The Real Reason You may be experiencing Lash Retention issues

And you can’t always blame the Lash Glue!

If your clients are coming back a little earlier than they would normally, or even worse, not coming back at all for an infill (as they are unhappy with their lash loss & they have not let you know, just not rebooked), leaving you wondering if they were happy or not?

This is a situation that sometimes we can all find ourselves in; the beauty/lash industry can be quite unrewarding at times.

As a lash tech, when you think you have done a great job, & the clients never really seem as enthusiastic as we are!

 

You’re not alone…

Eyelash Extension retention is one of the most common frustrations we hear from our lash techs, even our more experienced ones, who can still have the occasional problem; it’s not only newbie lash techs!

And while lash glue is often blamed first, the truth i Eyelash Extension retention issues usually start long before the lash adhesive even touches the client’s natural lash.

Let’s take a look & see what’s actually happening & how to fix it:

 

1. Your Environment Is Working Against You

Even the best lash adhesive can fail if your working conditions aren’t stable enough.

What we see most often:

• Humidity fluctuates halfway through your lash application.
• Temperature changing in between your clients (often from AM to PM, where the heating has ramped up throughout the day)
• Fans or air-con blowing directly onto the lashes (snap drying the lash glues, making them brittle & not being able to create a bond with the natural lash)

When conditions change, lash glues/adhesives can cure too fast or too slow, leading to weak bonds.

 

2. Professional tips:

Use a hygrometer & adjust your glue choice seasonally.

Over-cleansing Is Just as Bad as Under-Cleansing…

Yes, your client’s natural lashes need to be clean, but stripping the natural oils too aggressively can cause their lashes to become brittle & dry & repel the lash adhesive.

 

Hints & Tips;

• Avoid Multiple cleansers in one prep (like oily eye makeup remover, face wipes, & harsh lash washes)
• We recommend using an oil-free foaming lash wash suitable for even sensitive eyes.
• Try asking your lash clients to come to their lash appointment eye makeup-free & advise them how to remove their eye makeup carefully, not causing sensitivity during their lash application.
• Advise them to avoid excessive rubbing & pulling when removing eye makeup.
• Not allowing lashes to fully dry before you start your lash application (always cleanse twice with our foaming lash wash & follow with a damp lint-free pad, & blot dry with a tissue), this will ensure the natural lashes are clean, prepped & ready to accept the eyelash extension & create a great long-lasting bond with the lash glue.
• Apply our Magic Dry lash primer to restore the natural lash PH balance.
• Finally, always apply a lash bonder cure once you have combed your lashes through & are happy, this will ensure longevity & lash retention.

A thorough lash prep routine creates the perfect surface for long-lasting lash retention.

 

3. Shock Curing Is Silent but Deadly

This is one of the biggest issues that lash artists don’t realise is happening.

Shock curing occurs when lash adhesive is exposed to moisture too quickly, often from:

• High humidity in your working area (invest in a hygrometer)
• The room working area temperature is too high (check your heating temperature). Follow this link for more info on lash glues, humidity & temperature guidelines https://kglashsupplies.co.uk/eyelash-extension-glue-guide/
• The client’s eyes are watering throughout their lash application.
• Steamy facials or gym workout exposure immediately after their lash appointment
• Client’s popping in their contact lenses straight away (avoid this by asking them to wear their glasses to their appointment) & suggesting that they wear their glasses for a few hours to let the lashes settle, as too much moisture can create issues with retention! Follow this link for aftercare advice to print off for your clients https://kglashsupplies.co.uk/printable-consultation-forms/.
• Always store your lash glues upright & in a dark storage place, i.e. a cupboard or drawer.
• Never store in a refrigerator, as this will affect your lash adhesive. Going from cold to hot will cause condensation in the bottle & make your lash glue thick & stringy, which will make it difficult to work with & affect the lash bonding process.

The lash bond may look fine at first until lashes start shedding a few days later.

 

4. Solution:

Avoid using any misting devices & choose lash adhesives designed for your room/working conditions.

Lash Isolation Speed Matters More Than You Think…

If you’re working faster than your lash glue’s set speed or slower than it can handle, the lash bond will be compromised.

This is especially common when:

• Moving between classic & volume sets
• Using the same glue for all techniques (adjust your lash glue to a multi-purpose one for varying lash techniques), using two different lash glues is not cost-effective.
• Choose the right lash glue for your experience.
• Using a super-fast set speed lash glue when you first become a lash tech is not advisable, as it will dry before you have even isolated your natural lashes & won’t bond at all.
• You can progress when you gain more experience onto a faster set speed, lash glue after a few months of lashing, when your isolation & lash application speed is quicker.

 

Matching lash adhesive performance to your lashing speed is a game-changer. It feels so good to find a lash glue that you love working with & a brand that delivers long-lasting lash retention.

Lash Retention + Lash Technique + Working Conditions + Professional Lash Products

Creating Strong lash retention isn’t about one “magic” product; it’s about everything working together.

When your lash prep, working environment, lash technique, & lash adhesive are aligned:

✔ Your client retains their lashes longer
✔  Lash Infills stay consistent every 2-3 weeks
✔ Building trust in your work with your clients increases client referrals

Creating that trust is what keeps clients loyal.

 

5. Final Thoughts

If lash retention has been frustrating lately, take a step back & assess your process, not just your lash glue.

At KG Lash Supplies, we test products in real salon conditions, so lash artists don’t have to guess what works.

Because better lash retention isn’t luck, it’s preparation, a process & a professional lash brand behind you!

Also, fully accredited lash training & ongoing support, is paramount for your success…

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