25 Reasons Why Your Client's Lash Retention Is Suffering

Before you go blaming the lash glue, read this.

We get it. When your client’s Lash Retention is trash, it can be super stressful. You’ve done everything “right” and they’re still messaging you three days later asking what went wrong.

And let’s be honest — it’s much easier to blame the Lash Glue than consider that something you did (or your client did) could be the real reason those lashes didn’t last.

After selling tens of thousands of bottles of Lash Glue over the years, we can confidently tell you this:

The chance of you receiving a “bad batch” of glue is about as likely as getting struck by lightning while riding a rainbow-coloured unicorn named Larry.

Seriously.

The truth is, Lash Retention issues usually come down to small habits, overlooked steps, or environmental factors that many artists simply aren’t taught to look out for.

So, in no particular order, here are 25 reasons that are way more likely to be the cause of your client’s Lash Retention problems than a faulty bottle of adhesive:

Common Causes of Lash Retention Problems

1. There is something slippery on your client's lashes

(i.e. moisturiser) that's creating a barrier between the natural lash and the adhesive.

2. Your client isn't using a Lash Cleanser often enough

Daily is best, and build-up of oils or makeup is sabotaging the bond.

3. You're wiping off the excess adhesive on the eye pads

This affects the bond as the adhesive has already started to polymerise.

4. You forgot to shake your adhesive properly

At least 30 seconds unless you have a vortex, or the ingredients aren't mixed properly.

5. Your lash adhesive is too fast for your application style

It's starting to set before you attach to the natural lash.

6. Your client is a picker

Most will never admit it but the giant gaps and mysterious kinked lashes are a dead giveaway.

7. Your client is on medication

It’s unknowingly affecting her skin's pH and retention suffers as a result.

8. You're unconsciously using less lash glue so it sets faster

This is common when your glue is taking forever to set — switch to a lower humidity formula.

9. You're dipping into the lash adhesive before isolating the lash

The bead has already semi-set before it's attached (if lashes flick off during brushing, this could be why).

10. Your lash adhesive has been open longer than 30 days

It's not at maximum strength anymore.

11. Your lash glue hasn't been stored correctly

Especially if it’s been allowed to get too hot, which degrades the formula inside.

12. You work from the side instead of the forehead

The furthest side from your lash tile takes longer to reach and the glue starts setting too soon.

13. You forgot to refresh your lash adhesive before it got tacky

This is why we use LashJoy custom glue cups instead of jade stones to keep adhesive fresh during the appointment.

14. You've changed lash primers or cleansers

And your new products are not compatible with your adhesive.

15. You're using new lashes that have a slippery coating

This can be super frustrating and hard to spot at first.

16. You're not using the right lash adhesive for your environment

Like using a low humidity formula on a humid day.

17. You didn’t rinse the Lash Cleanser off properly

Leftover residue is creating a slippery barrier on the lashes.

18. There is sunscreen residue on the natural lashes

Similar to moisturiser, it creates an oily barrier that ruins retention.

19. Your client has been super stressed

Which may cause her to rub her eyes or produce more natural oil than usual.

20. Your client is pregnant

Hormonal changes can affect skin pH and cause unpredictable retention.

21. Your client has just had surgery

Anaesthetic can throw the body off and retention often drops during recovery.

22. Your client is using a cleanser that isn’t lash safe

Unless it’s an approved Lash Cleanser, it could be breaking down the adhesive.

23. You're wiping off excess lash glue on the cup instead of re-dipping

Same issue as wiping on the eye pads — premature curing.

24. You store your lash adhesive in the fridge after it’s been opened:

Constant temperature changes cause condensation inside the bottle and degrade the glue.

25. You didn’t put the cap back on your lash glue bottle properly

This lets moisture in and breaks down your adhesive before your next set.

Want to fix your Lash Retention once and for all?

👉 Check out Lash Retention 101 Online — the course trusted by thousands of stylists to improve their results, build their confidence, and finally stop second-guessing their work.