If your lash extensions aren’t lasting as long as you'd hoped — don’t panic. Retention depends on more than just glue and technique. Natural shedding, lifestyle, sleep habits, and aftercare all play a role.
Here’s everything you need to know about lash loss, what’s normal, and how to keep your set looking full as long as possible.
Your natural lashes have a life cycle. Every day, we lose 1–5 lashes, even without extensions — and with extensions, it’s just more noticeable.
You’ll see more shedding during:
Seasonal changes (spring & fall)
Stress, illness, or hormonal shifts
After starting or stopping medications
Changes in skincare or diet
You’re not “losing lashes” — they’re just shedding naturally. Lash extensions fall with the lash they’re attached to.
Yes, how you sleep absolutely affects retention.
Sleeping on your side or stomach = more fallout on one eye
Face pressure = crimped, bent, or missing lashes
Cotton pillowcases = more friction
Try sleeping on your back
Use a silk or satin pillowcase
Avoid sleeping masks unless lash-safe
Every 2–3 weeks is ideal for maintaining a full look.
Why that timing works:
Lash growth cycles reset every few weeks
After 3+ weeks, retention drops too far and it becomes a new set
Coming in with less than 40–50% of lashes left = harder for you, harder for me
If you're waiting until they’re basically gone — you’re waiting too long.
If someone tells you their lash tech finishes in 45 minutes and they only need fills every 4–5 weeks… that’s usually not a good sign — it’s a warning.
That kind of “retention” often means:
Lashes were over-glued or clumped together
Multiple natural lashes were stuck to one extension (called "stickies")
Their natural lashes are being overloaded, stressed, and damaged
Good lashes are lightweight, isolated, and customized to match your natural lash health.
They’re meant to fall out gently with your lash cycle — not hang on forever like gluey fans.
If your lashes never fall out or stay “perfect” for 5 weeks… there’s a good chance you’re doing long-term damage.
If you have a slower lash growth cycle and take good care of them, then you're the lucky few that DO have amazing lash retention and can stretch that fill.
Oils break down lash adhesive. Even “natural” or “clean” products can destroy retention.
Avoid:
Oil-based cleansers
Micellar water
Creams or eye serums near your lashes
Hot steam or long showers in the first 24–48 hours
Even eye makeup remover labeled “gentle” can cause lift — check ingredients or ask what’s safe.
If lashes are falling out in chunks, your lash line feels sore, or your natural lashes look broken — that’s not retention, that’s bad application.
(Which you’re not getting here.)
My work prioritizes:
Weight that suits your natural lashes
Clean application
No stickies or clumps
Lash health long-term
Buildup = poor retention.
Dirty lashes = poor bonding.
Not washing = lash mites. Seriously.
Eyeshadows with shimmer, pencil eyeliner can be hard to fully remove, or even any eye makeup. Do your best to remove the makeup fully so it is not a barrier to the lash extension adhesion.
Do your best to remove strip lash glue before getting your new lash set. This stuff cakes on and needs to be physically pulled off the lashes and is time consuming.
You should be cleansing your lashes daily every 1–2 days using lash-safe cleanser + brush.
Want the full guide? How to Clean Lash Extensions
Lash retention isn’t just about the glue — it’s about everything around it. Your routine, skin, sleep, and natural growth cycles all matter.
If you’re unsure what’s normal or if something feels off, just ask. I'd rather talk through it with you than have you suffer through shedding or bad retention alone.