5 LASH RETENTION MYTHS

When it comes to lash retention, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around. From what adhesive to use, to how clients should care for their lashes, and everything in between. Myths can not only confuse new lash artists, break trust between lash artists and their clients, but also impact the quality and longevity of their lash sets.

So, we’re busting the 5 most common lash retention myths and sharing professional lash artist tips to help you consistently deliver flawless, long-lasting results. We’ll also highlight how Revoläshion products, adhesives, and tools can support you every step of the way.

MYTH #1: WORKSPACE TEMP AND HUMIDITY MUST BE IN A CERTAIN RANGE

You don’t need a perfectly calibrated temperature and humidity to achieve stellar lash retention. Instead, savvy lash artists monitor the environment and adapt their speed accordingly - working faster when the air is warm and humid (because adhesive dries more quickly), and slowing down in cooler, drier conditions (when glue takes longer to cure). That’s why it’s wise to keep adhesives with different dry-speed formulas on hand - plus tools such as dehumidifiers, humidifiers, heaters, and A/C - to fine-tune your workspace when needed.

How Revoläshion Adhesives Handle Climate Variations

Below is a comparison of how our two star adhesives perform under different temperature and humidity conditions. For full, updated ranges, feel free to visit our website:

OMNIA CLEAR ADHESIVE

Humidity range: 18-60 % (Optimal: 30-55 %)

Temperature range: 69-75 °F (Ideal: 71-74 °F)

Drying times:

< 15 % humidity: 3-4 sec (may compromise bonding quality)
15-20 %: ~2 sec
20-30 %: 1-2 sec
30-55 %: 0.5-1 sec
55 %: immediate to 0.5 sec (risk of shock polymerization)

KAIO BLACK ADHESIVE

Humidity range: 25-60 % (Optimal: 30-55 %)

Temperature range: 69-75 °F (Ideal: 71-74 °F)

Drying times:

< 15 % humidity: 4-5 sec (slowest bonding, watch retention risks)
15-20 %: 2-3 sec
20-30 %: 2-3 sec
30-55 %: ~1 sec
55 %: immediate to 0.5 sec (same risk of overly fast curing)

No, you don’t need a “perfect” lash room - but you do benefit from awareness and adaptability. Here’s your formula:

Track your environment: Using a hygrometer and thermometer.

Adjust your pace: Work faster when adhesive dries quickly; slow down when it takes longer.

Stock smart: Keep both Omnia and Kaio on hand, along with slower, and faster, curing formulas as room conditions shift.

Control your atmosphere: If things are too hot humid, pull in a dehumidifier or A/C. If too dry, add a humidifier or use a heater as needed.

MYTH #2: YOU DON’T HAVE TO PREP LASHES

Some believe that lash prep doesn’t matter. The truth? Proper cleansing is crucial. Oils, makeup residue, and skincare products create barriers that prevent glue from bonding properly, leading to poor retention.

LASH ARTIST TIP: Always prep lashes with a gentle cleanser such as Cēana before any service. It removes natural oils and any buildup to ensure the adhesive adheres cleanly. You can also send clients home with Cēana and TrüCleanse to care for their investment at home.

This is one of the simplest ways to dramatically improve lash retention - and it’s a professional touch that clients notice and appreciate.

MYTH #3: MORE GLUE = BETTER RETENTION

Using extra glue seems like a good idea, right? Wrong. Overloading the base of the lash can weigh down the extension, close the fan, or even cause stickies and glue clumping. The result: shorter retention, an unnatural look, and possible damage to your clients natural lashes.

LASH ARTIST TIP: Less is more. Finding the sweet spot with adhesive is everything. You want just enough to fully wrap and bond the extension to the natural lash - without pooling or leaving behind bulky clumps. Using too much can create stickies, slow down drying, and even cause premature shedding. Too little, and you’ll end up with weak bonds that won’t last. A good visual guide is seeing a thin, even coating at the base of the extension - shiny but not globbed.

Remember: Clean, isolated lashes + the right amount of adhesive = long-lasting retention every time.

MYTH #4: RETENTION ONLY DEPENDS ON THE ADHESIVE

While choosing the right adhesive is critical, retention isn’t solely about glue. Factors like isolation, attachment, lash weight, client aftercare, and environmental conditions all play a huge role.

LASH ARTIST TIP: Retention starts at the base. Even the best adhesive won’t save a lash that isn’t properly attached. Make sure each extension is fully bonded at the base of the lash - otherwise, it will shed prematurely. Pay attention to natural lash health as well: using overly heavy extensions or too many lashes on a single natural lash can compromise retention and cause long-term damage. Prioritize balanced mapping, proper isolation, and weight distribution to keep both your sets and your client’s natural lashes looking flawless for weeks.

MYTH #5: CLIENTS CAN SKIP AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

Some lash artists and clients believe that after their lashes are applied, no maintenance is needed. In reality, proper aftercare is vital for preserving the life of extensions. Skipping cleansing, brushing, or avoiding touching the lashes, oils, etc can shorten wear dramatically.

LASH ARTIST TIP: Educate clients on aftercare, recommending products like Cēana, TrüCleanse, and Reusable Lash Brushes for gentle daily cleaning and emphasizing the importance of avoiding touching/pulling extensions, as well as oil-based products near the lash line.

Bonus tip: Contrary to outdated beliefs in the lash industry, you don’t have to wait 24 hours to get lashes wet. In fact, lash adhesive actually requires a small amount of moisture to fully cure. That’s why having some humidity in your workspace can help the adhesive set properly. Too dry, and the glue takes longer to bond; too humid, and it may cure too quickly. Understanding this balance lets you work efficiently while ensuring strong retention, so your clients can enjoy their lashes without unnecessary restrictions

Busting Myths = Better Retention

By addressing these 5 common myths, you not only improve retention but also build trust with your clients. When clients see that you’re knowledgeable, they’re more likely to follow your advice and return for regular fills.

Key takeaways for lash artists:

Always use lightweight lashes appropriate for your client’s natural lash health.
Prep every lash thoroughly with a gentle cleanser such as Cēana.
Apply the correct amount of adhesive with proper isolation.
Monitor studio environment and technique.
Educate clients on proper aftercare for long-lasting results.

Retention isn’t about guessing or following myths - it’s about understanding lash science, applying the right products, and educating clients. By busting these 5 lash retention myths, you’re not just improving the longevity of extensions; you’re building credibility, increasing client satisfaction, and elevating your artistry.

Want to deepen your lash knowledge further? Explore our guide on Becoming A Speedy Lash Artist Without Sacrificing Quality.