The duration of your eyelash extensions is referred to as retention in the field of lash extensions. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how long lash extensions will last. The retention indicated on the label of your lash adhesive is an estimate based on ideal conditions and the assumption that you have followed all of the instructions.
On that note, there are a number of variables that you can influence that will have an impact on your client’s retention. They are now responsible for their lash extensions once they leave your space. However, before they depart, consider the following four methods for increasing your lashing retention:
1. Check to make sure your products aren’t past their expiration date.
The freshness of the lash adhesive you use has a significant impact on the lash extensions’ longevity.
Lashes adhesives are made with cyanoacrylate and other chemicals. The components begin to separate over time and, as a result of oxidation, lose their efficacy. Before using your glue, thoroughly shake the bottle; this will emulsify the chemicals and allow your adhesive to perform optimally.
However, if your lash glue is past its expiration date, the chemicals are no longer fresh, resulting in weaker bonding and poor retention. As a result, always check the expiration date and shelf life of your lash glue before using it. To avoid confusion, label your bottle with the date it was opened.
2. Pay special attention to lash preparation for retention (cleanser+primer).
Don’t skimp on the planning! To ensure long-lasting retention, make sure your eyelashes are clean before lashing. Oil, dust, cosmetic residue, and debris all contribute to lash retention and a weaker bond between your lash glue and your lashes. Use an oil-free, extension-friendly cleaner to clean your client’s eyelashes.
Then, using a lash primer, make certain that no oil, dust, residue, or debris is left in your client’s eyelashes. A lash primer regulates the pH level of your client’s eyelashes, increasing lash retention.
Prep your client’s eyelashes properly!
3. To ensure your clients’ retention, teach them basic aftercare techniques.
Your client’s daily routine plays a significant role in why their eyelash extensions fall out sooner than expected. Teach your client proper aftercare procedures, such as dos and don’ts and product recommendations. Include ingredients that they should stay away from as well.
Make a point of cleaning your eyelashes on a daily basis. Comb and remove any accumulated debris and dust in their lashes and lash line with the appropriate lash cleanser and mascara wands.
Remind your clients not to dilute products that are not intended to be diluted for cost savings, such as cleansers. When a cleanser is diluted in a way that it was not intended to be, its effectiveness suffers. This means that their cleansers will be unable to remove all of the unwanted detritus, oil, grime, and makeup residue from their eyelashes, resulting in premature shedding.
4. Maintain a suitable work environment in order to maximize retention.
Using a hygrometer and thermometer, check the humidity and temperature in your lash room. Examine the lash glue’s label. Manufacturers always specify the ideal room temperature and humidity level for the best lash adhesive performance.
Check that your lash room’s humidity and temperature levels are within the recommended ranges. When the humidity level is low, your lash glue will dry slowly, whereas when the humidity level is high, it will dry quickly. The binding will be weak in both cases, and the retention of the lashes will be insufficient.
Need more retention tips?
Here are a few more helpful tips:
- Make sure the lash extensions are perfectly parallel to your client’s natural lashes. Dirt, debris, and oil will quickly accumulate if the extensions are not fully connected at the base. The buildup will begin to degrade the bond, causing it to weaken. Make sure your extension bases are flush with the natural lash; this will provide your adhesive with the most surface area to bond to and will also make your sets look seamless.
- Treat your lash adhesives right. Keep your glue in a safe place and treat it properly. Your retention depends on it. To ensure proper shelf-life storage, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and, if possible, know when it was made.
- Try shock curing. But don’t go overboard. Nano misting is one of the most effective ways to improve lash retention. Maintain a distance of at least 12 inches between the nano mister and your client’s face. Do this for no more than 30 seconds. Anything longer than 30 seconds will have the opposite effect of shock curing. You don’t want water beads on your client’s lashes.
- Advise your clients about makeup. Educate your clients on the importance of avoiding oil-based makeup. Waterproof eye makeup is difficult to remove and is not recommended for use with extensions. Whatever makeup your clients choose to wear, when removing it, they should be gentle with their eyelashes and never tug at them.
The most effective lash extension glue for retention
There are many lash glues on the market today. How hard it is to find lash glue. Clients also have different needs. Here are five of the best glues for lash extensions that we sell:
Supreme Adhesive (4 – 5 weeks)
This lash glue is frequently used by professional lash artists. Supreme Adhesive dries quickly, in less than 2 seconds. Lash retention ranges between 4 and 5 weeks, depending on your client’s aftercare routine.
- 1 to 2 seconds drying time
- Black color
- Low fume
- Lash retention: 4 to 5 weeks
- Ideal for intermediate to advanced lash artists
- Classic and Volume lashes
Elite Adhesive (6 – 7 weeks)
Because of its viscosity, Elite Adhesive is appropriate for novice and experienced lash artists. Many newcomers appreciate the “thickness” of this glue and its manageable drying time. The lashes last approximately 6 to 7 weeks.
- 2 seconds drying time
- Black color
- Lash retention: 6 to 7 weeks
- Classic and Volume lashes
LBLA Omega Adhesive (7 – 8 weeks)
The rapid drying time of LBLA Omega Adhesive is its distinguishing feature. It is determined by the relative humidity in your specific room. If it is between 65 and 70%, the drying time is instant; 40% to 55 percent, the drying time is 0.5 to 1 second; and 25% to 40%, the drying time is 1 to 2 seconds. This is one of the reasons why lash tech loves this lash adhesive. By increasing the humidity, the drying duration can be easily adjusted without affecting the retention.
- Instant to 2 seconds drying time (depending on the humidity)
- Semi black color
- Minimal fumes
- Great for mega volume lash extensions
- Lash retention: 7 to 8 weeks
If your client wants mega volume lashes that will last a long time, you should definitely consider using LBLA Omega Adhesive.
SUGARLASH Bond Noir Adhesive (Up to 8 weeks)
This lash glue is suitable for both traditional and volume lashes. SUGARLASH Bond Noir Adhesive dries in 0.5 seconds. As a result, you must be able to keep up with its drying speed. It has a nice glossy black color that gives the eyelashes a lovely shiny gloss.
- 5 second drying time
- Low fumes
- Glossy black color
- Lash retention: up to 8 weeks
- Ideal for experienced lash techs
A glue called SUGARLASH Bond Noir Adhesive can keep lashes in place for a long time—up to eight weeks. Its texture and viscosity make it easy for experienced techs to work with.
LASHGOD Supernatural Bond (8 – 10 weeks)
This lash glue is 100% oil-resistant, which makes it last longer and keep your lashes in place. When you use LASHGOD’s Supernatural Bond, it dries very quickly. It means you need to be able to keep up with how long it takes to dry. It is usually used by people who do lashes very well.
- 2 to 0.5 drying time
- Jet black color
- Low fumes
- Lash retention: 8 to 10
- Ideal for experienced lash techs
There is no latex, formaldehyde, or smells that aren’t good. To make your clients’ eyelash extensions last the longest possible, this is the glue for you! It is also good for people with sensitive skin.
Many things affect how long eyelash extensions last, such as your client’s aftercare routine, lifestyle, and so on. You can’t do anything about these things. However, you can make sure that you explain to them how important their aftercare is and how it affects their eyelashes. In place of that, focus on the things that you can control and always use high-quality products in your lash salon, instead. Make sure your customers are happy with their long extensions. This will save you time and money.