The Most Common Retention Killers — And How to Avoid Them
If there’s one thing every lash artist has cried about (mentally or literally 😭), it’s retention.
Clients want “3–4 weeks no fall-out please!!” and we’re over here fighting humidity, oily lids, and mystery shedding.
The truth is:
Most retention problems don’t come from the client — they come from a few small mistakes during the lash process.
Let’s break down the biggest retention killers and how to avoid them like a pro.
❌ 1. Poor Lash Prep
If the natural lashes aren’t perfectly clean, the extensions won’t stay.
Makeup, oils, skincare residue — they all sit between the glue and the lash.
How to avoid it:
✔ Deep cleanse with a professional lash shampoo
✔ Use primer/prep (especially for oily clients)
✔ Make sure lashes are completely dry before you start
✔ No shortcuts — prep is EVERYTHING
TDANCE Tip:
Your retention starts before you pick up your tweezers.
❌ 2. Wrong Humidity & Temperature
Your glue isn’t “bad.”
Your room conditions just don’t match it.
Every glue has a sweet spot.
If humidity is too low → glue dries too slow
If humidity is too high → glue cures too fast
Either way: retention dies.
How to avoid it:
✔ Always check room humidity (hygrometer is your bestie)
✔ Use a dehumidifier or humidifier as needed
✔ Choose a glue that suits your climate, not someone else’s
✔ Work closer to the glue’s optimal range, not outside it
❌ 3. Using Too Little (or Too Much) Glue
Let’s be real — many beginners are scared of “too much glue,” so they dip too lightly.
But:
Too little glue = weak bond
Too much glue = stickies & clumps
Both kill retention.
How to avoid it:
✔ Dip 1–2mm into the glue drop
✔ Glue should be smooth, not stringy
✔ Refresh your glue drop every 10–15 minutes
✔ Don’t wipe glue off the lash—commit to the dip!
TDANCE Rule:
If you’re unsure, add slightly more, not less.
❌ 4. Poor Isolation
When lashes aren’t isolated properly, they attach to neighbors.
This causes:
-
tension
-
premature shedding
-
discomfort
-
weak retention
How to avoid it:
✔ Slow down your placement step
✔ Use a thinner isolation tweezer
✔ Train your non-dominant hand (it matters!)
✔ Check for stickies every few minutes, not just at the end
Perfect isolation = longer-lasting sets + happier clients.
❌ 5. Bad Attachment Angle
If the fan is attached at the wrong angle, you’ll get:
-
lifting
-
twisting
-
popping off
-
poor retention
How to avoid it:
✔ Match the direction of the natural lash
✔ Make sure bases wrap cleanly
✔ Avoid attaching extensions to baby hairs
✔ Apply from the side, bottom, or top — whichever gives the strongest bond
Attachment angle affects EVERYTHING.
❌ 6. Oily & High-Maintenance Clients
Some clients are magnets for retention issues.
If they:
-
use heavy skincare
-
have oily eyelids
-
sleep on their face
-
rarely clean their lashes
You already know the end.
How to avoid it:
✔ Give them a lash shampoo routine
✔ Recommend sleep masks & oil-free products
✔ Explain why cleansing = better retention
✔ Remind them to avoid steam for 24 hours
Sometimes, it’s not the artist — it’s the lifestyle.
❌ 7. Using Expired or Old Glue
Glue breaks down faster than we think.
If it’s:
-
over 4–6 weeks opened
-
exposed to air too long
-
kept in the wrong temperature
…it won’t bond properly.
How to avoid it:
✔ Replace glue every 4–6 weeks
✔ Store in a cool, dry place
✔ Keep the bottle sealed tight
✔ Shake glue before EVERY appointment
Fresh glue = fresh retention.
✨ Final Thoughts
Retention isn’t just “luck.”
It’s a combination of technique, tools, environment, and prep.
Fix these common mistakes, and you’ll see your retention go from:
💀 “My lashes fell off in 3 days.”
to
😍 “OMG they lasted 4 weeks, I’m obsessed!”
And remember:
TDANCE is always here to help you lash better, faster, and with confidence.
