The Truth About Lash Retention: Why Your Lashes Aren’t Lasting (and How I Fix It)
Hey beautiful — let’s talk retention 💅
You spend time, money, and effort keeping your lashes on point, so when they start shedding faster than normal, it’s beyond frustrating.
As a luxury lash artist here in Oklahoma City, one of the most common questions I get is:
“Why don’t my lash extensions last as long as my friend’s?”
So today, I’m pulling back the curtain on what actually affects lash retention—and how I help my clients achieve flawless, long-lasting results every time.
💨 1. It’s All About the Adhesive + Environment
Your lash adhesive is sensitive to the environment it’s used in — not all lash studios control that properly.
Too much humidity can cause the adhesive to cure too quickly before it bonds properly.
Too little humidity means it cures too slowly and stays tacky.
Temperature and airflow also play a big role in how your lashes set.
At GG Lash Co., my studio is climate-controlled for optimal adhesive performance year-round, so you always get the best bond possible for long-lasting retention.
🧖♀️ 2. Clean Lashes = Happy Retention
Clean lashes last longer — period.
Oil, makeup, and buildup along the lash line can block proper bonding during your appointment and affect how cleanly new lashes attach at your next fill.
That’s why every GG Lash Co. client gets a lash shampoo tutorial, and I retail gentle cleansers designed specifically for extensions.
💧 I recommend washing your lashes 2–3 times a week with a lash shampoo.
If you want to cleanse daily (especially if you wear skincare or workout often), use an ocular cleanser like Ocusoft or Ocusoft Platinum — it’s gentle, safe for the lash line, and ideal for keeping everything fresh between lash baths.
💡 Pro tip: You can get your lashes wet immediately after your appointment — no need to wait 24 hours. And oil-based skincare is totally fine; just avoid it on the day of your appointment so your lashes are clean and prepped for perfect application.
💤 3. Sleep Habits + Touching Your Lashes
You might be surprised how much your sleep position or daily habits affect retention.
If you’re a face sleeper or constantly brushing your lashes, you’re applying subtle pressure that can weaken the bonds over time.
Try sleeping on a silk pillowcase and avoid excessive touching or rubbing your eyes. Your set will thank you later!
💕 4. The Artist Matters (Technique Is Everything)
Even perfect aftercare can’t make up for poor application.
Retention starts with proper isolation, direction, and adhesive control — and that comes from education, patience, and experience.
I never rush through my sets — every lash is placed intentionally for comfort, direction, and strength.
It’s why my clients consistently tell me their lashes last longer than anywhere else they’ve been.
🌿 5. Your Natural Lash Cycle
Here’s the truth: your natural lashes shed every single day.
We lose 2–5 lashes per eye daily, and that’s completely normal.
That’s why fills every 2–3 weeks are essential to keep your set looking full and fresh.
💬 Bonus: Retention for Lash Artists
If you’re a fellow lash artist struggling with retention, don’t worry — it’s one of the most common issues I mentor students through.
We troubleshoot everything from humidity control to adhesive selection during my 2-Day Lash Training Experience and Voxer Mentorships, so you can master your craft faster and give your clients the retention they deserve.
📍 Book Your Lash Appointment in Oklahoma City
If you’re ready for lashes that actually last, come experience the GG Lash Co. difference.
I specialize in customized, retention-focused lash extensions that keep you looking effortlessly glam between appointments.
✨ Book your next set at www.gglash.co/book
✨ Learn about trainings & mentorships at www.gglash.co/training
Because great retention isn’t luck — it’s luxury. 💖