If you're a lash artist, you already know: one of the most tragic messages to get is the classic “Hey, my lashes are already falling out”... just days after you spent hours finessing the perfect set.
Cue the inner scream.
C an clients ruin lash extensions? Here’s the tea: 9 times out of 10, it’s not your work — it’s what happens after the appointment that breaks the bond. Clients love the glam, but don’t always play by the rules. And when it comes to lash retention, those rules are kind of a big deal.
Lash glue is a tricky thing, a diva who needs exactly the right conditions to function: not too hot, not too humid, definitely no oils, and god forbid — no face-mushing into pillows at night. In other words, lash extension aftercare is everything. It's not just a nice-to-have. It's make-or-break.
Let’s discuss the biggest stressors that ruin even the best lash work — and how to coach your clients like the beauty boss you are.
The 3 Main Lash-Killers: Physical, Chemical & Thermal Stress
Lash extensions are like your favorite vintage tee: cute, delicate, and need a little TLC to last. If clients treat their lashes like a pair of cheap sunglasses, don’t be surprised when they snap.
Let’s zoom in.
1. Physical Damage — Keep you hands to yourself
We’ve all done it — a random eye rub, a little face smoosh into the pillow. But for lash extensions, those everyday moves? They’re just like bricks in the wall. A wall between you and a dazzling lash look.
Top physical lash killers:
· Face mashing while washing: It’s highly important to be gentle.
· Sleeping face-down or side-smushing: A “Clockwork Orange” cosplay we didn’t want.
· Glasses that sit too low: Constant lash-to-lens contact = bye-bye bonds.
· Rubbing, tugging, picking, or brushing like you're detangling Barbie’s hair
How to explain it to clients: “Girl, your lashes are high-maintenance queens. Treat them like you just spent a mortgage payment on them — because you kinda did.”
2. Chemical Sabotage — The Silent Killer
Chemical exposure is the sneaky one. Clients think they’re doing “self-care” but are unknowingly giving your lash glue a death sentence.
Common culprits:
· Oil-based cleansers and removers (goodbye, bond)
· Thick moisturizers creeping into the lash line overnight
· Micellar water — not all are lash-safe, no matter what TikTok says
· Over-washing or scrubbing right after a fill
Real Talk Analogy: Lash glue + oil = like trying to tape something to a greased-up frying pan. Not gonna stick.
Remind clients to stick with lash-friendly cleansers, and avoid the “kitchen sink” routine on their face.
3. Thermal Mayhem — Hot Girl Problems
Heat is not your lash glue’s bestie. In fact, it’s kind of its villain origin story.
What to avoid:
· Saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms = lash glue meltdown
· Hair dryers too close to the face = dry + brittle lashes
· Sunbathing post-fresh fill
Cold weather doesn’t help either. Dry air + low humidity = glue cures weirdly. Lashes won’t stick as long — and you’ll be wondering why retention is frustration.
Common Client Mistakes That Ruin Retention
Even when you literally hand them a guide, there are always a few who go rogue. Here are some lash extension damage causes:
· Using coconut oil to remove eyeliner (instant lashicide)
· Forgetting to wash their lashes at all (no, it’s not “clean enough”)
· Sleeping on one side and waking up with a bald patch
· Drenching lashes in hot water 30 minutes after a fill
And the classic: “I didn’t touch them at all!” as they blink through half a lash line.
Educating Clients Without Sounding Like a Nag
Let’s be honest — nobody wants a lecture. But education? That’s different. And clients actually do want to understand, especially when they’re spending money and time on their lashes.
Here’s how to make it stick:
· Give them a cheat sheet (or better yet, text it to them — we’re on a digital era)
· Explain things in human language (“Oil and lash glue = lash bomb“ hits harder than “Please avoid oil-based products”)
· Use real analogies — like how lashes are like hair extensions or press-on nails
· Set expectations: “You’ll get 2–3 weeks easy… if you follow the rules. Otherwise, I’ll see you back here in 5 days. Your call.”
How to Tell If It’s Aftercare or Bad Application
So let’s discuss how to determine causes of lash fallout. How do you know what to blame before pointing fingers?
Client-caused retention issues usually look like:
· Lashes falling off clean (no natural lash attached)
· Bald spots on one side — usually their sleep side
· Visible oil or makeup buildup during fills
· They admit their aftercare wasn’t ideal (hey, at least give them credit for admitting such things in front of their lash tech)
Your fault might be:
· Lash glue clumps
· Lashes stuck together (stickies)
· Uneven mapping or weight too heavy for natural lash
Use fills as detective work. Ask questions. Give gentle coaching. Turn “this isn’t lasting” into “here’s how we can make it better next time.”
Insurance for Your Lash Work
Your lash set might be “10/10, would book again”. But without eyelash extensions care, it's like wearing a silk dress in the rain and expecting it to stay flawless.
So treat aftercare like part of the service — not an add-on. Build it into your brand. Make it cute, make it memorable, and make it loud. Because the more clients get how to care for lash extensions, the better their lashes — and your reputation — will be.
Lash Retention is a Two-Way Street
Yeah, it may come unexpectedly and sometimes overwhelming, but you’re in a full-on relationship with your client’s lash health.
When they ask, “Can I ruin my lash extensions?”
Your answer is “Absolutely. But I’m not gonna let you.”
By breaking down the lash retention tips, teaching smart aftercare, and calling out sneaky lash-killers before they strike, you become more than just their lash tech — you’re their lash coach. Their retention ride-or-die.
