As a lash artist, nothing is more frustrating than seeing clients come back with sparse lashes just a few weeks after their appointment. The key to happy, loyal clients is making sure their lash extensions last as long as possible. Lash retention—how long the lashes stay in place without shedding prematurely—is the ultimate goal for both you and your clients.

In this blog post, we’ll cover why lash retention is important, what factors influence it, and how you can improve it.

Using simple, effective techniques and science-backed insights, you can dramatically enhance lash retention, giving your clients fuller, longer-lasting lashes and boosting your reputation as a lash artist.

 

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Want to improve your lash retention in just 1 month? Discover expert ways and proven techniques for lash artists. Click here.

 

Why Lash Retention Matters

Lash retention directly impacts the satisfaction of your clients. Poor retention not only leads to clients needing fills more frequently but can also make them question the quality of your work. Consistently good retention increases client loyalty, as they’ll trust you for maintaining their lash extensions over time.

By improving lash retention, you'll save your clients money and time while growing your business through word-of-mouth recommendations and positive reviews.

Cashmere Noir Collection Lashes, Ultra Crystal Bond, Super Bonder, and Incredible Retention Primer are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

Top Factors That Affect Lash Retention

Understanding the key factors that influence lash retention is crucial. Here are some major points to consider:

• Adhesive Quality & Usage: The type of adhesive you use and how well it’s applied plays a huge role in retention. Make sure to choose a high-quality adhesive with the right curing time for your environment (humidity and temperature).

• Natural Lash Health: The condition of your client’s natural lashes significantly impacts how well extensions will stay. Thin, weak, or brittle lashes won’t hold extensions as well as healthy lashes.

• Lash Preparation: Properly cleansing and priming the lashes before application ensures the adhesive bonds securely to the lash, which improves retention.

• Application Technique: Proper isolation of each lash and placing the extension at the right distance (1-2 mm) from the lash line ensures the extension bonds well and lasts longer.

• Humidity and Temperature: Your work environment’s humidity and temperature affect how your adhesive cures. Too high or too low can weaken the bond and reduce retention.

• Aftercare Compliance: Your clients need to follow the proper aftercare routine to make sure their extensions last. Educating them on what to do (and what not to do) will make a big difference.

 

Top 10 Tips for Improving Lash Retention as a Lash Artist

• Use the Right Adhesive for Your Environment: Different adhesives work best in different humidity levels. If your studio has high humidity, opt for a fast-drying glue; for low humidity, choose a slower-drying one. Keep track of your adhesive's humidity and temperature preferences.

• Ensure Proper Lash Preparation: Before applying extensions, always cleanse the lashes thoroughly with an oil-free cleanser and a primer. This step removes natural oils, dust, and debris, allowing the adhesive to bond properly.

• Pay Attention to the Adhesive Quantity: Using too much glue can create a heavy bond that doesn’t adhere well, while too little glue leads to weak bonds. Aim for the “sweet spot” of adhesive application, where each extension is fully coated but not overloaded.

• Maintain Humidity and Temperature Levels in Your Workspace: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity and adjust your workspace accordingly. Ideal humidity ranges for most lash adhesives are between 45-60%, with a room temperature of about 68-72°F (20-22°C).

• Use a Nano Mister or Nebulizer After Application: Speed up curing time by misting the lashes with a nano mister. This sets the adhesive faster, reducing the risk of lashes shedding prematurely due to improper curing.

• Educate Clients on Proper Aftercare: Your clients need to know how to take care of their lashes. Advise them to avoid getting lashes wet for the first 24 hours, not to rub their eyes, and to stay away from oil-based products. Regular brushing and cleaning with a lash-safe cleanser are crucial for lash health.

• Rebook Clients for Regular Fills: Scheduling fills every 2-3 weeks ensures the set looks full while replacing any natural lash shedding. This keeps clients happy and their lash set looking fresh.

• Avoid Overloading Extensions on Weak Natural Lashes: Clients with naturally sparse or weak lashes can’t support heavy extensions. Opt for lighter, thinner extensions that won’t strain or break the natural lash, improving overall retention.

• Consider Lash Mapping: Strategic lash mapping helps create a more balanced and long-lasting set. Avoid attaching extensions to lashes in the resting (telogen) phase, as they will fall out sooner.

• Keep Your Tools Clean: Sanitize your tools before each appointment. Residual oils or adhesive on your tweezers can transfer to your client’s lashes, weakening the adhesive bond.

 

Bonus: Troubleshooting Common Lash Retention Issues

Here’s how to troubleshoot if you notice clients are experiencing poor retention despite following all the tips:

• Adhesive drying too fast? Your room might be too humid. Adjust the humidity or switch to a slower-curing adhesive.

