The 4 Most Common Reasons For Poor Lash Retention

Lash Retention can be tricky, right? It’s one of those things that can really affect how your clients feel about your work and how often they come back.

I want to break down the four main reasons lash retention drops, so you know what to watch for and how to fix it.

Lash Wisps Mixed Lengths, Velour Lash Adhesive, Super Bonder, Short Tip Boot Lash Tweezer, Straight Isolation Tweezer, Hydro-Gel Under Eye Patches,  Silicone Extra Sensitive Tape and Lash Tape are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

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1. Natural Lash Cycle and Condition

Every client’s natural lashes grow and shed on their own schedule. This cycle usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks. If their natural lashes are weak or damaged, the extensions won’t stick as well or stay on as long.

• If lashes are thin or break easily, they hold less glue

• Natural shedding means some extensions will fall out on their own

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

 

Want to learn more about the natural lash cycle? Click HERE to get the facts.

 

2. Application Technique

No matter how good your glue is, if the application isn’t right, lashes won’t stay on. Common mistakes are using too much glue, touching the skin with glue, or not isolating a single natural lash for each extension.

• Make sure you isolate one natural lash at a time

• Use just the right amount of glue—not too much, not too little

• Keep glue off the eyelid and skin

Hydrogel Under Eye Patches, Lash Tape, Mega Volume Lashes and Ultra Crystal Bond are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

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3. Aftercare Habits

How clients take care of their lashes after the appointment makes a big difference. Some don’t realize things like rubbing their eyes or using oily products can make their extensions fall off sooner.

• Tell clients to avoid oils or heavy makeup around their eyes

• Remind them not to rub or pull on their lashes

• Let them know to avoid steam, swimming, or sweating too much for the first couple of days

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

 

Need simple tips on eyelash extension aftercare? Click HERE to discover what to do and what to avoid.

 

4. Quality of Products

Cheap glue or lashes can cause problems with retention. It’s worth investing in products that work well with your environment and client’s needs.

• Use a glue that matches your climate (humidity and temperature)

• Pick lashes that feel natural and match the client’s own lashes

Chocolate Charm Bond and Heart Glue Ring are used here. To shop, please click here.

 

Looking for tips on choosing quality lash products? Click HERE for the full guide.

 

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What Affects Lash Retention Between Fills?

Retention doesn’t just depend on your work in the chair. Here’s what else can change how well lashes hold between appointments:

• The client’s skin type — oily skin can break down glue faster

• Weather and environment — humidity and heat matter

• Client habits — sleeping on their face, makeup, or touching lashes a lot

• How often they come back for fills — waiting too long means more natural lashes shed

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

 

How To Improve Lash Retention As A Client

It helps when clients know what to do to keep their lashes on. Here’s what you can share with them:

• Keep lashes clean but avoid oils or heavy creams near the eyes

• Be gentle — no rubbing or pulling

• Skip waterproof mascara or heavy eye makeup

• Use a lash-safe cleanser and a soft brush to clean gently

• Avoid hot steam, saunas, and swimming for 24 to 48 hours after the appointment

Lashes, Glittery Lash Extensions, Color Lashes, Incredible Retention Primer, Super Bonder, and Velour Lash Adhesive are used in this set. To shop, please click here.

 

How To Master Lash Retention

To get retention right, you need to focus on these things:

• Nail your isolation and how you apply each lash

• Use the right glue and lashes for your area and clients

• Teach clients how to care for their lashes

• Book fills regularly, not too far apart

• Keep track of how retention goes and make changes if needed

Getting good at retention means your clients are happy and keep coming back.

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.

 

Understanding Porosity for Better Lash Retention: Low vs. High

As a lash artist, keeping your clients happy means helping their lash extensions stay put. One factor that’s often missed but really matters is porosity — how well the natural lashes absorb and hold the glue.

Here’s a simple guide to understanding porosity and how it affects your lash work.

What Is Porosity and Why Does It Matter?

• Porosity refers to how open or closed the lash cuticle is.

• The cuticle is the outer layer of the natural lash shaft.

• A slightly open cuticle helps the glue stick better.

• Closed cuticles make it hard for glue to bond strongly.

• Glue alone won’t fix retention problems if porosity isn’t addressed.

 

How to Handle Low Porosity Lashes

• Use a primer with a higher pH than natural lashes to open cuticles gently.

• This raises porosity and lets glue penetrate better.

• Priming also removes oils and debris that block glue.

• Creates a clean surface for better lash retention.

 

Why Proper Priming Is Essential

• Prepares the natural lash for glue application.

• Helps open cuticles on low porosity lashes for stronger bonds.

• Removes oils and buildup that stop glue from sticking.

• Leads to longer retention and happier clients.

 

Quick Tips for Lash Artists

• Always assess lash porosity before starting.

• Use high pH primers on low porosity lashes.

• Don’t skip primer on low porosity clients.

• For high porosity lashes, clean well but no special primer needed.

• Remember, good retention starts with understanding porosity!

 

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Do you find this blog post helpful? Have you learned something? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Don’t forget to share this blog with your lash friend.

 

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