Do you know this feeling? You spent hours carefully applying lash extensions on your client, only for them to come back a week or even days later with sparse and uneven lashes. Poor retention is frustrating for both lash artists and clients.
In this blog, we will share seven lash extension retention tips to help you overcome common retention issues and keep your clients happy.
1. Choose the Right Glue for Your Lashing Speed
One of the main factors that affect retention is the adhesive you use. Lash adhesives have different curing times and drying speeds, which can greatly impact the longevity of your lash extensions.
If you are a more experienced lash technician, a glue with a faster drying time may work well for you. Our Flash Bond adhesive is designed for advanced artists and has a drying time of 0.5-1 second. You can also try Magnetic Force, which has a setting time of one second.
However, if you are still perfecting your application technique, an adhesive with a slower drying time can give you extra time to work on your lashes and create the perfect bond with each lash. Lash Bomb is a great choice for beginner lash artists, with a setting time of 1.5-2 seconds.
2. Treat Your Adhesive Right
It's important to properly care for your lash glue to keep your adhesive performing at its best.
Always store it in an airtight container like our Adhesive Home, and keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Know the optimal humidity levels for your adhesive and work within them.
The level of moisture in the air can significantly impact how well lash extensions stick to natural lashes. If the air is too dry, the glue takes longer to dry, and the lashes may not stick well. If the air is too humid, the adhesive dries too fast, and the lashes may fall off early.
To maintain ideal humidity levels in your lash studio, consider using a hygrometer to monitor the environment. If the humidity strays outside the recommended range, you can adjust it with a humidifier or dehumidifier.
Lashin' Out's Magnetic Force Adhesive is a fan favourite as it works well in a wide range of 30-70% humidity, making it ideal for climates like those in Alberta.
Pro Tip 🌟
Burp your glue before each use. Lightly squeeze the adhesive bottle until you see a bubble. Use our lint-free Adhesive Wipes to clean the nozzle. Burping allows stagnant air and adhesive to escape from the nozzle, so you always use a fresh drop.
3. Choose the Right Extension
Each client has unique natural lashes, so you need to choose eyelash extensions that match their needs for optimal retention. Here are some things to consider:
- Length: Make sure to select lash lengths that do not exceed 2-3 mm the length of your client's natural lashes. Extensions that are too long may weigh down the natural lash, causing them to fall out prematurely.
- Diameter/thickness: The diameter or thickness of the lash extension should also be appropriate for your client's natural lashes. If you use extensions that are too thick, they can strain and damage the natural lash.
4. Clean Those Lashes
Cleaning your client's lashes before starting the application is an essential step that cannot be overlooked. Clean lashes lead to better adhesion of the extensions, which helps them last longer.
Debris, oil, and makeup residues can prevent the adhesive from bonding effectively with the natural lash, causing the extensions to shed prematurely.
How to Clean Your Client's Lashes
Use a lash-safe cleanser formulated specifically for eyelash extensions, like our Lash Suds. These cleansers are designed to remove impurities without breaking down the adhesive. Follow these steps for a squeaky-clean canvas:
- Apply one pump of Lash Suds to each closed eye.
- Gently brush along the lash line and the eyelid using a Petite Cleaning Brush.
- Rinse with water and repeat this process until the lash extensions are completely clean.
- After rinsing, dry the lashes with a fan.
Educate Your Clients
It can be challenging to explain to our clients how important it is to clean their lashes every day.
Lashes are an investment, and proper care is essential. Regular lash baths offer significant benefits that far outweigh any inconvenience.
Neglecting lash hygiene can lead to serious issues such as lash lice, blepharitis, and damage to the natural lashes. If not addressed, these conditions can cause discomfort and harm your client's natural lashes.
5. Application Technique
When applying extensions, you want to make sure that the base of the extension makes full contact with the natural lash. If not, the adhesive bond will be weak and lead to retention issues.
If you are applying volume lashes, you will want to make sure you are achieving a tight base. You can do this by practicing and improving your lash wrap technique.
Read our blog here for a more detailed explanation of how to perfect this advanced technique!
6. Try a Bonding Agent
Consider using a bonding agent for tricky clients who have trouble retaining their lashes.
Our new Superbonder is a powerful and innovative product designed to enhance the lash bond by adding elasticity to any lash adhesive. Extra flexibility in your adhesive means less breakage and maximized retention for your clients.
7. Remove Grown Out Lashes at Fill Appointments
Removing grown-out lashes at fill appointments can significantly boost your client’s lash retention and improve the overall appearance of their set. When old extensions are removed and replaced, the lashes will look fuller and last longer. You can then place the new extensions as close to the lash line as possible without touching the lid, ensuring a seamless and more natural look.
Get Better Retention With Lashin’ Out
Mastering the art of lash retention takes time, patience, and practice. With these tips and tricks, you are on your way to becoming a lash retention pro.
At Lashin' Out, we not only provide you with top-quality lash products, but we also offer extensive educational resources to help you perfect your craft. Whether you're struggling with retention, looking for the best adhesive, or aiming to enhance your techniques, Lashin' Out has you covered.
- Shop Now: Check out our online store for industry-leading adhesives, extensions, and more. We always do our best to stay on top of the lash industry with the best new innovative products.
- Learn More: Dive into our blog for expert advice and tips, and explore our range of tutorials designed to elevate your lash application skills. Check out our Academy, which offers a one-of-a-kind lashing course and a 1:1 Mentorship program.
