With the popularity of DIY lashes and lash clusters, it’s been a question we hear a lot – do DIY lash extensions damage your lashes. Here at TAD Beauty, we were born from the creative mind of Michelle Nguyen, lash artist of over 18 years, who is passionate about lash health and safety. When she set out to create TAD, her ultimate goal was to improve the industry by creating a product that didn’t exist yet. And this included creating a lash system that would never damage your natural lashes.
Today we’re going to dive into the world of cluster lashes damage and potential risks that can lead to you damaging your natural lashes and how to prevent it.
What Are DIY Lashes and Why Are They So Popular?
In recent years, DIY lash extensions have become a must-have in the beauty routines of lash lovers everywhere. Whether you're looking to skip the salon or want a quick glam boost at home, DIY lash clusters have made it easier than ever to achieve a professional look—all without the appointment. But with that convenience, one big question tends to pop up: do DIY lash extensions damage your lashes?
Let's break down the truth about cluster lashes damage, how to avoid it, and what makes all the difference when you're doing lashes at home.
Benefits of DIY Lash Extensions
Lash clusters give you salon-quality glam without the salon price tag. They're convenient, customizable, and perfect for any occasion—from everyday wear to a girl’s night out, or even can be the best wedding lashes when your big day comes. Some of the top benefits include:
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Cost-effective: Save hundreds by skipping professional lash appointments.
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Time-saving: Apply in minutes from the comfort of your home.
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Customizable: Choose from different lengths, volumes, and lash maps.
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Control: You decide how bold or natural your look is, and when and where you wear them.
Different Styles to Choose From
One of the biggest draws to DIY lash extensions is the wide variety of different styles and the ability to customize your look. If you’ve had professional extensions before, you might have experienced the difficulty of switching between styles – for example wanting to go from a classic to a volume lash look or vise-versa can require a full lash removal, or even worse a price increase.
Whether you prefer natural, fluttery lashes or bold, dramatic volume, there’s a lash look for every mood:
- Natural Wispy – Ideal for daily wear
- Extra long – for full glam
- Change up the lash map – customize your look by rearranging your segments for a new lash map
Experimenting with different lash styles can completely transform your look—and with DIY options, you can switch it up whenever you want.
Do DIY Lash Extensions Damage Your Lashes?
I am going to be 100% honest – we have seen damaged natural lashes from both professional lash extensions and cluster lashes. This blog we will be focusing on cluster lashes damage.
So do DIY lash extensions damage your lashes? No! I want to emphasize that the products themselves are not damaging – but application, maintenance, and even removal can cause damage. AKA – user error. There are many top DIY lash application mistakes that we see that lead to natural lash damage. Let’s break down common issues and mistakes that can lead to cluster lashes damage.
Incorrect Lash Application
Understanding how to apply DIY lash extensions is step one in using lash clusters. Incorrectly placing lashes can lead to discomfort, which will directly lead to you messing with your lashes, which can accidentally lead to pulling at your lashes.
When you apply your lashes, follow the lashes instructions, and before you seal them in with a sealant, be sure you like the way they look, and make sure they are comfortable. We always recommend giving your eyes a little squeeze to make sure they feel good!
Picking and Pulling At Your Lashes
Speaking of pulling at your lashes… When your lash clusters are on, it’s important that you avoid picking, pulling, even touching your lashes. First, because touching your lashes can add dirt and grime to your lashes causing them to get dirty. Second, because accidentally pulling at your lashes can lead to a lash segment coming off, which if done without remover, can also remove natural lashes. Not good!
So do DIY lash extensions damage your lashes? No! But pulling out your natural lashes can lead to traction alopecia, a spare lash line, and even can cause pain!
Incorrect Removal Methods
When it comes to cluster lashes damage, how you remove them matters just as much as how you apply them. Pulling, ripping, or using removers not intended for lash extensions can weaken or even rip out your natural lashes.
Want to know how to remove DIY lash extensions the right way? Use a gentle, specially-formulated remover like TAD’s Til Next Time Lash Remover. It's designed to break down the bond safely while conditioning your natural lashes. A lash removal with our remover only takes 30 seconds, so do it the right way and protect your lashes!
