Lash Retention Tips from Mish | How to Make Lash Extensions Last Longer

As a lash artist, one of the most frustrating things is when a client comes back too soon, complaining about their lash retention. You did your best work, but their extensions didn’t last! The truth is, retention issues often come down to a few key mistakes that can be easily fixed. If you want to know how to make lash extensions last longer, look at these potential mistakes.

The Biggest Mistakes That Lead to Poor Lash Retention

After years in the industry, I’ve noticed that many lash artists struggle with retention for the same reasons. Here are the most common mistakes:

1. Skipping Proper Cleansing and Priming
   One of the biggest reasons for poor lash retention is not cleansing or priming the client’s lashes properly before applying extensions. If there’s dirt, oil, or makeup residue left on the lashes, the adhesive won’t bond well. Using a high-quality lash cleanser and lash primer is a must! 

   
   
   
   Vibrant Lash Cleansing Kit

2. Using the Wrong Amount of Glue
   Not all clients’ lashes are the same, so you can’t use a one-size-fits-all approach with adhesive. If you don’t use enough glue, the extensions won’t hold. If you use too much, it can create stickies or clumps. Also, always make sure you’re using fresh glue that works for your environment (humidity and temperature matter!).

   
   Four Seasons Adhesive

3. Poor Lash Placement
   Proper placement is everything! Extensions should be placed seamlessly onto the natural lash. If the bond between the natural lash and the extension is too short, the lashes will fall off sooner. A strong bond zone ensures long-lasting retention.

4. Not Changing the Glue Often Enough
   Lash adhesive has a short life once it’s exposed to air. If your glue is old or has been sitting out too long, it won’t bond properly. Make sure you’re replacing your glue drop regularly during the service to maintain strong retention.

How to Improve Lash Retention and Keep Clients Happy

Now that you know the common mistakes, here’s how to fix them:

✅ Always Clean and Prime Lashes – Use a gentle but effective lash cleanser to remove oils and debris. Follow up with a lash primer to create the perfect surface for bonding. Check out this video on our salon instagram page @mishesthetics.salon

✅ Use the Right Amount of Glue – Adjust your adhesive amount based on the client’s natural lash diameter and thickness. More glue is needed for thicker lashes, while finer lashes require less.

✅ Check Your Environment – Humidity and temperature play a big role in how well your adhesive works. Keep a hygrometer in your lash room to monitor conditions.

✅ Place Extensions Correctly – Make sure the lash extension bonds securely along the natural lash with enough surface contact for a long-lasting hold.

✅ Refresh Your Glue Drop Often – Change your glue drop every 15-20 minutes to keep it fresh and effective.

Final Thoughts

Lash retention isn’t just about having the best products—it’s about using the right techniques. With proper cleansing, priming, adhesive control, and placement, you’ll see a huge improvement in how long lash extensions last. Happy lashing!