If you’ve ever wondered whether lash extensions or lash clusters are right for you, you’re in the perfect place. This blog breaks down everything you need to know about the differences between professional lash extensions vs lash clusters: from how they’re applied and how long they last, to how they feel, what they cost, and which lifestyle they best fit.
Whether you’re new to lashes or just ready to switch up your routine, understanding lash clusters vs extensions is key to finding the right match for your time, budget, and personal style. Let’s help you lash smarter, not harder!
What Are Lash Extensions?
Maybe you’ve been under a rock up until this very moment or maybe the world of beauty has just touched upon you like sunlight hitting your shoulder, opening your once closed eyes like Sleeping Beauty waking from the magical kiss. If you’ve never heard of lash extensions, it’s ok, this is a safe space to learn all things lash related.
But, hey! Sleeping beauty! Read all about it! Lash extensions are one of the most impactful beauty services short of having a theoretical face transplant! They are single or multiple fibers that are glued to only one of your natural lashes at a time. This process is painstakingly and expertly repeated until both eyes are a flutter with emphasis and attractiveness that strokes the engines of confidence.
Professional lash extensions is a long lasting service that can last 2-4 weeks and takes 1.5-3 hours to complete. When done properly it is painless and has little impact on your natural lashes but it can impact your wallet! Factors that increase the price include the lash artist’s skill with application, longevity, ability to convert client inspo to anatomy, ability to educate on risks, managing expectations and the customer service environment.
FUN FACT: TAD’s founder and CEO, Michelle Nguyen, has been a professional lash artist since 2008!
While we LOVE lash extensions – we understand they are not for everyone! The whole purpose of this article is to enlighten you as to the benefits of lash clusters vs extensions here’s a link to a previous article: cluster lashes vs individual lashes.
What Are Lash Clusters?
If we’re trying to figure out lash extensions vs lash clusters we first need to answer what are cluster lashes? These look like little segments of a strip lash that have been cut in small sections (but to clarify, these are NOT strips, see cluster lashes vs strip lashes for details). They have traditionally been made from single fibers of polyester that have been heat curled together. Imagine doll hair that is curled and glued together to form little clusters that replicate the full lash line.
Lash Clusters vs Extensions: Key Differences to Consider
When it comes to lash clusters vs extensions, the key differences come down to time, cost, and control. Lash extensions are a luxury service applied by a professional, offering long-lasting results but requiring regular appointments, a bigger time commitment, and a higher price tag. Lash clusters are DIY lash extensions that you can apply at home in minutes, with full control over the style and shape. They’re more affordable, easier to maintain, and perfect for anyone looking for flexibility without sacrificing a flawless lash look. But let’s dive into the biggest factors to consider when choosing lash extensions vs clusters.
Application Method and Accessibility
First, lash extensions vs lash clusters when it comes to application.
Since professional lash extensions are applied by a professional, you need to make an appointment to be there or there will be cancellation fees to pay if you have to cancel last minute.
Learning how to apply cluster lashes is as easy as grabbing your favorite drink, your lash supplies, and sitting in front of a mirror for 10-20 minutes. No appointment is necessary and you don’t even have to leave your house!
Time Commitment
How do lash clusters vs extensions stack up in the time department? Which one is quicker? Which one takes more time?
If you want to be pampered then you can schedule time to have your lash extensions applied. It takes a chunk of time for your artist to create something beautiful and long lasting. The average new set takes around 2 hours, but some will require more. And a fill, needed every other week or so, will take about an hour and a half.
Lash clusters are great if you can’t afford the time. Maybe you’re traveling or you’re busy with family and time is your scarcest resource. Application takes about 10 minutes once you have the skills down to apply.
Longevity and Refill Needs
How long do lash clusters vs extensions last? When do they “peace out!” and jump ship?
The average length of time of lash extension wear is about 2 weeks. There are artists that can deliver more, but this usually requires more time and you pay for the expertise of longer wear.
How long do cluster lashes last? Lash clusters can be worn for 7-10 days.
Comfort and Lash Line Feel
What’s the skinny on how lash clusters vs extensions feel?
