At TAD Beauty, we believe lashes are personal, and every style should feel like it was made just for you. Whether you're new to lash clusters or ready to explore the next level of custom beauty, this guide will walk you through the different types of lash clusters, how they vary by curl, length, volume, and mapping style, and how to choose the best types of lash clusters for your eye shape and lifestyle.
Let’s break down the world of lash cluster style so you can confidently DIY your dream look, powered by innovation, comfort, and self-care.
What are Lash Clusters?
Lash clusters are at home lash extensions that give you the look of a professional lash artist set, without the salon time or price. Unlike strip lashes or individuals, clusters are small segments (around 4mm wide) made of pre-fanned fibers. You apply them under your natural lashes for a seamless, long-wear look that lasts 7 to 10 days.
If you’ve ever wondered what are cluster lashes or whether they’re right for you, the answer is simple: lash clusters offer a beautiful middle ground between strip lashes and professional extensions, designed for comfort, customization, and everyday empowerment.
While lash clusters have gotten more and more popular due to the rise of DIY in beauty, there are many types of lash clusters and it’s important to understand what you’re purchasing before you order the first lashes you find on TikTok!
Different Types of Lash Clusters
Once you understand exactly how to apply cluster lashes and feel confident in your application, that’s when you can really have some fun with lash clusters, ESPECIALLY when it comes to customization! From curl to thickness to styling, let’s dive into all the different types of lash clusters and break down different lash cluster styles so you can find your perfect match.
By Curl Type
The curl of a lash refers to how much it lifts and curves, impacting how dramatic or natural your lash line appears. TAD Beauty clusters are inspired by professional lash extension curls, so when we describe our lashes, we use phrases like ‘C curl’ or ‘L curl.’ When it comes to cluster lashes vs individual lashes, not every cluster brand focuses on curl, but here at TAD, it’s something we cared about A LOT when developing our lash system.
C Curl
- Slight lift, subtle and natural
- Best for: everyday wear, classic or soft looks
- Works for most eye shapes, except downturned eye
CC Curl
- More curve than C, less than D
- Universal curl that flatters most eye shapes
- Balanced lift with a hint of drama
- Ideal for those who want definition without going bold
D Curl
- Strong curve, bold and glamorous
- Great for a doll-eye maps
- Best for hooded, downturned, or straight lashes
L Curl
- Flat base with a sharp upward lift
- Amazing for hooded or deep-set eyes
- Creates an open-eye effect with a comfortable fit
- Often used in professional sets for a “fox eye” look
What curl does TAD use?
TAD lashes definitely are set apart from other lash cluster styles when it comes to curl. Our lashes are crafted with a custom hybrid curl: a flatter base similar to an L Curl for grip and lift, and C-CC tips for that perfect lift. It’s uniquely ours, and part of what makes our 3D lashes so beautiful and flattering.
By Length or Map
Not all lash cluster types are created equal in length, and that’s a good thing! TAD Beauty was founded by lash artist Michelle Nguyen, who brings pro-level mapping into the DIY lash space. We offer clusters ranging from 8mm to 14mm across our 3 main styles.
While we dive into lash lengths, please note not all brands explain their lengths or have different length options!
Mini (8-11mm)
- Softest, most natural length
- Ideal for small eyes, work days, or subtle enhancement
- TAD Mini Lashes are in 8-11mm
Midi (10-13mm)
- Balanced length with medium drama
- Great for everyday wear or events
- TAD Midi Lashes are in 8-12mm and 13mm can be found in our Pro Packs
Mega (12-14mm)
- Our longest length clusters
- Best for bold looks, glam makeup days, or stage-ready beauty
- TAD Maxi Lashes are in 10mm-14mm
To truly test out all our lengths in all the TAD types of lash clusters, we recommend trying our TAD Pro Pack, which includes 120 segments in various lengths!
