Cluster Lashes Vs Individual Lash Extensions
Lash extensions are an extremely popular beauty trend that helps to enhance your appearance by giving your lashes a longer and fuller look.
Lash extensions can be done either by self-applying cluster lashes or going to a lash salon to have professional lash extensions applied. When researching lash extensions, you may be confused by the many types of lashes available including cluster lashes and individual lash extensions.
In this blog post I’ll break down the differences between these two types of extensions, the risks and benefits of each, and ultimately which one is best for you and your natural lash health.
What are cluster lashes?
Cluster lash extensions are 5-10 lashes grouped into “clusters” and glued together with a thick adhesive base at the bottom. They resemble cut sections of a strip lash.
Cluster eyelashes are applied to the skin at the base of the lash line using eyelash glue and give a more dramatic look.
Cluster lashes are most often self-applied at home (without a professional) for special occasions or events. These lashes come in varying volumes and lengths to achieve the desired look you’re going for.
Benefits of Cluster Lashes
The benefits of all lash extensions, whether cluster or individual, is to of course enhance your natural beauty and appearance in an easy and non-invasive way!
Cluster lashes are a great option for single-use wear for a special occasion. They are also a less expensive option for individual eyelash extensions and can be applied in less time, taking just minutes at home.
Risks of Cluster Lashes
In general, cluster lashes are known to have more risks associated with them than individual extensions. Because cluster lashes are heavier, they can weigh down the natural eyelashes. The extra weight can cause damage and breakage to the natural lash over time.
Cluster lashes have also been known to cause irritation, itchiness, and even bacterial infections. Due to the adhesive used during the application of the cluster lashes and the fact that the lashes are applied to the lash line rather than the individual lash, the adhesive can prevent the natural lash from shedding when it’s ready to. If the natural lash can’t shed, it may result in irritation, ingrown eyelashes, and even bacterial infections or styes.
Are cluster lashes the same as volume lashes?
It’s important to note, however, that cluster lashes are NOT the same thing as the volume eyelash extensions that you would have applied professionally by eyelash technicians.
Volume sets are pre-made lash fans made up of super thin individual synthetic lashes. These volume extensions are bonded by heat, not glue, and are also applied to the individual natural lash.
What are individual eyelash extensions?
Individual lash extensions are synthetic lashes that are applied one at a time to each of your individual eyelashes. This is done by a professional lash technician who underwent many hours of advanced training. These artists use a pair of tweezers and high-quality lash glue to apply the extensions one at a time to make up a full set.
Individual lash extensions can last up to two to four weeks at a time before receiving a lash “fill.” With regular maintenance, every couple of weeks, individual eyelash extensions make a great option if you’re looking for long-term results that offer a more natural look.
As briefly mentioned above, there are many different types of professional lash extensions. This includes individual or classic lashes, volume set lashes, and hybrid set lashes. These lashes all come in varying lengths and curls.
- Individual lash extensions: these are single lash extensions that are very lightweight and made of synthetic fibers.
- Volume lashes: these are premade fans that are made by a certified lash technician using singular lashes and binding them with heat rather than a thick base of adhesive.
- Hybrid lashes: A hybrid lash extension set simply uses a combination of single lashes and volume lashes for a natural, yet voluminous look!
Benefits of Individual Lash Extensions
When talking about lash extensions, individual lash extensions hold the most benefits! These include:
- Natural looking: Individual lash extensions offer a much more natural look than cluster lashes because of fine lashes. They can also be specifically customized by a skilled lash artist to compliment the individual client.
- Long-lasting: As opposed to cluster lashes, professional lash extensions are much longer lasting. When properly cared for, they can last up to 2-4 weeks before getting a fill.
- Low maintenance: These lash extensions are extremely low maintenance in that you don’t have to remove them and re-apply them daily. By following a few easy tips from your lash tech you can keep your lashes in great shape!
- Minimal damage to the natural lash: When lash extensions are applied by a well-trained professional, there is very minimal damage to the natural lashes. This is because when extensions are applied to the individual lash, it doesn’t affect the lash cycle and the natural lashes can fall out (with the extension attached) as it normally would.
Risks of Individual Lash Extensions
When compared to cluster lashes, individual lash extensions have fewer risks associated with them. The majority of the risks mostly relate to proper care and maintenance.
One of the most common risks of professional extensions is eye irritation and/or allergic reactions. This is because of the adhesives used. For some individuals, the adhesive can cause redness, irritation, or itching. It’s also possible to have or develop an allergic reaction to eyelash glue.
Another potential risk to lash extensions is lash loss. However, this is most commonly caused by improper application or removal of the extensions, such as pulling on them as they’re adhered to the natural lash.
Lastly, there is always a risk of infection when applying any type of extension. The risk can be lessened by properly cleaning and maintaining lash hygiene.
Cluster Lashes vs Eyelash Extensions
What are the differences between cluster lashes vs eyelash extensions?
One of the biggest distinctions between cluster eyelash extensions and individual lash extensions is that cluster lashes are applied to the actual skin and lash line with a temporary adhesive whereas individual extensions are applied to each lash with lash glue.
Furthermore, cluster lashes are most often applied at home for short durations (ie: for special events or occasions) and lash extensions are applied for 2-3 weeks at a time and done professionally in salons.
Lash Extensions FAQ’s
Do cluster lashes last longer than individual lashes?
No. False eyelashes (or party lashes) such as cluster extensions should be used as single-use extensions. These extensions are meant to be used as temporary false lashes.
Professional lashes are the best option for long lasting eyelash extensions.
Can you sleep with cluster lashes?
To maintain the health of your natural lashes, cluster lash extensions should always be removed before going to sleep. Sleeping in cluster lashes can increase the risk of permanent damage and infection due to the adhesive blocking the hair follicles.
Do lash techs use cluster lashes?
A certified lash technician will not use cluster lashes. Lash salons will use synthetic lash extensions and adhere them to individual lash hairs. They may also use pre-made volume fans (that they previously made from singular lashes) that are also glued to individual lashes.
Conclusion
So when it comes to cluster lashes vs eyelash extensions, which is best?
While cluster lash extensions can offer a dramatic look for a short period, on a special occasion or night out, individual lash extensions are a better option if you’re looking for professional long-lasting eyelash extensions.
Individual lash extensions provide a natural look and are a very low-maintenance way to boost your appearance. Because you don’t remove them each night, these lash extensions can also be a huge time saver on busy mornings!
To reduce the risk of irritation, infection, or damage to your natural lashes, always go to a lash salon with a well-trained, certified lash artist for individual extensions. For cluster extensions, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions and remove them before going to sleep the same day.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will come down to the duration you would like to have lash extensions for!
