Amazing Lash Retention: How To Achieve It

When it comes to building a solid lash business, lash retention makes or breaks it. Good retention keeps clients happy and rebooking. Bad retention leads to lost clients, refund requests, and stress.

If you’re wondering how to improve lash retention consistently, this guide breaks it down step by step — from prep to aftercare — all from a lash artist’s real experience.

Hydro-gel Under Eye Patches, Ultra Crystal Bond, Lashes and Lash Wisps are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

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What Is Lash Retention?

Lash retention is how long extensions stay attached to the natural lash before shedding. Most clients expect at least 2–3 weeks of strong retention.

Anything less can mean your process needs adjustments.

Cashmere Noir Collection Lashes, Velour Lash Adhesive, Incredible Retention Primer, Super Bonder, Straight Isolation Tweezer are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

Why Lash Retention Matters

• Fewer infill complaints

• More client trust

• Easier fills

• Repeat bookings

• Word-of-mouth referrals

Retention isn’t about one product. It’s about your full system — from how you clean the lashes to what glue you use to how clients care for them at home.

 

1. Prep Is Everything

Retention starts before the first lash is applied.

What works:

• Deep clean the lashes with lash shampoo or cleanser. Oil, dirt, and makeup kill glue bonds.

• Dry the lashes fully after cleaning. No moisture left behind.

• Use primer only when needed. For dry or brittle lashes, skip it. For oily or slippery lashes, use a pH balancer or primer that removes residue.

Don’t skip this step — clean surface = better bond.

Incredible Retention Primer and Hydro-gel Under Eye Patches are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

Want to learn more about how lash primer helps with retention and clean bonding? Read the FULL GUIDE on the benefits of using lash primer.

 

2. Lash Adhesive: Use the Right One

Choosing the right lash glue makes a huge difference in retention.

Things to look at:

• Humidity and temperature range. Use glue that works in your room conditions.

• Dry time. Fast-drying glue is great for speed but only if your placement is accurate.

• Storage. Keep glue airtight and upright, away from heat and light.

If you're adjusting your glue every week, it's a sign your room setup might need consistency.

Ultra Crystal Bond is used here. To shop, please click here.

 

To learn more about how eyelash extension glue works, how to store it, and how to match it to your room, check out our FULL GUIDE.

 

3. Application Technique

Even with perfect prep and glue, bad application ruins retention.

What to check:

• Isolate fully. Stickies pull out lashes early and cause pain.

• Attachment zone. Make sure you bond 2mm or more onto the natural lash. Not just the tip.

• No lifting or gaps. The base should wrap or sit flush, not sit crooked.

Slow down if needed. Clean work holds longer.

Hydrogel Under Eye Patches, Lash Tape, Velour Lash Adhesive, Cashmere Noir Collection Lashes, Lash Wisps, and Straight Isolation Tweezer are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

To learn more about how to apply eyelash extensions step by step, check out the FULL GUIDE here.

 

4. Room Conditions Matter

Your lash room setup affects glue performance.

• Humidity should stay within glue’s range. Use a hygrometer to check.

• Avoid fans, heaters, and open windows. Sudden air changes mess with curing.

• Use a glue shaker if your adhesive separates between uses.

Good conditions = glue works how it should.

Lash Adhesive Vault with Hygrometer is used here. To shop, please click here.

 

To learn more about how humidity changes your glue performance and how to fix it, CLICK HERE.

 

5. Aftercare = Client Homework

Once the client leaves, their habits affect how long lashes last.

What to remind them:

• No water, steam, or sweating for 24–48 hours

• Clean lashes daily with lash-safe foam

• Avoid oil-based products

• No rubbing, tugging, or sleeping face-down

• Come back every 2–3 weeks

Give a printed or digital aftercare guide. Say it out loud too — some won’t read it otherwise.

 

To learn more about how to care for lashes and help them last longer, CLICK HERE.

 

6. Product Quality

Cheap lashes or glue = poor retention, even with good skills.

