How to Apply DIY Lash Extensions for Beginners

Whether it’s your first time trying out DIY lashes or your first experience with TAD Beauty products, we want to ensure you’re fully equipped with all the tips and tricks to achieve the perfect set of lashes. Applying DIY lashes can be a fun, confidence-boosting add on to your makeup routine once you know the proper steps. And don’t worry, we’ve created an array of resources to help you feel confident and empowered in your lash application journey.

From tools and adhesives to the unique features of TAD lashes, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a DIY lash pro, follow our simple, detailed guide to explain how to apply DIY lash extensions.

Can You Apply Your Own Eyelash Extensions?

To answer the question, how to apply eyelash extensions yourself, we want to tread lightly. Because you really shouldn’t apply professional eyelash extensions yourself. Professional grade lash adhesive should only be used by professionals. So there isn’t really a safe way on how to DIY lash extensions at home with professional grade products. A big reason is you do not want to have your eyes open when using professional lash adhesive – hence why lash artists tape their clients’ eyes shut during application.


DIY lashes though, are 100% meant to be put on from the comfort of your own home and are eyelash extensions you apply yourself! Our goal is to teach you how to do lashes at home with the TAD 3D lash system.

Benefits of Applying Lash Extensions at Home

Obviously we are fans of DIY lashes, but there are tons of benefits of learning how to do lashes at home.

  1. Flexibility of Style: Coming from a professional lash background, we know that clients are not always satisfied with the style their artists choose. If you want more glam, or even less drama, you cannot customize your professional extensions. With DIY lash extensions, you have the ability to choose your style and length.
  2. Remove When You’re Ready: No worries of “how do I remove my lashes?” When you want to remove your lashes, you can remove them guilt free!
  3. Budget and Time Friendly: DIY lashes are an affordable option for those that love lash extensions but cannot continue to attend appointments due to budget restraints. Similarly, DIY lash application can take up to 30 minutes if you’re new, but once you get the hang of it, we see TAD lash application in about ten minutes.

Challenges of DIY Eyelash Application

If you have never tried applying lash extensions DIY style, we recommend you find a comfy seat, grab your favorite beverage, and RELAX! It’s definitely not difficult to apply DIY lashes, but patience is key for first time users.

The biggest challenge of learning how to apply DIY lash extensions is just the learning curve. Make sure you use the right amount of adhesive; place close enough to your lash line, but not too close; and ensure the segments are close enough to look seamless without overlapping. Truly, applying DIY lashes is a skill that requires patience and practice!

How TAD Beauty Simplifies DIY Eyelash Extensions for Beginners

The TAD 3D lashes were designed by lash artists for those that cannot get professional lash extensions. Our ultimate goal is to create a system that is not only extremely comfortable, but also create an easy diy eyelash extension system for beginners. Our approach with our system is to be patient and take your time when applying, but also – we’re here! You can always schedule a call with us to walk you through applying the lashes! 

How to Apply DIY Lash Extensions: Step-by-Step Guide

First and foremost, how to apply diy lashes yourself starts with makeup free lashes before you start applying DIY lash extensions. We recommend washing your lashes first with TAD Pure Cleanser. If you have already applied your foundation and face makeup, no worries! Just a clean lash set to kick off application! Read ahead for more info on apply diy lash extensions:

How to pick up TAD DIY 3D printed lashes:

Grasp lash segment firmly at the base of the lash segment. Lift up and away from the scaffolding. Place each segment on the sticky strip on the lid of your lash box, mirroring the lengths in the box.

Watch as the 3D Memory Flex Technology activates and lashes bounce back into shape!

Step 1: Preparing Your Lashes for Application

Prime natural lashes with TAD Prep Pad. Use a TAD Prep Pad to rub the top and bottom of your natural lashes. The goal is to remove oils and prime your lashes for application.

