Why Are My Lash Clients Losing Their Lashes?
Join us as we uncover insights into lash retention and how you can address these issues to keep your clients happy and confident in their lash looks! Let's figure out 'Why are my lash clients losing their lashes'?
Are your clients expressing concerns about losing lashes sooner than expected? This can be a frustrating experience, both for you as a lash artist and for your clients who are eager to maintain their beautiful extensions.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons behind premature lash loss, from factors related to application techniques to clients' habits and aftercare practices. By understanding the potential culprits, you can not only provide better guidance but also help your clients protect their investment.
Natural Lash Shedding
Just like the hair on our head, our natural lashes go through a growth cycle consisting of three phases: Anagen (growth), Catagen (transition), and Telogen (resting).
During the telogen phase, which lasts about 6 to 8 weeks, natural lashes may shed as new ones grow to take their place. This shedding can occur independent of lash extensions, and clients might notice their extensions falling out along with their natural lashes. It's important for lash artists to educate clients about this process so they can set realistic expectations regarding retention and understand that occasional shedding is normal. Reassure your clients that loss is part of the natural cycle. On average, individuals can lose about 1 to 5 natural lashes per day. This rate can vary based on several factors, including genetics, age, overall health, and other individual characteristics. The natural lash growth cycle is unique to each person, and shedding is a normal part of this process.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid imbalances and alopecia, can significantly contribute to natural lash shedding. The thyroid gland plays a role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and hair growth, so when it’s underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism), it can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or premature shedding of eyelashes. Similarly, alopecia, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, can cause hair loss not only on the scalp but also on the lashes. Both of these conditions may lead to a noticeable decrease in lash density, as hair follicles are either weakened or unable to grow new hairs. If your client is experiencing excessive lash shedding, it's important to consider these underlying medical factors and recommend they consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Lash Application
Improper application can result in premature shedding of your client's lashes. If the extensions are not properly attached with 100% contact at the base or if the diameter and length are too heavy for the natural lashes, it can cause them to shed prematurely. When lashes are weighed down by overly thick or long extensions, they may not be able to support the extra weight, leading to stress on the follicle and faster shedding.
Additionally, if the extensions are applied too close to the lash line, they can cause friction and pull on the natural lashes, accelerating their fall and causing an itchy, uncomfortable feeling. This is why it’s important to choose the right extension size and apply them with precision to ensure that each natural lash can hold the weight of the extension without compromising its integrity. Proper application techniques, like isolating each natural lash and using the right adhesive, can help prevent premature shedding and ensure a longer-lasting, healthier lash set for your client.
So the question becomes, how can you make sure your clients don’t experience retention issues from application? Using the right tools designed specifically for lash artists is important in enhancing the efficiency and quality of the lash artist's work. High-quality tweezers, for instance, provide the precision needed for effective isolation and secure attachment, reducing the likelihood of errors that could lead to premature shedding or discomfort for the client.
Ergonomically designed tools can significantly reduce strain on the artist's hands and wrists, allowing for longer, more comfortable working sessions without compromising the quality of the application. Thoroughly cleanse your client’s lashes using a gentle lash cleanser and a soft cleansing brush.
Applying extensions to unclean lashes can cause the adhesive to bond with residual oils instead of the natural lashes, leading to a weaker attachment. This can result in premature lash loss over time, compromising the longevity of your work and your client's satisfaction. Prioritizing proper lash prep ensures a clean, secure bond and enhances overall retention. When applying lash extensions, use just the right amount of adhesive—neither too much nor too little—to ensure a secure bond. If you notice an adhesive bead on the base of your extension, you’ve applied too much. Dipping the extension slowly at a 90-degree angle will result in just the right amount. Work with slow, controlled movements to maintain precision, and carefully place the extension onto the natural lash.
It's not just about the tools—investing in high-quality lash adhesives and extensions is equally important for achieving the best results. These key products directly impact both the appearance and retention of your lash sets. Here’s why: premium lashes are crafted from fibres that are designed to grip the adhesive better, creating a stronger, longer-lasting bond with the natural lash. This ensures not only a more seamless, natural look but also improved retention, reducing the likelihood of premature shedding. By choosing top-tier materials, you set your work apart and provide clients with superior, long-lasting lash sets.
Lash Aftercare
Educating your clients on proper lash aftercare is crucial, as it helps them understand that once their lash set is complete, maintaining it becomes their responsibility. Clogged follicles can cause lash shedding, so encouraging the use of a gentle lash cleanser every day to remove excess oils, makeup, dirt, and debris not only keeps the lash line clean but also promotes healthier lashes and better retention.
How to know if it’s a lash technique issue?
Determining whether premature lash shedding or poor retention is due to the client’s aftercare habits or the lash artist’s technique requires careful evaluation. Start by inspecting the application—were the extensions properly attached to individual lashes with the right amount of adhesive? If the application appears flawless, the issue may lie with the client's aftercare. Consider the health of the client's natural lashes as well; weak or brittle lashes may not be able to support extensions, leading to faster shedding. If the shedding is uniform across the set and occurs soon after application, it could indicate an issue with the lash artist’s technique or product choice. However, if the shedding is uneven or localized, it’s more likely due to poor client habits such as rubbing their eyes, using oil-based products, or neglecting proper cleansing. Having an open conversation with your client about their daily routine can provide insight into their aftercare practices and help identify the root cause. By carefully assessing both the application and the client’s aftercare, you can determine whether the issue lies with the artist or the client, and take steps to improve retention moving forward.
What if a client loses lashes on one eye?
Losing lash extensions on just one eye is a common concern for many clients, and it often boils down to everyday habits and natural asymmetries. One of the most significant factors is sleep position—if you tend to sleep on one side, the friction and pressure against your pillow can weaken the bond of the lash adhesive on that side. Similarly, habitual behaviors like rubbing one eye more frequently, applying skincare unevenly, or resting your hand against your face can contribute to uneven lash loss. Natural differences, such as varying lash growth cycles or oil production on each eye, can also play a role. Educating clients about these factors and how to mitigate them can help maintain a more balanced lash retention.
If one eye appears to be losing lashes more than the other, it could be due to the application process. When you’re working on both eyes during a session, the eye that is closer may experience a longer curing time for the adhesive before the lash extension is applied compared to the eye that is farther away. This difference can result in the adhesive not bonding as effectively on the more distant eye, leading to premature shedding of the extensions. Understanding this aspect of lash application can help you make adjustments.
Ultimately, several factors can contribute to premature lash loss. As a lash artist, the most important step you can take is to meticulously assess your work and maintain open, honest communication with your clients. This ensures that both the application and aftercare are aligned, helping to identify and address any issues early on.
Looking to sharpen your lashing skills? Check out Your Guide to Lash Diameters for expert tips on selecting the perfect lash extensions for your clients. Discover everything you need to create flawless, long-lasting sets—read more here!