Lash extensions do require you to lie down for a chunk of time so those who have difficulty doing this you may not find the service relaxing. The service also requires the application of gel or foam pads that can interfere with the normal function of the tear film. Some can find it drying to their eyes during the service, it’s temporary but it can be a factor for some. It can also make the margin of the lids feel a little tight the first couple of days you have the extensions. If applied correctly, you will not feel extensions on your lash line at all.
Lash clusters are designed to be worn under the lashes and they do not rest on the skin, so when properly applied are weightless and feel undetectable. TAD DIY lash segments each have a small microstructure, or comb built in that allows for multiple contact points to hook, nestle and hold your own lashes so they stay exceptionally well and do not pull away from your lashes with gravity. This ensures you won’t feel the bases for as long as you wear them.
Style Control and Customization
How customizable are each lash extensions vs lash clusters?
With professional lash extensions, the design is in the hands of your lash artist and much depends on her skill to decipher your inspiration and meld it to your anatomy. She’s got the expertise and the outcome depends on her skill and the products that she works with.
With lash clusters you get to be the designer of your own lash destiny. You discern your needs and map out which lengths go where on your lash line. You can follow the map laid out for you in your TAD DIY kits or you can choose to design as your heart leads you.
Tad Pro Tip: for gals who like the most variety check out our TAD Pro Packs, which offer the most variation in lengths for all your lash looks.
Removal of Lashes
If you’re wondering whether lash extensions vs clusters are easier to remove – easier definitely goes to clusters.
We always recommend seeing a professional lash artist if you’re ready to remove your extensions, as that is the best option for persevering your natural lash health.
How to remove cluster lashes is as easy as grabbing a cluster lash remover and applying and removing – which honestly takes about 30 seconds!
Cost and Budget Flexibility
How much do lash extensions vs clusters cost?
Professionally applied lash extensions vary in cost but you can plan to spend between $125-400+ depending on the artist every time you see her.
Clusters are significantly less cost than professional extensions. You can check out the TAD Lash Cluster Starter Kit priced at $39.99 which will give you 6 segments each for both eyes and you’ll be set with your application tweezer, Brilliant Bond Adhesive, and Pristine Seal. The liquids will last over a month and you’ll only need to replenish your clusters at roughly $10 a set!
Ideal Use Cases and Lifestyles
If you’ve ever suffered from contact dermatitis or a reaction to lash extension adhesives or redness from the process either from the gel pads or the vapors from the adhesive you may feel hesitant to ever suffer that way again. The best lashes for sensitive eyes are DIY clusters, which may be a better option for you. The type of adhesive for clusters is different from the lash extension family of adhesives.
If you’re unable to see a professional due to the cost, the time, or the process you can absolutely take your beauty in your own hands and bedazzle yourself with some gorgeous long-wearing TAD DIY clusters.
Perhaps you need to take a break from extensions or you’re going to have surgery which requires their removal, TAD can be your perfect solution. You never have to go without feeling your most beautiful version of yourself.
See For Yourself Why Lash Clusters are the #1 Choice at TAD Beauty!
Lash extensions vs lash clusters is a question the beauty bards can talk about for quite a spell, but lash clusters are an affordable, time saving DIY option for those who either have time or budget constraints. If you long to show up putting your best foot forward, TAD DIY lashes stand out as the best DIY lash extensions and can help your beauty and confidence blossom.
Bringing Our Lash Extensions vs Clusters Comparison to a Close
Lash clusters vs extensions or lash extensions vs clusters? Both are beauty goodies that promise to delight your face and wrap your lashes in extra love, but the one that is best for you depends on the demands and constraints you face.
If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis, if you prefer a DIY take care of it yourself approach in a season to save some time and money – lash clusters can be your winner. Lash extensions are a luxurious service that is definitely a treat for those who have the time and the budget and they are not mutually exclusive. The nice thing about DIY clusters is that you can always stock up to use in a pinch if you can’t find the time for the extensions!
No matter which option you choose, the goal is the same: lashes that make you feel confident, beautiful, and totally you.