Troubleshooting Your DIY Lashes: What’s Going Wrong & How to Fix It
Introduction: So, you’ve dived into the world of DIY lashes – hooray! But what if the experience isn’t exactly the flawless flutter you imagined? Maybe your lashes won’t stick, or they look a little funky. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Learning to do your own lashes comes with a few bumps (or should we say, clumps?) along the road. The good news is that most common problems have simple solutions. In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll cover what might be going wrong with your DIY lash application and, more importantly, how to fix it. Consider this your friendly lash support hotline, delivered in a conversational, “we got you girl” tone. Let’s solve those lash woes!
Problem: “My Lashes Won’t Stick or They Keep Falling Off!”
What’s happening: You’ve applied your falsies, but within minutes or hours, they’re lifting at the edges or outright dropping off. Ugh!
Why it happens: The main culprit here is usually the adhesive not bonding well. This can be due to a few reasons:
- There might be oil or residue on your natural lashes or lids preventing the glue from adhering .
- The glue wasn’t tacky enough when you applied the lash, so it didn’t grip.
- You might not be using enough adhesive, or applying it in the wrong spots.
- If they fall off after a day or two (for week-long clusters), perhaps the bond wasn’t sealed or you’ve been in oily environments.
How to fix it:
- Clean and Dry: Before you lash up, make sure your natural lashes are super clean. Remove any traces of makeup, natural oils, or skincare from your eye area. You can use an oil-free makeup remover or a lash prep cleanser for this. The lashes should be clean and completely dry before glue goes on . Skipping this step is a top reason for poor stick.
- Use the Right Amount of Glue: For strip lashes, apply a thin, even line of glue on the band. It should coat the base without blobs. For clusters and extensions, brush a light coat on your lashes (or the cluster base). More glue does not equal more hold if it’s dripping or takes forever to dry.
- Wait for Tacky: After applying glue, wait ~30 seconds (or per instructions) for it to become tacky. This is critical. If you try to stick a lash on immediately while glue is wet, it’s going to slide around and not adhere. A slightly tacky glue will grab on contact . If you touch the glue and it’s stringy or makes threads, that’s a good tacky stage.
- Apply Correctly: When placing the lash, ensure it’s positioned well. For strips, press the band onto the skin just above your natural lashes; for under-lash clusters, place them about 1–2 mm away from your waterline (not on the wet part, but on the lashes themselves) . If you accidentally stick a cluster onto your wet inner eyelid line, it won’t hold (and will be uncomfy).
- Press and Hold: Once the lash is in place, give it a gentle press. For strips, I like to hold the inner and outer corners down with my fingertips for about 5-10 seconds to secure those tricky ends. For clusters, you can use your applicator to clamp/fuse them to your natural lashes – you should feel them “grip” and stick when done right .
- Check Your Glue Quality: If you’ve done all this and they still pop off, consider your glue. Is it old? Lash glue can get less effective if it’s past its prime (old glue often gets goopy or separated). A fresh, good-quality adhesive can make all the difference in staying power.
If a lash does come loose during the day, don’t panic. Carry a tiny tube of glue or pre-glued spare lash in your bag. A quick re-application in the ladies’ room and you’re back in business. As you practice, these accidents will happen less frequently.
Problem: “My Lashes Look Clumpy or Feel Sticky”
What’s happening: Instead of fluffy, seamless lashes, yours are sticking together or have visible glue clumps. They might even be attracting lint or feel tacky to the touch – yuck.
Why it happens: Usually, this means too much glue or not allowing glue to dry properly. If you layer on adhesive or don’t wait between layers, lashes can clump up . Also, applying bond through the entire length of lashes (for cluster systems) can make tips sticky.
How to fix it:
- Less is More: Use less glue. Seriously, most of us are heavy-handed at first. If your lashes are clumping, try applying half the amount of adhesive you normally do. With the right technique, a little goes a long way.
- Tackiness Timing: Ensure you’re giving each layer of glue time to get tacky before adding more or attaching the lash. If you’re doing the cluster method with multiple light coats of bond, wait 30+ seconds between coats . When glue is too wet, everything slides and sticks together.
