You know that stage where kids are always asking questions, like why is water wet? Where do babies come from? We’re going down a similar path to answer the question that sets TAD DIY apart from the rest: what are lash clusters made of?
Today we’re going to break down different lash cluster materials and help you better understand how are lash clusters made, and what are lash clusters made of. Let’s dive in!
Cluster Lash Overview
Lash clusters, also known as lash segments, are small pieces of lashes that you apply underneath your natural lashes for an extension-look. There are different types of cluster lashes, some big, some small, some feathery, some chunky. Think of all the different colors of crayons there are and I’m sure we could find as many corresponding styles of lash cluster materials and types!
What Are Lash Clusters Made Of?
Well when a Mommy and Daddy lash love each other very much they go on vacay to South Korea! Joking! But! That’s where the most common fibers that make up lash cluster materials, strip lashes, and even professional lash extensions come from.
Korean PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) Was the Gold Standard
Korean PBT is the most common lash cluster materials used globally. It's not only used to make lash clusters, but it's also the material for professional lash extensions.
Why it worked so well:
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This material is lightweight, holds curl well, and resists moisture which is important when you need to subject your lashes to daily makeup, cleansing, and styling
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It created a soft-but-firm texture that mimics natural hair better than earlier materials like human hair, horsehair, or cheap plastic fibers
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Compared to animal-derived lashes like mink, Korean PBT is: vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic
Because of these benefits, Korean PBT is what most lash clusters are made of.
Adhesive Binding at the Base
How are lash clusters made? They are assembled by attaching the two parts: the fibers that mimic the lashes and the base band together with glue or tape in two different ways:
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The “fan” fibers are glued or threaded to a cotton string base
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They are bonded together using a sticky tape or by using glue
Heat Bonded at the Base
Another way to answer the question, how are lash clusters made is look at the base of the clusters. Some of them have been crimped together at the base and using heat, the two components are melted together to form one single cluster. Sometimes the junction of the two parts can be felt as a sharp edge point.
Alternative Materials You Might Encounter
Talk lash cluster materials to me baby! Some clusters are ready to use and labeled as “Pre glued” lash clusters. These can have a strip of sticky, tacky adhesive glue that is used to adhere straight to your own lashes straight out of the box without additional glue.
How Are Lash Clusters Made?
Now depending on what are lash clusters made of, there are different ways to answer how are lash clusters made.
Handmade vs Machine-Made Lash Clusters
As we laid out the birds and the bees of how lash clusters are made, we talked about them being glued or taped together. This process has largely been done in factories by hand.
There’s new technology to explore with high tech DIY lash clusters from TAD! TAD is the first ever lash product that is not assembled this way by heat bonding or glue base. TAD lashes are 3D printed in the USA using a first of its kind resin called Lumofil that is finely printed in one segment. This allows us to create a segment with crazy quality features and details that were once impossible to dream up.
3D Printing and Microstructure Design at TAD Beauty
Because every aspect of TAD DIY is the “brain child” of a professional lash artist and an engineer, the TAD cluster is unique with features that are currently patent pending:
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The comfort is built into the band design. It boasts a tiny Microstructure that looks like a tiny comb to snuggle into your own lashes.
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The Microstructure “interlocks” and hugs your lashes with multiple contact points.
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This structure clings in your lashes to keep the cluster lifted so that it doesn’t fall with gravity to rub your lower lids.
We are talking next level comfort with your cluster lashes.
Packaging and Lash Mapping for Ease of Use
As we said, our lash styles were designed by a professional artist, so our styles and even our lengths are so intentional based on how a professional lash artist would do the most popular styles on you.
Each TAD lash box has a pre-mapped layout of the segments. We offer a kitten, or natural lash map, which follows the natural growth pattern of our lashes. Each box also includes multiple lengths as opposed to putting one length straight across your lash line.
Who Made Lash Clusters Famous?
There’s not one single person who can be credited with the discovery of lash clusters but legend has it that their origin story started in the realm of La La Land on the faces of Hollywood starlets in the 40s and 50s. “What are lash clusters made of?”, said no one at this time, they were being dreamed up by makeup artists in show biz.
Drugstore brands in the 70s to 90s popularized strip lashes and segments without bands. In the 2010s beauty influencers began sharing tutorials for the masses on how to DIY your glamour and in 2018 patented DIY segment was repackaged as a luxury product.
From Pro Artist Secret to DIY Must-Have
Cluster lashes were a makeup artist’s secret that they used to enhance many famous cinema darling’s faces. The truth is that a fuller, thicker lashline is glamorous and transformative for every human being, so it’s not hard to understand how this secret has become mainstream. Now the masses desire access to DIY lash extensions.
The TikTok and Instagram Effect
Like what the bikini did for beaches all around the world is what social media platforms did for cluster lashes! Can anyone say popularity explosion?! DIY clusters used to be a niche product guarded by the makeup industry, but now it’s mainstream thanks to influencers who popularized the ease of application and the long wearing nature of cluster lashes.
Tips on Getting Started With TAD Beauty Cluster Lashes
TAD DIY has everything you need to start your gorgeous lashes journey. Our DIY lash kits are the easiest way to treat yourself to some of those sweet lashes, with everything you need to start your lash journey with TAD.
If you’re wondering how long do cluster lashes last, know that our Starter Kit includes supplies for minimum 7-day wear, while our Legacy Kit includes 3-pairs, which can last you up to 3 weeks!
Choose Your Length + Map Style First
There’s three styles at TAD DIY, each with different qualities. Each style includes multiple length options: Mini, Midi, or Maxi. Our three core styles are:
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Dream is the most voluminous look
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Bliss is the most authentic look
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Wispy is a blend of natural fullness with peaks and valleys
Use With TAD’s Lash Adhesive + Seal
Applying DIY is a new skill and it can take a few times before you feel really comfortable doing it. The best thing to remember is to take it slowly and reposition if you need to, they’re not set in stone so it’s ok to change the placement if you need to. Start with clean lashes and read through the step by step guidelines: how to apply cluster lashes.
Be sure and use the Pristine seal sparingly! It’s not meant to coat your clusters. You just want to tap the inside of your application tweezers with it and tap a few times. Less is more!
Staying Power and Removal Tips
TAD DIY can stay up to 7 days and has been known to even get a few more if they are pampered and cared for properly, which means cleansing them daily! Make sure you know how to clean lash clusters to ensure you get the max wear!
TAD Pro Tip: for max longevity don’t touch your lashes when they’re wet! The adhesive absorbs water and the clusters can slide off more easily when wet. You want to gently pat them dry from underneath and then reclamp once they are dry.
The best way to remove your cluster lashes is to use the remover in order to preserve your natural lashes and not pull any prematurely out. For step by step directions check out how to remove cluster lashes.
Final Thoughts on What Lash Clusters Are Made of
Now that you know what are lash clusters made of, from traditional Korean PBT to our advanced 3D-printed Lumofil, you can make more empowered choices about the products you use. Understanding how are lash clusters made and the variety of lash cluster materials available, including glue-bonded, heat-fused, or microstructure-designed styles, can help you find the right fit for your comfort, eye shape, and lash goals.
Whether you’re a beauty beginner or a seasoned lash lover, TAD Beauty offers next-level innovation in DIY lash extensions, so you never have to choose between quality and convenience.