Applying cluster lashes: how to do it yourself, step by step

You apply cluster lashes by putting a thin layer of glue or bond on your own lashes, then placing the clusters just underneath your lash line from the inner to the outer corner and briefly pinching them together. With a seal on top they stay put for days, and a remover takes them off again without pulling out your own lashes.

Sounds simple, and after a few goes it is. Your first set usually takes longer than you expect, so below you read step by step what matters and which type of clusters suits your experience.

What exactly are cluster lashes?

Cluster lashes are small bundles of false lashes on a narrow band or knot, instead of one long strip across your whole lid. You choose how many clusters you use and where, so you decide whether it becomes a natural look or a full cat eye.

There are roughly three types. Clusters you stick underneath your own lashes with a bond, classic clusters you place on your lash line with lash glue, and pre glued clusters that already have the adhesive on them. Which one you pick decides how long they last and how much time it takes you.

Which type suits you?

Type	Where you place them	What you need	How long they last	Good for
DIY clusters with bond	Underneath your own lashes	Bond, seal, applicator, remover	Several days	The extension effect without a salon
Classic clusters	On your lash line	Lash glue	A day or an evening	A party or a night out
Pre glued clusters	Just on your lash line	Nothing extra	A few days	Getting ready fast, also as a beginner

Torn between clusters, a salon treatment or something else? Read lash extensions or doing it yourself: which one suits you? first.

What do you need to get started?

For the underneath method you need four things: the clusters, a bond, a seal and a remover. Tweezers or an applicator make it a lot easier, because with your fingers you quickly push the clusters out of line. A complete set has all of it in one box.

The Lola's Lashes Hybrid DIY Lash Extension Set contains 40 clusters from 10 to 14 mm, bond, seal, an applicator and remover. A nice first set, because the mix of lengths makes it easy to build up from the inner to the outer corner.

Already have clusters and only need the adhesive? The separate Bond & Seal from the same line is made for exactly this way of applying. It holds for up to seven days.

You find more options in eyelash glue.

How do you apply cluster lashes step by step?

1. Start with clean lashes. No mascara, no oil and no cream around your eyes. Grease is the main reason clusters come loose after a few hours.
2. Curl your lashes first if you like. Once the clusters are on, you can't anymore.
3. Apply a thin layer of bond to the underside of your own lashes, from the root to about halfway. Let it dry for 20 to 30 seconds until it turns tacky.
4. Pick up a cluster with your applicator and place it just underneath your lashes, about a millimetre from your waterline. Not on your skin and not on your waterline.
5. Work from the inside out. The shortest clusters go in the inner corner, the longest on the outside. Leave a little space between the clusters.
6. Pinch your own lashes and the clusters together with the applicator, a few seconds per spot, so everything becomes one.
7. Finish with the seal, thinly on the underside and the top. It locks the bond in place and removes sticky residue.

Rather not work out yourself which length goes where? Pre mapped clusters already come in the right order, from short to long. The Cat-eye Hybrid from Lola's Lashes runs from 10 mm on the inside to 14 mm on the outside, with a D curl, for a lifted cat eye effect.

Can it be quicker?

Yes. Classic clusters go on your lash line with a little lash glue, just like you would apply a strip. They don't last as long, but for one evening they are on in no time and easy to take off. The Essence What The Fake 06 Natural Cluster Black comes with 20 clusters and glue in the pack and is made for a natural result.

Don't want any glue at all? Then pre glued clusters are the fastest route. You take them out of the box without touching the adhesive strip and press them on. The Tatti Lashes Pre-Glued Individuals Wispy Volume give a fluffy, layered effect and stay on for five days or longer.

How do you take cluster lashes off?

Never pull. Your own lashes come with them, and that is where the idea comes from that false lashes damage your lashes. Apply a remover to the root, wait until the bond dissolves and gently slide the clusters off.

The Sunday Salon DIY Lash Remover is oil based and fragrance free, with an applicator to put it exactly on the root.

Clusters you remove carefully can often be used again. Clean off the old adhesive and store them back in their box. You find the rest of the range in false eyelashes. Prefer a full strip? Then read how do you apply fake eyelashes?

Frequently asked questions

How long do cluster lashes last?

That depends on the type and the adhesive. Clusters with bond and seal last several days, classic clusters with lash glue usually a day or an evening. Oil, steam and rubbing shorten the wear time.

Can you sleep in cluster lashes?

Clusters that sit underneath your lashes with bond and seal are made to wear for days, so at night too. Preferably sleep on your back and don't rub your eyes. Classic clusters with regular lash glue come off before bed.

Can you wear mascara with cluster lashes?

You don't need to, and with clusters that should stay on for days you are better off skipping it. Mascara builds up and is hard to remove without loosening the bond.

Can you reuse cluster lashes?

Often yes, if you take them off with a remover instead of pulling them. Gently clean the old adhesive off the band and keep them in their box.

Are cluster lashes suitable for beginners?

Yes. Start with fewer clusters, only on the outer part, or choose pre glued or pre mapped. After two or three times it gets noticeably faster.