- Avoid the Tips: For cluster/underlash methods, a tip from the pros: don’t brush bond all the way to the tips of your natural lashes . Focus the glue at the base (where the false lashes will attach). If you coat the full length of lashes, the tips can stick to each other and to the false lashes, creating a spider-leg effect. Leaving the tips glue-free keeps them fluttery.
- Comb Them Out: If you notice clumping while glue is still soft, you can take a clean spoolie (mascara wand) and gently comb through to separate lashes. Be careful not to dislodge the falsies, though. This works best if you catch it early.
- Seal It: Some DIY lash kits come with a “sealer” (often a clear liquid) that you brush on after application. The sealer helps remove any residual stickiness and locks the bond. It can make the lashes feel non-tacky and also adds a nice sheen, preventing dust from catching on glue. If you have one, use it! For example, Lashify’s Glass coat or others – they really help with that final finish.
If you’re mid-day and realize your lashes feel sticky (maybe you blink and the bottom and top stick together slightly), you might have used a bit too much bond. You can try to salvage it by dabbing a tiny amount of translucent powder on the sticky spots (use a brush or cotton swab) – this can absorb some stickiness. But for next time, remember the mantra: tiny thin glue layers.
Problem: “The Inner Corners Won’t Stay Down”
What’s happening: The dreaded inner-corner lift – that little flap that comes unstuck near your tear duct. It can poke, look obvious, and drive you nuts.
Why it happens: Inner corners of the eyes are tricky – there’s more moisture there (tears), we tend to rub there, and most lash bands are a bit stiff at the very ends. If a strip lash is too long for your eye, it’ll particularly lift at the inner side. Or, if you didn’t get enough glue on the very tip of the lash band, it may not adhere well to that inner curve of your eyelid. With clusters, the very inner cluster is often on smaller, finer natural lashes which might not hold as strongly (and those little lashes can shed faster, losing the cluster).
How to fix it:
- Trim to Fit: First, ensure your strip lash fits your eye. If the lash is longer than your lash line, it’s almost guaranteed to lift at the ends. Measure and trim from the outer end of the strip (not the inner, since inner usually has shorter hairs to blend). The lash should start a few millimeters away from your tear duct – don’t place a strip all the way to the absolute inner corner, because there are almost no natural lashes there and it’ll definitely lift.
- Extra Glue Love: When applying glue to a strip, put a teeny extra dab right at the ends. Those are high-stress points. Some even put a touch of glue on their skin at the inner eye (where the lash will sit), let it get tacky, and glue on the strip – a double adhesive method. It’s like anchoring that corner down.
- Press and Hold: After you stick the lash on, hold that inner corner down firmly for 10 seconds. Keep your finger there and let it really bond. It might help to close your eyes while doing this so you’re not blinking it loose.
- Overlap Technique for Clusters: If you’re using clusters, here’s a hack: The cluster closest to your nose is the most likely to fall off first (since lashes are thinnest there). To secure it, apply your very inner cluster first, then slightly overlap the next cluster over its edge . The second cluster overlapping acts like a buddy system, helping hold the inner one in place. Overlapping by about 1mm is enough to give extra support .
- Use Shorter Lashes Inside: For both strips and DIY extensions, using a shorter length on the inner corner can help. Strips already are designed shorter on inner side, but if even that is too long or heavy, consider cutting the strip in two and not going so far in. For clusters, maybe skip the very inner corner or use the smallest cluster size there. A lash that’s too long at the inner eye will sag and lift because it’s not supported by enough natural lashes.
If your inner corner does pop up and you’re out and about, you can try this quick fix: take a bit of lash glue on a toothpick or the end of a makeup brush, dab it under the lifted portion, and press it down for a few seconds. In a pinch, even some clear lip balm or a tiny bit of mascara can act as an emergency adhesive (not strong, but might hold it until you get proper glue).
Problem: “The Lashes Feel Uncomfortable or Irritate My Eyes”
What’s happening: Your new lashes look great, but you feel them and it’s not pleasant. Maybe one spot is poking your eyelid, or your eyes feel itchy/watery with them on.
Why it happens: Several possibilities:
- Bad Placement: If a false lash (strip or cluster) is sitting on or too close to the waterline, it can poke and irritate with each blink . Or if a strip’s band isn’t aligned well, the corners might be jabbing the skin.
