1. You don’t cleanse them

Your first instinct may be to not to touch your lashes as not to disturb their beauty. However, washing them daily will actually help keep them looking better longer. Unlike cluster sets or strip lashes that can be removed with warm water, your lash extensions are adhered to your natural lashes with a cyanoacrylate-based adhesive that does not mix well with your natural oils. If you don’t cleanse your lashes directly with a cleanser like the Lash Cleanse, you’re allowing your natural oils to build up at the base of your lashes. These oils naturally secrete from your lash follicles regardless of the amount of makeup that you wear or do not wear. Daily cleansing is essential not only as good hygiene for your natural eyelashes, but it’s also a way to ensure the longevity of your lash extensions.

2. You sleep on your side or stomach

Whether you sleep on your side or your stomach, you will most likely loose more lashes on the side you sleep on most frequently. Depending on which position you sleep in, you may want to consider picking up a "Save My Face" Pillow. It's a molded pillows that rest around your lashes so that they stay protected while you sleep. 

3. You wait too long between fills.

Depending on the natural growth cycle of your lashes and how you care for your extensions at home, you may need a fill as early as two weeks, or you may be able to go as far out as six weeks. If you come in for a fill with your lashes depleted, grown out, or in bad shape, there might not be enough time to replenish all your extensions to a full set. Full sets last an average of 4 weeks. If you’re anticipating a full fill, but your appointment turns into a partial fill instead, your lashes will only last half of the average wear time, which is two weeks. It’s important to keep your eye on retention and be mindful of how much time you should book for your fill when scheduling your next appointment! Get your lashes filled when 50% have shed. Avoid allowing your lashes to get down to 40% extensions.

4. You don’t comb your lashes

Remember to gently brush your lashes with a lash spoolie daily for the best, fluffiest effects. Don’t comb too hard at the root as this is where your lashes have adhered. Brushing too hard may lift the bases. Sometimes, if you do not rinse your cleanser well, it can cause lashes to look stuck together. For the fullest effect, comb and fluff daily. 

5. You wear the wrong makeup.

If you decide to wear mascara or liners, make sure they are compatible with your extensions. Only liquid-based eye products can be damaging to the extensions. Never use any waterproof or water-resistant formulas or oily makeup removers, and don’t leave makeup sitting on your lashes overnight. When removing makeup, make sure never to use cotton or terry cloth to avoid snagging or lifting the bases of your lashes. We recommend our Nicole Fae Cream Luxe Eyeliner.

6. Overexposure to heat and humidity.

Hot yoga, sauna or steam room use, consistent baking or grilling/cooking, and blow-drying the front part of your hair angled down on the lashes are all things that can negatively affect your retention or possibly even straighten your extensions or cause them to hook at the tip.

7. Your lash artist may be the problem

Improper application technique on the part of your lash artist may be the cause of bad retention. Remember, not all lash artists are created equally or trained properly for that matter. As of 2018 the state of MN, you will need to be licensed and certified as a esthetician/cosmetologist and lash technician to perform any lash extension services.