Are Other Lash Types Really Less Risky?
Many assume salon lash extensions or magnetic lashes are safer, but that’s not always the case. Improperly applied professional extensions or low-quality magnetic lashes can cause more damage than a well-done DIY lash set. The truth is, whether it’s salon or DIY, poor technique and low-quality products are the real culprits.
So, the question shouldn’t be are DIY lash extensions safe? but rather am I using them correctly and with the right tools?
Enjoying the Benefits of DIY Lashes Without the Worry of Cluster Lashes Damage
You absolutely can enjoy DIY lashes without damaging your natural lashes—as long as you’re following best practices. Here’s how to protect your natural lashes while wearing your favorite DIY lashes:
Set Yourself Up for Success With High-Quality DIY Lashes at TAD Beauty
Good vs bad DIY lash extensions often comes down to quality. TAD Beauty 3D lashes are made with your natural lash health in mind. Our lashes are lightweight, cruelty-free, and designed for easy application and removal. With our DIY lash kits, you’ll find everything you need to apply (and remove!) your DIY lashes safely and confidently.
Use the Right Amount of Adhesive
Too much glue equals trouble. Apply a light, even coat of our Brilliant Bond adhesive to the base of your natural lashes, then onto the base of the lash cluster. Allow it to become tacky before applying—it’ll stick better and last longer.
If you’re wondering how long do DIY lash extensions last, the answer depends on your care. With proper application your TAD lashes can last up to 7 days.
Placing Lashes Strategically for Comfort and Longevity
Placement is everything. Never apply lashes directly on the lash line. Instead, place them about 1 mm from the lash line to avoid irritating your skin or roots. This gives your natural lashes room to breathe and grow, reducing the risk of cluster lashes damage.
Want to see how it’s done? Check out our tutorial on how to apply TAD DIY lash clusters.
Use a Proper Lash Remover
We cannot emphasize this enough: removal matters. TAD Beauty’s Til Next Time Remover is specially made to break down adhesive gently and effectively. Avoid harsh rubbing or pulling and always follow up with a nourishing routine.
Nourishing Your Natural Lashes Post-Removal
Just like your hair or skin, your lashes benefit from some TLC. Using a lash-safe Lash Growth Serum while you wear your DIY lashes, and even after you remove them can give them great support. Lash serums help make your natural lashes stronger and healthier.
Do TAD Beauty DIY Lash Extensions Damage Your Lashes?
Our ultimate goal is to ensure everyone has happy and healthy lashes. Our lash system is designed to keep your natural lashes healthy. TAD lashes do not cause cluster lashes damage for several reasons:
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Our adhesive is not cyanoacrylate-based. It is flexible and stretchy, allowing the natural lashes to grow, even while wearing your TAD lash clusters.
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Unlike professional extensions, our lashes are not designed for 3-4 weeks of use, which often leads to lash plucking (ouch!) in an effort to remove stray lashes. Our adhesive is recommended for 7-day use, and working with the natural growth of lashes as a result.
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You can wash TAD lashes, which is currently rare in the DIY world, as most lashes are not designed to withstand washing. Clean lashes = healthy lashes!
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TAD lashes are designed with the microstructure, allowing the segments to wrap the natural lashes markedly better than traditional false lashes. Most damage from DIY or strip lashes is caused by the base of the segments lifting, scratching the eyes, causing rubbing and breakage of the natural lashes.
With TAD lashes, you can’t even feel them, and will likely forget they’re even there!
Final Words on Cluster Lashes Damage
So, do DIY lash extensions damage your lashes? Not if you use the right techniques and products. Cluster lashes damage is avoidable when you invest in high-quality DIY lash kits, apply and remove lashes correctly, and treat your natural lashes with care.
TAD Beauty is here to support your lash journey every step of the way. With our expertly-designed DIY lash extensions, gentle formulas, and innovative tools, achieving a salon-quality look without damage is totally within reach. We hope this helps ease any worries you have about do DIY lash extensions damage your lashes!