What is it?
Low porosity lashes have a tightly closed cuticle.

Why it matters:
The adhesive has a hard time bonding because the cuticle is closed and resistant to opening.

How to fix it:
Use a primer with a higher pH to help open the cuticle and increase porosity. This allows the adhesive to bond more effectively.

High Porosity: Open Cuticle

What is it?
High porosity lashes have an open cuticle, making them more porous.

Why it matters:
The open cuticle makes it easier for the adhesive to bond with the natural lash.

How to fix it:
Choose a primer and adhesive formulated for high porosity lashes to ensure a strong, lasting bond.

Key Takeaway:

Low porosity = Use a primer with a higher pH to open the cuticle.

High porosity = Work with the open cuticle for strong adhesion.

Understanding these differences and choosing the right products for each client will improve retention and keep your lashes looking great longer!

How Can You Tell If a Lash is Low or High Porosity?

Understanding porosity is key to achieving better lash retention.

Here’s how you can tell if a client has low or high porosity lashes:

How to Identify Low Porosity Lashes

Shiny appearance: Lashes often look glossy or slick because the cuticle is tightly closed, making it harder for moisture to penetrate.

Hard to curl: Lashes may not hold a curl well since the closed cuticle resists any movement.

Takes longer to dry: When applying adhesive, the glue might take longer to bond because the closed cuticle resists penetration.

Feels stiff or coated: Low porosity lashes may feel stiffer or coated when you run your fingers through them.

How to Identify High Porosity Lashes

More texture: High porosity lashes feel rough or coarse because the cuticle is more open.

Easier to curl: These lashes tend to hold curls well since the open cuticle allows more flexibility.

Dries quickly: The adhesive bonds more quickly with high porosity lashes due to the open cuticle allowing faster absorption.

Feels dry or brittle: High porosity lashes may feel drier or more brittle because they absorb moisture quickly, making them more susceptible to damage.

Key Takeaway:

Low porosity lashes appear shiny, are harder to curl, take longer to dry, and feel stiffer.

High porosity lashes have more texture, hold a curl better, dry faster, and feel drier or more brittle.

Conclusion

Retention issues are frustrating, but they’re also fixable. By addressing these common retention killers, you can provide longer-lasting lashes that your clients will love.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Clean your client’s lashes thoroughly before starting.
• Choose the right adhesive for your environment and lash type.
• Apply just the right amount of glue—don’t overdo it.
• Teach your clients the importance of aftercare.
• Always match the extension weight and length to their natural lashes.

By focusing on these key areas, you can ensure your clients leave your studio with lashes that last—and keep coming back for more!

These tips are just a glimpse of so many things that you need to learn on how to improve your client's retention. 

I have compiled all the helpful tips in our LASH RETENTION ONLINE COURSE.

THIS ISN'T ABOUT SALES TALK. IT'S ABOUT REAL SKILLS FOR REAL RESULTS!

LASH RETENTION ISSUES is a challenge we all face, but it’s also one you can overcome.

That’s where our LASH RETENTION ONLINE COURSE comes in.

This isn't just another course. It's your blueprint to solving those lash retention puzzles that have been nagging you. Whether it's the environment, technique, or materials causing issues, we've got you covered! Learn more>>

Now it's your turn! Have you faced any retention challenges? What changes have you made to improve it? Let’s chat and share tips below! 💬