Why Retention Tanks Every Summer (And What to Do About It)

If your clients' retention seems to drop every summer, you're not imagining it.

The good news? It's probably not your isolation.

As temperatures rise and humidity levels shift, your adhesive behaves differently than it did just a few months ago. The techniques and settings that worked perfectly in spring may need a few adjustments once summer arrives.

Here are three simple changes professional lash artists make to stay consistent through the hottest months of the year.

1. Control Your Dip Amount

When humidity increases, adhesive typically cures faster.

That means the same dip size you've been using all year may suddenly become too much product. Excess adhesive can lead to poor attachment, faster shock curing, and retention issues that seem difficult to troubleshoot.

A good rule of thumb during humid months is to use a smaller, cleaner dip. You want enough adhesive to create a strong bond without overwhelming the attachment point.

Remember: more adhesive doesn't equal better retention.

Often, less is more.

2. Watch Your Room Humidity

One of the most overlooked factors in retention is the environment you're working in.

For many lash artists, the ideal humidity range falls between 45% and 60% RH. When humidity climbs significantly above that range, adhesive may cure too quickly. When humidity drops too low, curing can slow down and create weak bonds.

A simple hygrometer can help you monitor your workspace and make informed adjustments before retention becomes an issue.

Instead of guessing why your adhesive is behaving differently, you'll have the data needed to make small corrections in real time.

Consistency starts with controlling your environment.

3. Adjust Your Adhesive Strategy

Summer is often the season when artists realize that one adhesive doesn't always fit every condition.

The adhesive that performs beautifully during cooler, drier months may react differently once humidity rises.

That's why many experienced artists keep multiple adhesives available depending on their environment and working speed.

For higher humidity conditions, a faster-curing adhesive like Rapid Extreme can help maintain consistency and keep up with changing conditions.

For moderate humidity and everyday versatility, Elite Adhesive remains a reliable choice for many artists looking for balanced performance throughout the year.

The goal isn't to chase a "perfect" humidity number—it's to understand how your adhesive performs within your environment and adjust accordingly.

The Bottom Line

Summer retention issues are usually the result of environmental changes, not a sudden decline in your technique.

Before you start second-guessing your isolation or application, check these three areas:

• Your dip amount
• Your room humidity
• Your adhesive selection

Small adjustments can make a big difference.

At Aki Lashes, we believe great retention comes from understanding your products and adapting to changing conditions with confidence. Be sure to check out our adhesive subscription options at checkout.