Why Your Lash Extensions Aren’t Lasting—Top 10 Reasons & How to Fix Them
Lash extensions should last 2–3 weeks or more, but if yours are falling out way too soon, you’re not alone. Whether you're a lash artist wondering what's up with retention—or a client frustrated your lashes keep disappearing—this blog breaks down the 10 most common reasons lash extensions don’t last and how to fix each one. Let’s get into it.
1. Poor Lash Prep
The problem: Oils, dirt, or makeup on the natural lash create a slippery surface.
The fix: Use an oil-free lash cleanser, followed by a primer. For pros, LashPals’ Pawsitive Primer creates the perfect base for better bonding.
2. Wrong Lash Glue
The problem: Using adhesive that doesn’t match your room conditions or your lashing speed.
The fix: Choose a glue that works with your humidity range. Our adhesives work in 30–70% humidity, and 20-35 degrees Celsius, so it adapts to most environments.
3. Not Enough Dry Time After Cleansing
The problem: Applying lash extensions to damp lashes.
The fix: Always fully dry lashes after cleansing before applying extensions. A quick blow-dry with a mini fan helps.
4. Incorrect Attachment Technique
The problem: Lashes lifting, falling off, or stuck to neighboring lashes.
The fix: Make sure extensions are isolated and bonded securely to clean natural lashes—no gaps, no clumps, no air bubbles.
5. Oil-Based Products & Skincare
The problem: Clients using oil-based removers, eye creams, or serums.
The fix: Recommend oil-free skincare near the eyes and send home an aftercare guide. Include it in your client welcome kits!
6. Not Cleaning Lash Extensions
The problem: Clients avoiding washing their lashes (yes, still common!).
The fix: Educate them! Clean lashes = better retention. Recommend a gentle foam cleanser like Alpaca Puff Cleanser by LashPals.
7. Sleeping on Your Face
The problem: Friction from sleeping face-down or on a cotton pillowcase.
The fix: Recommend silk pillowcases or a lash sleep mask to protect their investment.
8. Hormones, Meds, or Natural Shedding
The problem: Lash shedding can increase from stress, medications, or hormonal changes.
The fix: Monitor lash cycles and inform clients that retention can vary during certain times of the month or year.
9. Waiting Too Long Between Fills
The problem: Clients wait 4+ weeks and end up with gaps.
The fix: Encourage fills every 2–3 weeks and offer pre-booking or automated reminders. Lash loyalty = better retention.
10. Not Using Primer Strategically
The problem: Too much primer can over-dry lashes, causing weak bonds or brittleness.
The fix: Use a tiny amount on clean, dry lashes using a microapplicator brush—focus on the mid to base. Works great for oily lashes; skip or go gentle for dry ones (like with Pawsitive Primer by LashPals).
Final Thoughts
If your lash sets aren’t lasting, don’t panic—it’s fixable. Whether you're the artist or the client, understanding retention issues helps you take action and get longer-lasting, fuller lashes. Want to improve your lash retention game? Explore our best-selling retention primers, booster, glues, and cleansers at LashPals.
LashPals 🐰🐻🐺🐱🦙