Top Myths About Lash Extension Retention

Retention Issues? Let’s Discuss Some Myths

When a client books an infill, you expect a shorter appointment. You’re filling gaps where lashes have shed and replacing extensions that have grown out. If the client arrives with fewer than ten extensions on each eye, restoring the set may take as long as a full application. Explain what you can achieve in the time booked and discuss whether they need a new set.

To understand what happened, ask your client a few questions about how the set has worn:

• When did you first get your lashes wet, and what aftercare instructions did you follow?
• Did you go swimming or visit a sauna or steam room?
• How often did you cleanse your lashes with the lash shampoo I recommended?
• Did you notice any lashes catching or twisting? Did you find yourself rubbing or picking at them?
• What makeup or skincare did you use around your eyes, and how did you remove it?
• Did you brush your lashes gently with a clean mascara wand once they were dry?

The answers can help you understand what happened between appointments. Review your own attachment, pretreatment and adhesive choice as well so you can work out what to change next time.

Let’s Talk Attachment

Pay close attention to how the base of the extension sits against the natural lash. Aim for steady contact along the base, without a lifted edge or adhesive touching the eyelid. Align the extension with the isolated natural lash and check that it sits securely before releasing it.

Check for stickies, where an extension or its adhesive catches a neighbouring lash. Natural lashes grow at different rates, so lashes that are stuck together can tug on one another as they grow. This can cause discomfort and put strain on the natural lashes.

Use a controlled amount of lash glue for the extension or fan you’re applying. Check that there’s enough adhesive for secure attachment without excess spreading onto neighbouring lashes.

Let’s Talk Pretreatment

Pretreatment gives your adhesive a clean surface to bond to. Oils, dirt and makeup residue can interfere with attachment, so check the natural lashes and follow the directions for the products you use. For a rundown of the five steps, see our guide to summer lash pretreatment.

Retention & Speed Booster is the fifth step in the London Lash routine. If you use it, apply a small amount to the base of the extensions while they’re still on the strip, following the product directions. Keep it off the client’s natural lashes. It can help speed up attachment and keep handmade volume fans open during placement.

Each product has a specific role. If you’re troubleshooting retention, review which products you used, how you applied them and whether the natural lashes were dry before you began attaching extensions.

Let’s Talk Glue

Understanding your lash glue is an important part of being a Lash Tech. Our Glue Chart compares setting speeds and recommended room conditions. If you’re still building your placement speed, a slower-setting adhesive such as Satin Bond or Lady Bond can give you more time to position the extension.

If your adhesive starts setting before you’ve positioned the extension, it may struggle to form a secure bond. Once your placement is consistently quicker, you can compare our fast-drying lash glues and choose one that suits your pace and room conditions.

Temperature and humidity also affect how your adhesive behaves. Higher humidity can speed up setting, even with a slower-setting glue. Keep a digital hygrometer and thermometer near your workstation so you can compare the readings with your adhesive’s recommended range. For more tips, read our guide to getting the best out of your lash glue.

If a client comes back with retention issues, review the appointment from prep through to aftercare. Check your attachment, adhesive and room conditions alongside what the client noticed at home. That gives you a clearer idea of what to adjust at their next appointment.