Lash Extension Troubleshooting

Lashing is definitely an art! It takes time, patience and skill. Whilst every lash artist wishes to have a problem free set every time, sometimes this isn't always the case! 

Problems during lash sets can be down to any number of variables, some in your control and some out of your control. We’ve put together a list of potential problems you might experience whilst lashing, and how you can combat these issues. We hope this provides a way to troubleshoot any problems and find an easy solution! 

Problem: Adhesive

Possible causes:

• Not coming out (Nozzle Blockage)
• Stringy (Cured)
• Adhesive not stored correctly.
• Adhesive too old.
• Room environment not suitable for the adhesive.
• Runny or Discoloured (Not shaken enough)

Solution – Ensure you are shaking your adhesive, storing it correctly and you’re using an adhesive that suits your speed and technique. Read this to learn more on how to get the most out of your lash adhesive.

Problem: Fans closing

Possible causes:

• Too much adhesive
• Incorrect placement
• Tweezer pick up incorrect
• Not held in place long enough

Solution – use the correct amount of adhesive. Only dip the base of the fan in the adhesive about 1mm-1.5mm. You could also try using PerfectFan to stop your lash fans closing!

Problem: Fan bases crossing or splitting 

Possible causes:

• Incorrect hold with tweezers
• Picking up too many
• Fanning incorrectly
• Not enough adhesive
• Pulling off tip incorrectly

Solution: ensure you a creating your fans in the right way, and removing them from the strip correctly. Watch our video demo here to see how to remove lashes from the strip. You could also try out our Pro Made Tweezers.

Problem: Lash roots look clumpy.

Possible causes:

• Too much adhesive
• Extension too thick
• Lashes stuck together at base (stickies)

Solution: Correct isolation, use the right amount of adhesive, and the correct thickness for your clients’ natural lashes.

Problem: Lashes not adhering. 

Possible causes:

• Oily residue on natural lashes
• Old adhesive
• Not allowing adequate drying time
• Adhesive curing to fast / slow

Solution – ensure lashes are completely clean before starting the treatment, allow enough curing time before moving onto the next lash. Read more about how to avoid brush offs here.

If youu notice that the clients lashes are thick or oily, use the retention and speed booster to help open the cuticles so that the lash bonds better with the natural lash.

Problem: Lash position at wrong angle.

Possible causes:

• Incorrect application
• Extension moved before adhesive dried
• Natural lash bent or buckled
• Placed at incorrect direction.

Solution - allow adhesive to cure, before moving onto the next lash. Place the extension ideally 0.5mm from the natural lash root but it can be up to 1.0mm away. 

Problem: Retention Issues

Possible causes:

• Incorrect application of adhesive
• Not bonded correctly
• Adhesive drying too fast for Lash Artist
• Humidity and Temperature
• Poor after-care – rubbing, picking, using oily products on eyes.
• Lash extension too long or heavy for the natural lash.
• Client taking / changing medications, supplements, and vitamins.
• Hormonal Changes
• Natural lash cycle.

Solution: there are lots of things you can do to improve retention, you can read our blog here.

Problem: White residue on lashes (Shock curing)

Possible causes:

• Lashes wet on application
• Exposed to moisture to soon
• Humidity too high

Solution: Eliminate moisture in your lash room, invest in a dehumidifier to ensure the humidity in your room is within optimal conditions.

Problem: Client complaining of discomfort.

Possible causes:

• Lashes applied too close to the eyelid (touching)
• Too much adhesive
• Lash extension too thick and heavy for the natural lash
• Eye pad touching eye during application
• Lashes stuck together (stickies)
• Laying in awkward position
• Lack of neck support

Solution: provide sufficient neck support, ensure client is comfortable before you begin the treatment. You can read more about how to avoid stickies here. 

We hope you found this blog post helpful, as always if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to contact us on Instagram @LashBase_UK and we’ll be happy to help.