HOW MANY TIMES do you get clients complain about their lash extensions not lasting!? For so long this was a common issue with me when I first started out as a new lash tech. Are you using ‘all the right products’ and ‘doing the correct procedures’ but still getting those disappointing messages? I FEEL YOUR PAIN! Well today I’m going to share a few reasons you might not think of, that can result in poor lash retention, as well as a few tips and tricks to help extend that lash life!
Clients with a quick lash cycle
All clients have different lash growth cycles, some can be very quick. Let’s take it back to basics and look at the growth cycle; Anagen (growth phase), Catagen (transition phase), Telogen (resting phase). Some clients will go through the cycle quicker than others, meaning they will naturally need their infills more frequently to keep on top of their sets. A little tip to help clients with a fast growth cycle would be to encourage them to opt for volume extensions. That way, if lashes do fall out, the gaps will be much less obvious!
Is it your fault?
Lash techs often think lashes don’t last because of the glue or poor lash care by the client, when in reality it's often because of the initial attachment or poor pre-treatment. HAVE A SELF ASSESSMENT!! It’s easy to pass the buck on poor lash retention.
- Does your glue suit you? Is it drying too fast to form a proper bond? Remember, STRONG glue doesn’t always equal the BEST glue for you.
- Are you using enough glue? You need to have enough glue on the extension for it to wrap around the extension and the natural lash - you don’t want a big blob, but you want to be able to see the glue on the extension.
- Bad isolation/placement - is the extension adhered to the natural lash? Have you got a good attachment area of at least 2mm, or it is a bit wonky and not really attached too well?
- Are the natural lashes clean? Remember, the presence of ANY makeup, oils, dust, sebum will result in bad retention. As soon as your client goes to clean their lashes in the shower, they’ll all fall off if they were attached to the dirt and NOT the natural lash!
Oily skin
CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!!! Some things are just out of your hands! Once the client has left you to enjoy their gorgeous new set of lashes (that took you hours!!!!) it is their responsibility to keep them looking fluffy and full. I CANNOT stress enough how important lash care is. Clients with oily skin in particular run the risk of extensions just sliding off the natural lash, so it is very important they clean their lashes often, else their retention will suffer and lose them quicker.
Why would you pay £££ for lash extensions and not look after them? You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and not clean it, am I right??? I retail lash cleansing kits in my beauty room and recommend to all clients they purchase before leaving, to not only ensure long lasting lashes but to keep them looking on fleek!!
Pretreatment
Following on from oily skin dramas… London Lash Pro’s Booster will be your BFF! It is a multi-functioning product that will enhance your treatment. It increases retention AND speed of your work. Ever since I have started using this product I have seen amazing increase in retention, even on oilier skin, and would recommend it as a must to anyone trying to increase lash retention! Due to the alkalinity of the product, it opens up the lash hair cuticles and gives the glue a better surface area to grip on!
So, I hope I have shone some light on a few reasons you may not have considered as to why your lash extensions don’t last. Keep up the amazing work!
Written by London Lash Ambassador Georgia Duke
