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Lash Retention Tips For Artists and Guests

We all know lash extensions can be a complete game changer that gives your guests that effortless confidence boost. But here’s the thing – the secret to keeping those lashes looking effortless isn't just how they’re applied; it’s in how they’re cared for too. No matter where you are at in your lash journey, each guest has a role they play in their retention. By doing their part at home, they can make their lash extensions last longer and look better in between their fill appointments. So, let's set the record straight on everything you need to do as the artist to ensure each guest has the best retention, and everything they need to know to keep their lashes looking their best. Let’s get into it!

The Basics of Lash Retention

What is Lash Retention? Lash retention is just a fancy way of saying how long the lash extension stays connected to the natural lash before they naturally shed. It’s the magic behind that ‘just done’ look lasting as long as possible. Poor retention? That can lead to frustration for you and your guests. Great retention? That's what keeps the feeling amazing and booking their next appointment on the regular.

Factors That Impact Lash Retention

Guest Natural Lash Cycle: Just like the hair on your head, lashes go through a similar growth cycle– The growth phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen), and the resting or shedding phase (telogen). Although placing an extension on each natural lash plays into how long the fullness of the set will last, extensions attached to lashes in the later telogen stage naturally won't last as long.
The double A’s - Application & Adhesive: The artist skills and the product you use matter! Precise application and high-quality adhesive really set the foundation for great lash retention. Learn Adhesive best practices and SHOP Borboleta’s Go-To Adhesive to help guarantee a 5-week retention!

How Guests Can Prep For Their Appointments

*and yes, you can send this directly to your guests! :)*

Encourage them to:

Come With Clean Lashes: Skipping eye makeup and concealer on the day of the appointment helps the appointment begin smoothly. Best case scenario, guests come in with bare eyes and faces.
Avoid Caffeine or Any Type of Stimulants: An excess of caffeine, especially on an empty stomach, can lead to twitchy eyes, which makes the application harder for the lash artist.

Lash Care at Home

The first steps after their appointment makes all the difference for your clients retention. Here’s what they need to know:

The first 24-48 hours–

Yes, you absolutely can and should get your extensions wet!! Forget that old myth about avoiding water for the first 48 hours. Starting right when you get home, you will start cleansing your lashes daily. This will help prevent irritation and help improve lash hygiene.
Keep Hands Off! Avoid rubbing, touching, or messing with your new lashes. Oils from our hands and picking or pulling at your extensions will result in premature shedding or damage to the natural lash.

Daily Maintenance–

Wash Your Lashes: A lash-safe cleanser and a soft cleansing brush, such as this Lash Bath and Clean Swoop Cleansing Brush will be your new best friend!
No Oil-Based Products: Oil is the enemy of lash adhesive. Stick to oil-free makeup, skincare and make-up remover.
Brush Them Morning and Night: A clean lash wand helps keep your lashes fluffy and tangle-free.

Lifestyle Tips for Lash Longevity

Your guest’s daily habits play a big role in how long their lashes last. Recommend these easy daily tips that can overall help impact their lash retention–

Sleep Smart :)

Sleeping on their back and using a silk pillowcase can reduce friction and help the lashes stay put while you're dreaming and sleeping.

Skip the Bad Habits!

No picking, pulling, or rubbing. These habits can damage both extensions and the natural lashes.

Choose Products Wisely

Always go for the oil-free and lash-safe products, especially when it comes to makeup and skincare!. Happy lashes are clean lashes!

When it’s Time to Schedule a Fill

Frequency - if your guest likes to maintain a fuller appearance, we recommend 2-3 weeks in between fills.

Signs It’s Time for a Fill - Noticeable gaps or unevenness across the two lash lines? Retention dropping below 50%? Time to double check you have your next lash fill scheduled soon!

What to Not Do for Long-Lasting Lashes

Sometimes, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do! Help your guests steer clear of these common mishaps to help make their next fill a breeze and keep their lashes looking fuller, for longer. A win, win!

Never Skip a Lash Cleanse - Dirty lashes can lead to oil build up on each natural lash base, resulting in irritations, and oftentimes, even infections. Remember, oil is the enemy of adhesive!
Using the Wrong Products - You would never use face cleanser to shampoo your hair, right? Same thing goes for lashes. Make sure your daily lash cleanser is lash-safe and formulated for the lash adhesive used.
Missing Lash Fill Appointments - Regular fills are key to maintaining the look you love. Never leave your lash fill without scheduling your next!

How to Communicate with Your Guests

Each client is the foundation of your business and building a solid, meaningful relationship with each guest makes the biggest difference in your success as a lash artist, and their experience with your lash artistry! We recommend being direct, and leading with the ‘why’. Remember, you are the professional and they are trusting you with their lashes. Here’s how to keep the conversation of lash care flowing:

Ask About Their Daily Routine: Get to know their makeup and skincare habits to spot anything that might impact their retention.
Always Be Open to Feedback: At the beginning of each fill appointment, provide each guest with the space to share feedback with how their lashes ‘lived-in’ over the last 2-3 weeks. Do they want to change their lash style? Did they come in with at least 40% lash coverage remaining? Small adjustments can lead to big improvements!

Lash Retention Tips Wrap Up

At the end of the day, Lash extensions are a partnership between the lash artist and the guest. When they follow these tips and show their lashes some daily love, and you perfect the right application techniques and adhesive care, their lashes will last longer and keep them always coming back for more. So guests, book your fill appointments! And artists, keep refining those application skills! The key to success is everyone doing their part :)

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