By Volume/Thickness
Let’s talk density of types of lash clusters, how full your lash line looks based on the cluster’s volume. Different lash cluster styles will aim to create the following key looks:
Classic Lash Clusters
- Think: all natural, really good mascara
- Example: bolder than TAD’s Bliss style
- Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting “no makeup makeup” vibes
Hybrid Lash Clusters
- Think: natural but more, clean girl aesthetic
- Example: TAD’s Bliss style
- Perfect for those that don’t want heavy lashes
Light Volume Clusters
- Think: soft, fluffy, natural fullness
- Example: TAD’s Dream style
- Perfect for those that want thicker than their naturals
Full Volume or Mega Volume Clusters
- Denser fibers, more lashes per cluster
- Ideal for drama, impact, and event-ready glam
- Great if you’re used to wearing strip lashes or volume sets
Wispy Clusters
- A trending favorite!
- Layers peaks + volume for texture and lift
- Can be Hybrid or Volume Wispy
- TAD’s Wispy lash style combines Dream’s fullness with Bliss’s lift
- Designed to mimic pro wispy lash maps, creating a bold base and spikey top line
By Map Style
Mapping is everything when it comes to lash customization. In the professional lash world, lash artists work to create custom maps that best make your eyes look symmetrical, and more flattering. Lash maps determine how you arrange lengths across your lash line, and can dramatically change your final look.
Because TAD was founded by a lash artist, our lash cluster types are created in different lengths that allow you to custom map yourself.
TAD Pro Tip: your lash map might slightly vary from your right eye to left eye!
Refer to our full lash cluster mapping styles with pictures to see these styles in action.
Natural Eye Style
- Longest length at the arch of the brow
- Flattering on nearly all eye shapes
- Gives a lifted, soft effect
- Example Map: 8-10-10-11-11-10
Doll Eye Style
- Longest length in the center
- Makes eyes appear bigger and rounder
- Best for: monolids, downturned, or hooded eyes
- Example Map: 9-11-12-13-12-11
Open-Eye
- Long lengths placed at both the center and arch
- Ideal for a lifted, wide-eyed look
- Best for: universal, looks good on all eye shapes
- Example Map: 9-11-12-13-13-12
Cat-Eye Maps
- Longest length at the outer corners
- Creates an elongated, sultry effect
- Best for: almond or round eyes
- Not ideal for smaller or close-set eyes
- Example Map: 8-9-9-11-13-14
Which of the Different Lash Cluster Styles is Right For You?
Now that we’ve covered all the types of lash clusters you might come across, we have to address the most important question – which different types of lash clusters is right for you?
It truly all comes down to personal preference. But some things to consider when you’re trying to choose from multiple lash cluster types like TAD offers:
Consider Natural Lash Angle
While many lashes have a slight natural curl, your lashes may naturally grow straight down. This will not prevent you from choosing specific lash cluster styles. If your natural lashes point downward, try curling them or using a lash lift before application. TAD’s custom curl helps, but you want a good base for the best results.
Choosing Based on Occasion
When you become a DIY lash girlie, you will definitely find your favorite lash cluster types! But even your favorite lashes might need a switch up for specific events. Example – if you’re favorite lash cluster styles are more natural, you might want to spice things up and get a more dramatic types of lash clusters for a weekend event or even a vacation!
Switch up your lash cluster style!
- Bliss: Everyday wear
- Dream: Weekend glam or events
- Wispy: Girls’ night out or bold day looks
Account for Eye Shape
Remember, different types of lash clusters flatter different eye shapes:
- Smaller eyes? Avoid heavy clusters: opt for Mini length or Bliss style.
- Hooded eyes? Go for L curl or D curl with a doll or open-eye map.
- Almond eyes? Lucky you, almost everything works!
Find All the Different Lash Cluster Types at TAD Beauty!
TAD Beauty isn’t just a lash brand, we’re your beauty coach. We’re constantly innovating, designing new types of lash clusters that match your mood, your goals, and your lifestyle. Our ultimate goal is to release more lash cluster styles that meet your needs.
More styles. More options. More power in your hands. Because when your lashes feel right, you show up more confident!
Explore all our different types of lash clusters, from our 3D lashes to our accessories, and let your confidence do the talking.
Bringing Our Lash Cluster Styles Guide to a Close
Lash clusters aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. From curl to volume to mapping, there are endless ways to customize your lash look. Now that you know the different types of lash clusters, you’re ready to become your own lash artist.
Whether you love a subtle add or full-blown drama, TAD has the lash cluster styles to match your moment. So go ahead and try something new. Experiment with maps. Mix lengths. Build your own lash favorites.
You got this far, so you can DIY.