- Band Too Stiff/Thick: Some lash strips have a thick band that can be uncomfortable if not perfectly shaped to your eye. It might not be bending to your eye’s curve, causing discomfort.
- Allergic to Glue: A more serious issue – if your eyes are red and burning or your lids swollen, you might be reacting to the adhesive (common with formaldehyde or latex in some glues).
- Lashes Too Heavy: If you piled on too many cluster extensions or used a very heavy strip, it can literally weigh your lids down in an uncomfortable way.
How to fix it:
- Placement is Key: Ensure you’re not attaching lashes onto your skin or waterline (except the tiny strip band on the lid, which should be just above your natural lashes). Clusters should sit slightly away from the wet part of your eyelid . If you feel a poke, it’s likely too close. Remove and reapply a bit further from the sensitive spot.
- Trim Pokey Bits: If a strip lash band has a sharp corner, trim that tiny extra bit off. Also, “flex” the lash band a few times before applying – wiggle it into a curved shape so it conforms to your eye better, preventing lift and poke.
- Check for Glue Allergies: If you suspect the glue, stop using it and switch to a hypoallergenic formula. Many brands offer latex-free, formaldehyde-free glues for sensitive eyes. A mild itchiness can sometimes be normal for a minute as glue dries, but burning or ongoing irritation is not. You might also try clear glue if the irritant is something in the pigment of dark glues.
- Lighter Lashes: If your lashes feel heavy (you’re constantly aware of them), try a lighter style. Go for lashes labeled “natural” or “lightweight” or use fewer clusters. You might also test out cluster systems that use thin cotton bands or “gossamer” lashes designed to be feather-light . These put less pressure on your lids.
- Eye Drops for Comfort: Sometimes, even when nothing is “wrong,” having something on your lashes can be a new sensation that takes getting used to. If your eyes are just a bit dry or tired, use some preservative-free moisturizing eye drops (before you put lashes on, ideally) to keep your eyes comfy. Avoid eye drops that claim to “get the red out” (they often have vasoconstrictors that can react with lash glue).
If a particular lash style is super irritating no matter what, don’t force it. Remove them and give your eyes a break. Then try a different approach or brand next time. Comfort is queen – the best lashes are the ones you forget you’re even wearing.
Problem: “Removing My Lashes Was Hard – I Think I Pulled Out Some Real Lashes”
What’s happening: When you took off your DIY lashes, it was a struggle. Maybe some of your natural lashes got yanked out with the falsies or you had to rub a lot. Now you’re worried about damage.
Why it happens: Removal can be tricky if not done right. If the adhesive is still holding strong, pulling lashes off will indeed pull on your natural ones. Without proper remover or technique, you can accidentally cause lash loss. Also, if you rush (we know, end of a long day, you just want them off), you might not give the remover enough time to work.
How to fix it:
- Use Remover, Always: Don’t rip lashes off dry. Use a dedicated lash glue remover (usually an oil-based solution designed to dissolve adhesive). Apply it and let it sit for the recommended time – usually at least 30 seconds to a minute. The glue will start to break down, and lashes should slide off much more easily .
- Gentle Oils: If you don’t have a commercial remover, coconut oil, olive oil, or baby oil can help. Oil is the enemy of lash glue (in this case, that’s good!). Soak a cotton pad, hold it against your closed eye at the lash line for a good minute. This will loosen the bond. You can also look up the “saran wrap” method some use: place a piece of plastic wrap under your eye, soak your lashes with remover, then cover the top with another piece of wrap to “seal” in the solvent for a few minutes – the extensions often come off cleanly after this steam-trap effect .
- Be Patient: We can’t stress this enough. If you feel resistance when pulling off a lash, stop and apply more remover. Two or three rounds might be needed if you used a very strong glue. It’s worth the extra few minutes to save your natural lashes.
- Remove Residue: After the falsies are off, use the remover or oil to gently wipe away any leftover glue from your natural lashes. Leaving residue can not only be irritating but also make your next application clumpy.
