The retention of lash extensions is one of the biggest concerns for professionals in the industry, since it's one of the most important factors our clients consider when assessing our work and the final result of the service.
That's why today we wanted to put together the 5 keys that will help you improve lash extension retention, simple guidelines you can easily incorporate into your services.
Prior preparation
Let's start at the beginning: preparing the area, specifically the natural lashes, before starting to place the extensions is one of the keys to achieving the best result.
First, we should thoroughly remove make-up from both the natural lashes and the eyelid area closest to the lashes. Next, we should clean the whole area very well, removing any trace of make-up, residue, oils, dirt, etc. from both the eyelid and the lashes.
Using a specific cleanser for this area is best, as they usually have a water base, so we avoid adding oil to the area, which is one of retention's biggest enemies.
At Seena Owell we also recommend using a lash primer. Primer is a product that serves a dual function: on the one hand, it finishes removing any trace of oil and water from the lashes, and on the other, it increases the adhesive's grip. Remember to apply this product with one or two micro brushes, lash by lash, from root to tip.
The adhesive
The next point to consider is the adhesive. Here you need to keep several things in mind:
- First, choose a high-quality, suitable adhesive, suited both to the service you're going to perform (classic or Russian volume) and to your level of experience applying extensions.
- Second, the adhesive must be in perfect condition in terms of expiry, humidity, temperature, storage, etc.
Watch how much adhesive you use on your lash extensions
On this point, it's also important to highlight that the amount of glue we use on the extension can affect retention. If we use too little, we risk the extension lasting a shorter time, and if we use too much, we can damage the natural lash and cause it to fall out early. In this infographic you can see the correct amount and position of adhesive on the extension.
Correct placement
Choosing the perfect curl to match the shape of the natural lashes, and placing the extension at the base of the natural lash (without touching the eyelid), are also important aspects to keep in mind.
The extension should sit perfectly on the natural lash, with the correct angle, following its shape and curl, so it won't bother the client.
Bonder
Fortunately, nowadays we have very professional products that help us with these treatments, and there's a specific one to help improve retention. It's called Bonder for lash extensions.
This product seals the adhesive, strengthening the bond between the natural lash and the extension.
It also neutralises the fumes from the glue, minimising the irritation the glue can cause to the eyes.
It should be applied with a dampened micro brush at the join between the extension and the natural lash.
At Seena Owell we recommend this one, which you can find in our online shop:
The importance of aftercare
Our job doesn't end with placing the last extension on the natural lash — it's essential to make sure that, once home, the client knows how to care for and maintain the extensions.
Aftercare is very important for retention. If the extensions get wet in the first 24 hours, the lashes aren't cleansed daily, oily products that can affect the glue are used, etc., our work will be affected — so we recommend placing special emphasis on aftercare.
To do this, you should carefully explain to the client why each step matters before they leave the salon, and give them a flyer or leaflet with all this information so they can keep it handy and refer to it calmly at home, without missing any point. We can even offer them specific products for caring for the extensions, such as a sealer or an oil-free brush and cleanser.
In this post we give you the 5 best lash extension aftercare tips we can give our clients.
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If you have any questions about using any of our products or carrying out services, feel free to contact us:
- Chat on the website
- Phone: (+34) 91 421 30 59
- WhatsApp: (+34) 618 578 678
- By email: info@seenaowell.com
