The 3 Biggest Lash Mistakes (And How to Fix Them!)

If you've ever struggled with retention issues, fan consistency, or isolation problems, you're not alone! These are three of the most common mistakes I see lash artists making—but the good news? They’re easy to fix once you know how!

Mistake #1: Poor Retention (Lashes Falling Off Too Soon)

Nothing is more frustrating than clients coming back with missing lashes. If your retention isn’t lasting 4-6 weeks, it’s time to troubleshoot.

✅ Common Causes:

  • Not enough glue (or too much glue!)
  • Lashes not being fully cleansed before application
  • Using the wrong adhesive for your environment

✅ How to Fix It:

  • Check your glue usage – A tiny bead at the base of the fan is perfect. Too little, and the bond won’t hold; too much, and it creates a bulky, weak attachment.
  • Prep correctly – Always cleanse lashes with a lash-safe cleanser and primer to remove oils, dirt, and residue.
  • Use the right glue – Adhesives are sensitive to temperature and humidity. If you’re working in a dry or humid environment, you might need a different formula (P.S. Have you tried Eclipse? It’s designed to work in a wide range of conditions!)

Mistake #2: Fans Closing or Falling Apart

You create the perfect fluffy fan… only for it to collapse or fall apart before you can place it. Sound familiar?

✅ Common Causes:

  • Using low-quality lash trays that don’t hold their shape
  • Not controlling the pickup pressure
  • Incorrect grip or tension while fanning

✅ How to Fix It:

  • Use the right lash trays – Not all lash trays are created equal! Our Elementary Volume Trays are specifically designed to make fanning effortless. The lashes grip beautifully on pickup, hold their shape, and give you that thin, tapered base for seamless application. If you’ve ever struggled with fans collapsing, these trays will change the game for you! 
  • Adjust your pickup technique – If your fans keep closing, try adjusting your tweezer pressure or the angle of your pickup to get a cleaner spread.
  • Want to skip the fanning struggle? – Our Pro-Made Fans are pre-made to perfection, giving you that handmade look without the hassle. They have a super-thin base for flawless retention, so if you’re short on time or just want a foolproof way to create volume sets, they’re a must-have!

Mistake #3: Stickies & Poor Isolation

Stickies (where lashes glue together) can cause discomfort, damage, and a bad client experience. If you struggle with isolation, you’re not alone—but this is something every lash artist MUST master.

✅ Common Causes:

  • Not using the right tweezers for isolation
  • Rushing through application
  • Improper hand positioning causing lashes to shift

✅ How to Fix It:

  • Use the right isolation tweezers – A good pair of tweezers (like our Visionary curved isolation tweezer) makes a HUGE difference in how easily you can separate lashes.
  • Slow down & double-check your work – Always do a final check for stickies before your client leaves.
  • Work with proper hand positioning – Your non-dominant hand should stabilise your client’s eyelid while your dominant hand works precisely with tweezers.

Final Thoughts

These small adjustments can make a BIG difference in your lash sets. If you’ve struggled with any of these issues, try out these fixes and let me know how they work for you!

And if you’re looking for proven, high-quality lash products to help you create stunning, consistent sets every time, here’s what I recommend:

🔗 Eclipse Eyelash Adheseive
🔗 Elementary Volume Trays
🔗 Pro-Made Fans
🔗 Visionary curved isolation tweezer

 

Want to know more? Get our FREE e-book on Retention Mastery - Adhesive Edition

Back to blog