If you’ve ever applied DIY lash extensions and wondered how to create that perfect, eye-enhancing look, welcome to the world of lash cluster mapping styles. A lash cluster map is simply your personalized lash placement plan, helping you decide which lengths go where to achieve the look you’re going for. From natural and cat-eye styles to doll-eye and open designs, different cluster lash mapping styles let you take full control of your lashes, especially with DIY!
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular lash cluster mapping styles with pictures and show you how to bring each one to life, so you can confidently design your lashes like a pro!
What is a Lash Cluster Map?
When you use DIY lash clusters and segments, the map is just another word for your lash plan. Lash cluster mapping styles are the order that you’re going to place your different lengths of cluster lashes along your lash line in order to create the look that you’re “eyeing”.
There are many different cluster lash mapping styles to choose, and when it comes to comparing cluster lashes vs individual lashes, maps are what professional lash artists plan for your eye. Because we were founded by a professional lash artist, we treat TAD lashes similar to extensions, so when we reference the most popular lash cluster mapping styles, we will be talking about the key pro-lash maps!
Once you are confident and know how to apply cluster lashes, creating your lash map is the next step in customization.
The Most Common Lash Cluster Mapping Styles With Pictures
The most popular cluster lash mapping styles are Kitten or Natural, Cat Eye, Doll Eye, and Open Eye. Additionally, in the pro-lash world, Wispy Maps and Mega Volume maps are super popular, so we will talk about those today, too!
TAD Lashes are currently available in three styles: Dream, Bliss, and Wispy. You can achieve all four key lash maps with any of our styles!
We’re excited to show you all these lash cluster mapping styles with pictures to truly give you a full understanding of what these looks are! Let’s dive in!
Natural Lash Map or Kitten Lash Map
The natural or kitten lash cluster mapping styles mimic the natural lash line that most of us were born with. Natural lash maps are flattering for nearly all eye shapes, and gives a soft, lifted effect.
- Shorter segments in the inner corner
- Longest lengths at the arch of the brow
- Tapering down to shorter on the outer corner again
- Example Map: 8-10-10-11-11-10
Cat Eye Lash Map
The most requested or highest searched lash cluster mapping styles is Cat Eye. Because it looks flattering on nearly all eye shapes, we love Cat Eye. Cat Eye gives eyes an elongated, sultry effect.
- Shortest lashes from the inner corner
- Place the longest length at the very outside, or outer corner
- Example Map: 8-9-9-11-13-14
Doll Eye Lash Map
Doll Eye cluster lash mapping style has the longest length right in the center of your eye, making your eye appear bigger and rounder. This map is perfect for those with a monolid, downturned, or hooded eyes. Giving you a wide awake, bright eyed look!
- Longest length in the center of eye
- Shortest on inner and outer corner
- Example Map: 9-11-12-13-12-11
- Open Eye (Round) Lash Map
Open Eye (Round) Lash Map
Lastly, an Open Eye map has the longest length at the center and arch of the brow – so using TWO of the longest length segments in your map. Instead of keeping the lateral outside corners short, you’d pop on a segment that is just a bit longer than the middle to add a little oompf of definition. This is truly a good one for all eye shapes!
- Longest length in the center of eye AND the arch of the brow
- Shortest on inner corner
- Tapering one length shorter on the outer corner
- Example Map: 9-11-12-13-13-12
Wispy or Spiky Lash Map
A Wispy Lash Map, or Kim K. Map, or even Spiky Lash Map are all done by professional lash artists to give a super textured style. Truthfully, you would not “map” this with cluster lashes, instead you would use wispy-looking segments like TAD’s Wispy or Bliss lashes.
Traditionally, a Wispy Lash Map has a thick, dense volume base with spikes 2mm longer throughout the set.
Mega Volume Look With Cluster Stacking
Similarly, Mega Volume lash maps are created by using bigger fans in the set. The best way to achieve this look is purchase Mega Volume lash segments.
For those who can’t get enough drama it is possible to stack your cluster lash segments, but TAD cluster lashes have a tiny microstructure comb that “hooks” into your natural lashes to hug and hold comfortably, so we recommend you do not stack TAD lashes.
Lash Map FAQ
Here are some of the biggest questions we get about lash cluster mapping styles:
What map do TAD Lashes come with?
If you purchase a 3-pair box or a TAD Sample box, your lash map included is a Kitten Eye. Again, this means the longest length is at the arch of your brow. Remember, our lashes come in three different lengths to give you even more options:
- Mini: mapped at 8-8-10-11-11-10 mm
- Midi: mapped at 8-10-11-12-12-10 mm
- Maxi: mapped at 10-12-12-14-14-12 mm
How can I customize my TAD Lash Map?
The best DIY lash extensions to purchase to go full throttle with customization is the TAD Pro Pack – which gives you 120 lash segments in lengths 8mm - 11mm OR 8mm - 14mm, giving you the full power to custom map your look, every time.
How do I change my TAD Lash Map?
You can change your lash map literally ANY TIME! That’s the power of DIY! Make sure you know how to remove cluster lashes safely, and feel free to change up your look every time you apply your clusters!
Wondering how long do cluster lashes last, our lashes are meant to be worn 7-10 days, so you could technically change up your look every week!
What map are Strip Lashes?
Unfortunately, you cannot customize a strip lash. If you think about cluster lashes vs strip lashes, you are getting multiple segments vs. one long line of lashes. Unless you cut up your strip, you are getting the map that the strip comes in. This map will vary by brand and style.
Can I customize all lash cluster maps?
Unfortunately not all clusters are made equal. Be sure to check with your lash clusters to ensure they come in different lengths, otherwise you will not be able to map out your lashes.
Effortlessly Bring These Lash Cluster Lash Mapping Styles to Life With TAD Beauty!
TAD DIY lash clusters are so easy and comfortable to apply and design. Our hope is that with a guide like this and an in-depth explanation of lash cluster mapping styles with pictures, you can confidently take on any look you can think of!
If you can dream it, you can create any lash cluster mapping styles you can come up with. Take a look at your eye and decide where you want the most length and drama to go. After you’ve applied your lashes, take a picture so that you can catalog the looks you’ve worn and label them “lash cluster mapping styles with pictures” in your album so you can keep track of all your favorite styles.
Parting Thoughts on Cluster Lash Mapping Styles
Whether you’re going for soft and subtle or bold and dramatic, lash cluster mapping styles give you the freedom to create a look that’s uniquely yours. With TAD Beauty’s expertly designed lash clusters, you're not just applying lashes, you’re crafting a custom lash experience that fits your mood, your eye shape, and your day. So grab your mirror, choose your map, and remember: you got this far, so you can DIY.