As temperatures rise and humidity soars, lash artists face one of their biggest seasonal challenges: retention issues. Sweat, oil, and heat can compromise adhesive performance, resulting in premature lash shedding and dissatisfied clients.

However, with the right techniques and products, you can become a summer retention pro. This isn't just about surviving the season; it's about thriving and ensuring your clients' lashes stay perfect, no matter how much they sweat or soak up the sun.

I. Lash adhesive recipes: Avoid chaos in a heatwave

In warm, humid conditions, lash adhesive cures much faster. This reduces your placement time, risks poor bonding, and increases the chance of brittle lashes or stickies. Not ideal for retention—or your reputation.

1.1 Monitor and adjust your lash room climate

Before you even reach for your adhesive, check your workspace. Keep your room cool and controlled. A hygrometer is your best friend here—use it to monitor humidity and temperature so you can adjust your environment to match your glue's ideal conditions.

• Ideal humidity: 45–60%
  

• Ideal temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
  

• Use an accurate hygrometer to monitor levels.
  

• Invest in a portable air conditioner, dehumidifier, or nano mister to stabilize your environment.
  
  

1.2 Switch to slower-drying adhesives in summer

Switching to a slightly slower adhesive gives you more time to isolate and place lashes without rushing. This prevents poor bonding and supports longer retention. Besides, you should keep at least two adhesives with different drying times in your lash kit to suit changing weather conditions.

Recommended summer lash adhesives:

At Lii Lash, we offer a full range of lash glues with varying drying times to suit your needs.

• Vedette Adhesive (0.3s drying time): This glue is a powerhouse for lash artists working in high-humidity environments. It's formulated for superior stability in conditions from 45–70% humidity and 20–25°C.

 

• Blink Bond (0.3-0.5s drying time): A versatile option that thrives in real-world conditions, with an optimal range of 40–70% humidity and 20–30°C. This is a great all-rounder for summer.

II. Flawless prep: Cleaner lashes, stronger retention

Oils, sweat, and sunscreen are everywhere in the summer, and they can significantly weaken the bond between the extension and the natural lash. To combat this, a thorough lash prep is non-negotiable.

1. Use an oil-free, pH-balanced cleanser

Start every appointment with a deep cleanse using a lash-safe foam cleanser. Soothing Foam Cleanser is an ideal option with a perfect pH level of 7.0, close to that of human tears, which makes it gentle on the eyes while being tough on impurities. It’s oil-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, so it won’t interfere with your adhesive. This step removes makeup, surface oils, and everyday grime.

• Skin-safe for all types

• pH level 7.0 (same as natural tears)

• Deep cleansing, hydrating

• No sulfates, parabens, oils

Tips: Wash lashes TWICE in summer, especially for clients wearing makeup or sunscreen.

2. Prime with a protein remover

This is the final and crucial step in your prep. After cleansing, apply the protein remover to the natural lashes. This powerful product gently lifts away any remaining oils, proteins, and dust that the cleanser might have missed.

✔ Deep Cleanse – Removes invisible residue and buildup

✔ Perfect Prep for Perfect Retention – Ensures optimal adhesive bonding

✔ Maximum Retention – Lashes stay put longer

✔ Nourishing Formula – Gentle, calming ingredients for natural lashes

✔ Light, Fresh Scent – Leaves no greasy or sticky feel

 

III. Beat the heat with flawless summer lashes

The type of lashes you use can also impact retention. Heavier lashes can cause premature shedding, especially when combined with a client's active summer lifestyle. Lighter, more breathable sets are the way to go.

Choose lighter lashes: 0.05–0.07 mm

• Less weight boosts longer retention.

• Better for active clients (gym, beach, travel).

Offer lighter sets: Classic, hybrid, or soft volume

• Avoid mega volume for summer unless the client has strong natural lashes.

• Recommend fills every 2–2.5 weeks during summer.
  
  

Use premium fibers that hold shape

Lii Lash offers high-quality PBT fibers, known for their stable curls and rich black color. They are also double-density, with approximately 13,000 lashes per tray for 0.07mm thickness, giving you more value and stunning results.

IV. Empowering clients with a post-appointment plan

Your work doesn’t end when the client leaves your chair. Educating them on proper aftercare is essential, especially in the summer when they're exposed to more sweat and water. Send clients a digital aftercare guide post-appointment. It builds trust and reduces complaints.

• The golden 48 hours

Emphasize the importance of keeping their lashes completely dry for the first 24-48 hours. This includes avoiding water, sweat, steam, and excessive heat.

• Summer No-Nos

Advise clients to avoid saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools in the first few days. Also, remind them to use only lash-safe, oil-free makeup removers and to avoid rubbing their eyes.

• Suggested tips:

• Sunglasses to reduce sweat dripping onto lashes.

• Lash-safe blotting papers.

• A lash-safe face cleanser to avoid buildup.

Conclusion:

Summer doesn’t have to be the season of poor retention. By understanding how heat and humidity affect your adhesive, perfecting your lash prep routine, using summer-friendly lash designs, educating your clients, and controlling your studio environment, you can deliver lash sets that last beautifully, even in a heatwave.