Invest in:

• High-quality lash adhesive that suits your speed and room

• Lashes with a strong base and consistent curl

• Cleanser and primer that don’t leave residue

If clients keep coming back with gaps, it may not be your work — it might be your product.

 

7. Track and Adjust

Retention issues? Keep notes on each client.

Include:

• Room conditions

• Glue used

• Lash type

• Prep routine

• Client aftercare habits

Look for patterns. Sometimes you’ll spot the problem faster by reviewing your notes.

 

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The Truth About Lash Growth Cycles

Lash shedding is natural. It’s not always about your work or the glue. Lashes grow in phases — and each phase affects how long extensions stay on.

Lashes, Colored Lashes, Hydro-gel Under Eye Patches, Lash Tape are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

Here's how the lash growth cycle works:

1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)

This is when the natural lash is growing. It lasts about 30 to 45 days.

During this time, the lash grows longer every day until it stops. Extensions applied during this phase last longer because the lash is still attached to the follicle firmly.

 

2. Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

This is the shortest phase, only about 2 to 3 weeks.

The lash stops growing and the hair follicle starts shrinking. If a lash falls out during this time (like from poor isolation or heavy fans), it won’t grow back right away — it has to finish the full phase first.

 

3. Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

This is the longest phase, lasting up to 100 days.

The lash isn’t growing anymore. It’s just sitting there until it naturally falls out. After that, it may take 4–8 weeks for a new lash to grow in that spot.

This is why some clients see tiny gaps even if nothing was done wrong — the lash cycle just needs time.

 

Why Clients Need to Know This

This is a good time to build trust. Let your clients know that lash cycles are normal. Explain why they may notice shedding or tiny gaps, especially after a few months of fills.

When they understand the process, they trust you more and follow your advice better.

 

What does Super Bonder do for lash extensions?

Are you tired of falling eyelash extensions? There's nothing more frustrating than extensions slipping and falling off. Super Bonder is a must-have for every lash artist!

Ultra Crystal Bond and Super Bonder are used here. To shop, please click here.

 

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

 

Volume Lashes mix curls D, CC, and C, Velour Lash Adhesive, Super Bonder are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

Lashes, Straight Isolation Tweezer, Optite Low Humidity Adhesive and Super Bonder are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

 

Lashes, Velour Adhesive, Straight Isolation Tweezer, Large Tip Boot Lash Tweezer, Incredible Retention Primer and Super Bonder are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

For more tips like this one be sure to subscribe to our email list, we send very informative and helpful emails every week, please click here.

 

Lash Porosity Affects Retention — Here's How

You might not hear about porosity much in lash training, but it makes a difference. Natural lashes — just like hair — can be low porosity or high porosity, and that changes how the glue bonds.

 

What’s Porosity?

Porosity is how open or closed the lash cuticle is. Open = more glue absorption. Closed = harder bond.

 

Low Porosity Lashes

• The cuticle is tight and closed

• Glue has a harder time bonding

• These lashes need help before you apply

What to do:

Use a primer with a higher pH. This helps raise the cuticle slightly, giving the glue a better surface to grip. You don’t need much — just enough to open it up before application.

 

High Porosity Lashes

• The cuticle is already open

• Glue bonds easily

• No extra prep needed

These lashes usually get better retention without you having to do much. You can lash as usual — just make sure you still follow the normal prep steps.

 

Quick Tip

If a client keeps losing lashes early even though your work is clean, check porosity. Low porosity lashes often look shiny and feel smooth. High porosity ones look more matte and feel drier. Match your prep to the lash type.

 

Client Questions to Help You Troubleshoot Lash Retention Issues

Even if your prep, glue, and application are solid, lash retention sometimes still drops. When that happens, it’s helpful to have a real convo with your client. The goal is to figure out what’s going on outside the lash room — because retention is always a two-way street.

Here are some simple questions you can ask your client to spot possible causes:

1. Are you naturally oily? (skin, eyelids, or hair)

2. How often do you wash your lashes? Every day? Once a week?

3. Do you sweat often? (Gym, hot yoga, etc.)

4. Do you wear eye makeup?

5. Do your skincare products contain oils?

6. Do you touch, rub, or pull at your lashes during the day?

7. Are you coming for fills regularly? Or stretching appointments?

8. How do you sleep? On your side, face-down, or back?

9. Is your lash cleanser oil-free and made for extensions?

Each of these habits can affect how long lashes last. Even when we use the best products, keep our environment controlled, and apply lashes with solid technique — retention still depends on how lashes are treated between appointments.