• Lashes falling out after 24-48 hours? Double-check your application technique, as improper placement or isolation could be the cause.

• Lashes shedding after 1-2 weeks? Ask your client about their aftercare routine. Oil-based products or improper cleaning are likely culprits.

 

Lash retention letting you down? Click here for a guaranteed solution with our in-depth course.

  

THIS CAN THREATEN YOUR LASH RETENTION:

Swipe your extension on any hard surfaces to remove the adhesive.

The adhesive starts to polymerize when there's humidity and as soon as it's out of the bottle.

The adhesive also starts to polymerize when it comes in contact with any surfaces. It can significantly affect your Retention, especially if you place your fan from the top.

Elodie Tweezer, Promade Fans, Elite High Humidity Adhesive are used here. To shop, please click here.

 

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.

 

Porosity Matters: How Low and High Porosity Influence Lash Retention

As a lash artist, one of the key factors that significantly impact lash retention is the porosity of the natural lashes. Porosity refers to the ability of the hair cuticle to absorb and retain moisture, including lash adhesive.

Understanding the concepts of low and high porosity is essential for achieving optimal lash extensions that last. In this topic, we will delve into the significance of open cuticles and how they relate to low and high porosity, and provide practical solutions for enhancing lash retention based on porosity.

 

Topic	Explanation for Lash Artists
Role of Open Cuticles	Cuticles are the outer layer of the natural lash. For optimal lash retention, cuticles should be slightly open. Open cuticles allow better bonding of the lash adhesive.
Low Porosity	Cuticles are tightly closed. Adhesive and moisture struggle to penetrate. Results in poor lash retention due to weak adhesive bond.
High Porosity	Cuticles are open or textured. Adhesive and moisture easily penetrate, promoting stronger bonding. No correction needed for high porosity as it supports better retention.
Correcting Low Porosity	Use a primer with a higher pH to open cuticles. A primer raises the pH, which increases porosity and allows the adhesive to bond better to natural lashes.
Benefits of Using a Primer	Helps open cuticles, providing a better surface for adhesive bonding. Increases lash porosity by raising pH, resulting in a stronger, longer-lasting adhesive bond.
Why Low Porosity Needs Correction	Low porosity lashes lead to poor retention unless corrected. Correcting low porosity ensures the adhesive can properly bond to the lash, giving better retention and client satisfaction.
Key Tip for Lash Artists	Addressing porosity is essential for great retention. Use the correct primer and techniques to help adhesive penetrate, resulting in longer-lasting lash extensions.
No Magic Glue	No adhesive works for all lash types. Focus on adjusting the porosity of natural lashes using a primer rather than relying solely on the adhesive for retention.

 

 

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.

 

 

Facing lash retention issues? Our in-depth course promises results—100% guaranteed! Click to join.

 

 

CONCLUSION

Retention is one of a client's most significant concerns when getting eyelash extensions. Many factors can contribute to how long the lashes last and how natural they look. The most crucial factor is the products you use and how you care for your lashes between appointments.

If you follow these simple steps, your clients will be pleased with the level of service you provide.

HAPPY CLIENTS = HAPPY LASH ARTIST

 

Watch this video and learn more about the lash retention.

 

What do you think about this blog? Do you have some additional questions or you want some additional tips on how you can improve your lash retention? Just leave a comment below. We will be happy to answer it all for you guys.

 

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ARE YOU TIRED OF HAVING CLIENTS COMING BACK TO YOU SAYING THEIR LASHES ARE FALLING OUT?

TOP SECRETS of working with lash adhesives and improve your clients retention. The ultimate lash artists checklist you needed!

 

In this PDF document, we will cover the potential reasons why your clients lash extensions don’t last long and help you can solve these issues.

If you follow this checklist, and understand this information on an in depth level, you are GUARANTEED to fix your clients lash retention issues.

Get the checklist and all your questions will be answered perfectly with the aftermath of an outstanding end result.

Additionally, if you have any questions, we always have a lash artist available on call you can ask any questions regarding this topic.

100% GUARANTEE YOU'LL LOVE THIS LASH RETENTION CHECKLIST!

GET YOUR FREE LASH RETENTION CHECKLIST HERE

 

 

RELATED POSTS THAT YOU MIGHT FIND HELPFUL TO UPSCALE YOUR LASH BUSINESS:

How To Remove Client's Lash Extensions Safely: Learn the fast, safe and easiest way to remove client's lash extension.

Lash Direction: Everything you need to know about lash direction.

Lash Retention Issues While Wearing Masks: In this blog, you will learn how you can improve your lash retention and why wearing mask is important during every lash appointment.