Struggling with poor lash retention?

If your clients are coming back with gaps after just a few days or complaining their lashes aren’t lasting, you’re not alone.

Lash retention is one of the biggest challenges new (and even experienced) lash artists face — but the good news is, with the right techniques and tweaks, you can improve it.

In this post, I’m breaking down the top reasons lash retention fails and giving you 10 expert lash retention tips to help your sets last longer and keep clients coming back.

Let’s get into it.

What Is Lash Retention?

Lash retention refers to how long eyelash extensions stay adhered to the natural lash before falling out. Good lash retention means your clients’ sets last 2–4 weeks with minimal shedding or gaps between appointments.

If retention is poor, clients may lose lashes within a few days — which not only damages your reputation but also your income.

Top 10 Ways to Improve Lash Retention

1. Nail Your Pre-Treatment Routine

Retention starts before you even pick up your tweezers.

Make sure you’re:

• Removing all oils and makeup with an oil-free cleanser
• Using a lash primer or prep solution to balance pH
• Avoiding moisturisers or creams near the eye area before application

Clean lashes = stronger bonds.

2. Use the Right Lash Adhesive for Your Environment 

Your glue needs to match your room conditions.

If your lash adhesive is drying too fast or too slow, retention will suffer.

Check your room’s humidity and temperature and choose a glue that performs well in those conditions.

Pro tip: Keep a hygrometer at your lash station to monitor conditions  3. Dip, Don’t Drag

Make sure you’re dipping the extension properly — not just grazing the surface.

3. Dip, Don’t Drag

Make sure you’re dipping the extension properly — not just grazing the surface.

You want to pick up the perfect amount of glue and apply it cleanly to the natural lash for maximum bonding.

4. Perfect Your Isolation Technique 

Poor isolation = stickies, clumping, and premature shedding.

Take your time to isolate each natural lash before applying, and double-check that no lashes are stuck together.

5. Attach at the Correct Angle 

Lash extensions should be placed flush and flat against the natural lash, not on top or off to the side.

A poor attachment angle weakens the bond and leads to early fall-out.

6. Don’t Overload the Lash

Using extensions that are too long, too thick, or too heavy for the natural lash can cause damage and bad retention.

Always match the extension to what the client’s natural lashes can handle.

7. Let the Adhesive Cure Properly

Avoid touching, brushing, or disturbing the lashes immediately after application.

Some lash artists also use a super bonder at the end of the set to help the adhesive cure faster and lock in retention.

8. Educate Your Clients on Aftercare

Even perfect application won’t last if your client isn’t following aftercare.

Make sure they:

• Avoid water/steam for 24 hours
• Don’t pick or rub their eyes
• Clean their lashes daily with lash shampoo
• Book infills every 2–3 weeks

9. Review Your Lash Mapping & Styling

Retention can also be affected by lash direction and weight distribution.

If your sets are unbalanced or inconsistent in direction, lashes can shed unevenly or fall out faster.

10. Keep Your Tools & Products Fresh

Old glue? Dirty tweezers? Expired primer? These all affect retention.

Keep your products clean, sealed, and within their recommended use-by dates.

Still Struggling with Retention? I’ve Got You. 

I created the Ultimate Lash Retention Guide to help you master everything from adhesive control to environmental factors and aftercare. It’s packed with retention-saving techniques you can implement straight away.

And the best part?

It’s included for free when you enrol in The Ultimate Lash Artistry Course.

Click here to enrol and get the Retention Guide  

Ready to Level Up Your Lash Sets?

Improving lash retention takes practice, knowledge, and the right support — but once you’ve got it, your sets will last longer, your clients will be happier, and your bookings will grow.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Let’s build your skills and confidence together.

Orla x

Founder of Bluebell Beauty Academy