9 Tips For Better Lash Retention

Retention separates average work from elite lash artist's work. A beautiful set that sheds early is a failed set. Strong retention comes from controlled prep, correct products, and disciplined technique. Here’s how to consistently deliver long-lasting sets and retain your clients for years to come. 

Start with Clean Lashes

Proper prep sets the stage for retention:

• Remove makeup and oils with Rinse & Repeat Lash Shampoo
  

• Use Primer to balance pH and remove excess oils
  

• Ensure lashes are fully dry before adhesive application
  
  Tip: Even small residues can weaken adhesive strength—never skip this step.

Select the Right Adhesive

Retention starts with adhesive selection:

• Match adhesive speed and viscosity to your experience, timing, and environment 
  

• Store adhesives properly and check expiration dates
  

• Test new products before full application
  

Shop adhesives here

Isolate, Isolate, Isolate 

Every lash must be isolated to avoid stickies and premature shedding:

• Use isolation tweezers for precise separation (our pick is our Get Bent tweezer) 
  

• Double-check inner and outer corners 
  

• Avoid touching adjacent natural lashes
  Tip: we love our Pro Tape to tape back the lashes, and lash in layers 

Mind Your Fan Placement & Volume

Overloading natural lashes can lead to breakage and faster shedding:

• Stick to recommended fan diameters for natural lash thickness
  

• Avoid heavy fans on fragile lashes
  

• Keep fans uniform and balanced across zones
  Tip: go with a lighter diameter on the inner and outer corners to prevent premature shedding
  

Check Your Adhesive Bond

Ensure each extension is properly dipped and bonded:

• Avoid excessive adhesive
  

• Attach lashes 1–2 mm from eyelid to prevent irritation
  

• Test a few lashes mid-set to ensure bond
  

Maintain Consistent Curl & Length

Mismatch in curl or length can create tension, causing lash fallout:

• Follow your custom mapping plan 
  

• Keep outer, mid, and inner lengths consistent
  

• Adjust for natural asymmetry
  

Educate Clients on Aftercare

Retention continues after the appointment:

• Recommend lash extension safe cleanser like our Rinse & Repeat Lash Shampoo
  

• Instruct clients to avoid oil-based makeup removers, picking at their lashes, and to avoid sleeping on their sides if possible 
  

• Advise gentle handling and avoid rubbing eyes
  

Schedule Regular Fills

• Encourage clients to rebook fills before natural lashes are too long
  

• Keep track of lash cycles in client records
  

• Recommend regular appointments to maintain fullness and prioritize natural lash health 
  

Track & Make Adjustments

• Consider taking photos each appointment to monitor retention over time
  

• Adjust mapping, adhesive, or curl based on results
  

• Use these notes to improve every future set
  

Tip: Tracking retention builds trust with clients—they see your professionalism and consistency.

Retention is the backbone of lash artistry and client retention. Follow these 10 steps: prep, technique, education, and tracking—and your clients will leave with long-lasting, flawless sets every time. Master retention, and your reputation will follow.

— The Lash Line Team