There’s nothing worse for a lash technician, especially if you’re just starting out, than receiving a message from a client saying their lash extensions haven’t lasted long. Well, before you spiral too much, let us step in and tell you five common mistakes that can lead to poor lash retention. Then, more importantly, we’ll tell you how to fix them, so you’ll have happy clients and feel calmer.
So, without further ado, here are the top 5 mistakes you might be making:
- Not using the right amount of adhesive
- Using the wrong adhesive for you
- Rushing the basics
- Forgetting about lash health
- Forgetting aftercare instructions
How to Fix These Mistakes
We’ll now go through each error in turn and tell you the surprisingly simple fixes to ensure you don’t get complaints about retention.
Using the wrong amount of adhesive is up first because it’s a common one, especially among newer lash artists. Usually, lash technicians use too much glue, because more glue equals a better stick, doesn’t it? Well, in lashes no. Using too much adhesive can cause extensions to stick together and glue to be visible, both of which can ruin your carefully applied lashes. It can also lead to bad retention because the main ingredient in lash glue won’t have activated properly to ensure a good bond, as there was too much product. If you’re applying too little, there simply won’t be enough of that main ingredient to do its job, and the extensions won’t last. The best way to fix this issue is to practice. If possible, partner with a more experienced lash artist for a few days so you can see how much glue they use.
Using the wrong adhesive is another common problem. When you first start out doing lashes or when you upgrade to more complex designs, you’ll have a slower application speed. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you’re using a fast-drying adhesive, it’s likely partly dry before the extension is applied, so the proper bond isn’t achieved. Try timing your average application speed and check which brand matches that in drying time. There are also guides to ensure you have the right humidity and temperature for your adhesive to dry at the right speed.
When we first start out as lash artists, sometimes we skip or rush the foundation steps because we’re worried about how long our appointments are. This is a natural worry, but rushing through lash prep can lead to poor retention if the lashes haven’t been mapped, cleaned, and isolated properly. You will speed up with practice, so consider extending your appointment times temporarily to nail those basics. Customers would rather spend longer in your studio for a good result.
Next up, lash health. If someone comes in wanting dramatic mega volume lashes, it can be tempting to always say yes. However, if their natural lashes are thin or damaged, they won’t be able to cope with heavy extensions. Learning how to say no to what a client wants takes practice, but explain your reasons and offer an alternative. Prioritising lash health helps you and your client, so it will start to come naturally.
Finally, do all clients leave their appointments knowing how to care for their new extensions? When we’re living in the world of lashes, we can assume that everyone has our knowledge, but it’s not the case, and poor aftercare can lead to bad retention. Why not try working with a graphic designer to create a digital aftercare flyer that’s sent after the appointment? That way, if you forget to inform your client in the studio, they still get the vital information. You could also have examples of products for your clients, so you can go through aftercare as you show them off. Your clients are out of the studio with their extensions far longer than they’re with you, so don’t forget this step.
Set Your Studio Up with Our Product Range
At Lavilash, we have a range of high-quality products from lashes to treatment accessories, so we can stock your new studio from top to bottom. Why not start by browsing our lash range here?
