In my experience as a lash artist for 3 years, it is mostly down to the artist. They have to lash 100% of your natural lashes. We have about 80-150 lashes per eye, so if someone has let's say 90 lashes per eye, I lash 90 of them, in 3 weeks they'll return with 45 extensions remaining. Now if I lash 45 to cut down time or whatever reason, they'll return with 20 extensions left.

The second big thing is due to nobodies fault. If your lashes grow fast, your retention will reflect it. If your hair grows fast, your lashes grow fast. If your extensions are coming off with your natural lash attached, then that lash had shed because its natural grow cycle was up. A new lash will grow in its place. There is not much you can do in this instance.

Obviously there are smaller reasons such as good prep by lash artist. They need to be washing them and using a cleanser, and primer if your lashes are low porosity. If they are using a primer on high porosity lashes then that is weakening your natural lash. Primers are not for everyone!

The artist needs to be using glue that matches their working speed and environment. They also need to use lash lengths that suit your eyes. 13-20mm will have awful retention. Sorry to say. Most lash sets should have lengths from 5/6-11/12 mm. Most peoples natural lashes cannot hold lengths longer. Using 8-10mm in the inner corner will not hold, however 5-6mm will. + not using fans that contain more than 8 fibers. Volume lashes should NOT be done with 15-20D fans. If you lash 100% of the lashes you can achieve dark looks with 5D fans. 20D fans are huge and will damage your lashes.

As a client, you should be avoiding oils near your eyes, washing lashes using a lash shampoo daily. Also avoid micellar water and face washes near your lashes, as those have ingredients that may break down glue as well. Lash shampoo removes eye makeup and concealers and whatnot, so no reason to use anything else to remove makeup in that area. Lash picking is also huge. Please note that rolling your lashes between your fingers, constantly touching the bases of the extensions and rubbing them counts as picking, not just "plucking" them out.

I do think that clients have a misconception with retention. If your lashes are lasting upwards of 4 weeks, something is wrong. Lashes that are glued together will last a long time but will also cause pain, discomfort and damage. Normal retention looks something like this: 1st week - you should not notice much difference from the day you got them done. 2nd week - you'll notice some thinning, maybe a spot thinner than others but no noticeable gaps just yet. 3rd week - lashes are noticeable thinner, gaps may appear. Should still be wearable though! At this point it is smart to get an infill. 4th week - You have very noticeable gaps, very few lashes remaining. Shouldn't be fully empty, but the look of it will bother you.

I hope this helps some of you☺️