- Soothe Your Lashes: If you did accidentally pluck a few of your own lashes, don’t worry – they will grow back. You can apply a bit of castor oil or a lash serum to your lash line at night to condition and encourage regrowth (and to comfort the skin if it got tugged). And take it as a lesson to be slower next time.
Also, consider the glue strength: if you consistently have trouble removing a certain glue, maybe switch to one that’s a bit less tenacious or one that dissolves more easily. Some bonds are made for long wear and can be stubborn; if you don’t actually need 10-day hold, a lighter hold glue might suit you (and be easier to remove).
Problem: “My Lashes Look Uneven or Oddly Shaped”
What’s happening: After application, you notice one eye’s lashes angle differently than the other, or a section looks droopy/too high. The shape isn’t symmetric or as flattering as you hoped.
Why it happens: This can occur if you placed a lash at a slightly off angle or position. For strips, maybe one is a tad higher on the lid than the other. For clusters, perhaps one eye you applied more curl or a different mapping. Even curling your natural lashes more on one side can cause a mismatch.
How to fix it:
- Align with Landmarks: When applying, use your eyes’ natural features as a guide. For strips, align both sides with your iris or outer corner similarly. For example, both lash strips should start and end at roughly the same points on each eye. It sounds obvious, but in the moment of application, it’s easy to stick a lash a little further out or in. Take a second to compare eyes before the glue fully sets.
- Adjust Quickly: If you notice a strip lash is wonky right after putting it on (say, it’s slanting upward too much), you usually have a small window to adjust. Gently lift it and reposition while the glue is still tacky. Don’t wait until it’s fully dried hard – then it’s harder to shift.
- Mirror Checks: Look at yourself in a handheld mirror from slightly further back, not just zoomed in. Sometimes we get the close-up perfect, but from a normal distance the lashes might not be even. Check different angles – look down, up – to see if the curl and angle match.
- Lash Mapping for Clusters: If doing clusters, try to apply the corresponding cluster in roughly the same spot on each eye. For instance, if you’re doing lengths 12-14-14-12 across, ensure both eyes have that pattern starting and ending in the same place. If one eye’s clusters went a bit more toward the outer corner, it could look more winged than the other. Consistency is key.
- Curl Them Together: After everything is on, you can curl the false and real lashes together lightly with an eyelash curler (only do this with strip lashes that are secure, not recommended for freshly glued clusters as they might pull off). This can even out any minor discrepancies in angle and give both eyes a unified curl. Just be very gentle and make sure the glue is fully dry before doing this.
- Practice Makes Symmetry: Unevenness often gets better with practice. Our hands can have a “strong” side – like maybe you apply better on your right eye than left if you’re right-handed. It might help to start with your non-dominant side eye (left eye for right-handers) when you’re most alert and not yet frustrated, then do the easier eye second.
And remember, sometimes we notice our own imperfections far more than anyone else would. A slight asymmetry that you see with eagle eyes in the mirror might be totally unnoticeable to friends. So don’t stress too much – aim for even, but don’t let it ruin your day if it’s not 100% perfect. As long as you feel confident, that’s what shines through.
Bonus Tips: General Troubleshooting Wisdom
- Work in Good Lighting: A lot of “mistakes” (like not seeing a gap, or missing a spot with glue) happen simply because of poor lighting. Make sure you apply in a well-lit area. Daylight is great, or a bright vanity mirror. This will help you catch and correct issues as they happen.
- One Thing at a Time: Especially for beginners, do one eye fully, then the other. It’s tempting to glue both strips and then apply, but glue might over-dry on the second one. Or you do steps in parallel and lose track. Doing one eye start to finish can actually reduce mistakes, then replicate on the other.
- Stay Calm and Lash On: If something goes wrong, take a deep breath. Worst case, remove the lash and start over. The beauty of DIY is you can redo it until you’re happy – no rushy stylist who’s juggling clients. It’s okay to give yourself a lash do-over. In fact, each time you redo, you learn something and get better. 💪
- Join the Community: There are tons of fellow DIY lash enthusiasts out there (forums, social media groups, etc.). If you’re consistently having a specific issue, chances are someone else did too and found a hack for it. Don’t hesitate to seek advice – the lash community is generally super supportive and inventive with troubleshooting ideas.