When clients understand this, it helps build trust and makes your job easier in the long run. Always ask, never assume.

 

Ingredients to Avoid for Better Lash Retention

Even if your lash application is perfect, the products your client uses at home can ruin retention.

Certain ingredients break down lash adhesive faster than others — here’s what to watch for:

1. Any Form of Oil

Oil breaks down the bond in lash glue. It travels along the lash line and weakens the attachment. That’s how you end up with early lash fallout.

Quick tip:

Just because a product says “oil-free” doesn’t always mean it truly is. Some still contain oil-like ingredients that affect glue. Always check the full ingredient list — especially for cleansers, makeup removers, and skincare.

 

2. Glycerin

Glycerin is a type of plant fat. It acts like oil and can weaken the glue bond the same way. It’s common in skincare and some lash shampoos, so check your product labels.

 

3. Dimethicone

Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient. It’s smooth and slippery, kind of like Vaseline. It coats the lashes and interferes with how the glue sticks. Over time, it can cause fans to slide off early.

 

TIP: Educate your clients about ingredient labels and help them switch to lash-safe products. The better they care for their lashes, the longer your work holds — and the fewer emergency fill requests you’ll get.

 

For more tips like this one be sure to subscribe to our email list, we send very informative and helpful emails every week, please click here.

 

Lash Artist Mistakes That Affect Retention

STORAGE

Don’t store your lash glue in the fridge — that causes condensation inside the bottle and breaks down the adhesive faster.

Lash Adhesive Vault, Velour Lash Adhesive, Ultra Crystal Bond, and Ultra Crystal Clear Bond are used here. To shop, please click here.

 

Here’s how to store glue right:

• Keep it in an airtight container with an oxygen absorber.

• Write the open date on the bottle.

• Use it within 4 weeks or toss if it gets goopy.

In hot weather or summer, don’t let your order sit in the mailbox. Choose priority or express shipping to avoid heat damage. Pro tip: Stock up in spring to avoid shipping delays and glue breakdown in summer heat.

 

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

Your room should match your adhesive’s needs. Open windows, fans, or heat can ruin glue behavior without you noticing.

Lash Adhesive Vault with Hygrometer is used here. To shop, please click here.

 

Use a hygrometer. If your humidity is too high:

• Glue will cure too fast, giving weak bonds.

• You’ll need to replace glue drops every 10–15 minutes (instead of 20–30).

• You might get shock polymerization, where glue cures instantly and won’t bond right.

Fix it with:

• A dehumidifier

• A fan or AC unit

• Choosing the right glue for the current humidity

 

LASH ARTIST SPEED

Glue starts curing the moment you dip the extension in it. If your glue dries too fast for your speed, you’ll still attach the lash — but it won’t bond right and will fall off.

Many artists lose clients not because of skill, but because the glue and speed don’t match.

Fix it by:

• Using a glue that fits your true speed
  (If you’re new, stick with 3–4 second glue. That’s normal.)

• Switching to faster glue only when your placement gets quicker
  (When you feel like you're holding the lash in place too long, try 1–2 second glue.)

It’s better to go slow and get good retention than to rush and have to redo sets.

 

Lash Retention Comes From Systems, Not Just Glue

Getting amazing lash retention isn’t just one thing. It’s how you prep, apply, choose products, manage your lash room, and teach clients to care for their lashes. Stay consistent, stay patient, and keep adjusting.

The more you track your work, the more control you’ll have over your retention.

 

 

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>>

 

 

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A Quick Guide To Lash Mapping: In this blog, you will learn why lash mapping is important and how to choose a correct lash style for your client.

Eyelash Extension Techniques For Lash Artist: Learn what are the common problems that can affect your lash retention and techniques that will help you fix them.