Step 2: Using Lash Adhesive

Apply "For YOU" white TAD adhesive to the base of your natural lashes; remember less is more! You do not need to apply on your entire lash like mascara. Instead, apply from the base to about halfway up the length of your natural lash. We recommend applying the For YOU adhesive first, to allow the adhesive to get slightly tacky. 

Next, apply "For TAD" black adhesive right above the base of TAD lash segments. You can do this while the lashes are still on the sticky strip in your box, or pick up the lash with your DIY tweezer. You do not want to cover the Microstructure, but apply above the baseline of the segment. Ensure that you have applied enough adhesive that you cannot see through the segment. 

Step 3: Applying Your DIY Lash Extensions

How to do lashes at home starts with applying each lash segment from under your natural lashes, just beyond the waterline. Do not overlap the segments. We recommend starting from the outer corner and working your way in!

Step 4: Securing and Setting the Lashes

Wait 3 minutes for the lashes to set. Gently squeeze to bond lashes together using the TAD Precision Press. Allow to dry for 1 to 2 minutes before applying a thin coat of TAD Pristine Seal under the natural lashes.

We understand that visual learners might benefit from watching an application demo, and we’ve got you covered! TAD offers two incredibly helpful videos to guide you through the process. Whether you’re a beginner or just need a quick refresher, our detailed 21-minute video covers how to apply diy lash extensions in full detail. If you’re short on time, we also have a concise 4-minute video showing you how to apply diy lashes yourself that you can watch while applying your DIY lashes.

Common Mistakes We See Beginners Make

Now that we’ve explained how to diy lash extensions, let’s cover the common mistakes we often see with first time DIY lash users. TAD lashes are a little different from other DIY lashes, not only because they are 3D printed lashes but also because of how they’re designed to be applied. If you’re familiar with other DIY lashes, you might have experience stacking or overlapping segments or even using pre-glued lashes. However, TAD lashes require you to apply adhesive both to your natural lashes and to the base of the lash segments before application.

One key difference with TAD lashes is that they are not made from PBT fibers, which is the most commonly used material in traditional lash extensions and other DIY lashes on the market. Instead, our lashes are made from a unique 3D-printed compound that responds to your body temperature, making them incredibly flexible and comfortable to wear.

When it comes to application, here are a few things we always recommend our customers do to ensure great application and long time wear:

  1. Do not stack or overlap segments. When figuring out how to apply lash extensions diy, it’s important to remember the lash segments are designed to sit next to each other for a seamless look without overlapping.
  2. Avoid water for the first 24 hours. This allows the adhesive to fully cure and set for long-lasting wear.
  3. After 24 hours, you can wash your lashes daily, but avoid touching them when wet. TAD’s flexible adhesive works differently than cyanoacrylate-based adhesives. If you rub or pull at wet lashes, they might start to come loose because the adhesive becomes stretchy when wet.

For DIY eyelash extensions for beginners, we recommend taking your time. Don’t rush—this process may take up to 30 minutes for first-timers doing their lashes at home, so carve out some uninterrupted time to relax. You’ll find the application experience more enjoyable if you approach it patiently and without pressure. Perhaps pour yourself a favorite beverage, get comfortable, and remember that practice makes perfect.

Start with clean lashes. It’s important to ensure that your natural lashes are completely makeup-free before you begin. Even give them a quick lash bath if needed. Using clean lashes helps the adhesive bond more effectively, making your lash application last longer.

When you apply eyelash extensions yourself, get close to a mirror—as close as possible! It may sound funny, but we love to lean in close to make sure we can see every detail. Place the lash segments as close to your waterline as possible without actually touching it. This ensures your lashes will look as natural and flawless as possible.

Take the First Step at TAD Beauty!

Are you ready to kick off your DIY lash journey? Now that you know how to apply diy lash extensions, you’re ready to start your journey with our full DIY Lash Kit. Our Legacy Kit includes everything you need from TAD beauty to begin applying our lash system, with a travel makeup bag and a portable mirror!
Caitlin McAninch
Tagged: DIY Lashes