Individual Lash Extensions vs Clusters: Is There a Difference

Posted by Bridget Reed on 14 February, 2023

Individual Lash Extensions vs Clusters: Is There a Difference

If there’s one thing that’s a constant in the lash business, it’s change. It’s unavoidable. 

The lashes we know today were birthed from the necessity of the Hollywood starlet and her endless pursuit of the standard of beauty. Well, more like popularized by the starlet, but soon it was universally deemed more attractive to sport the wide, doll-eyed look that became the envy of everyone. 

We could blame the old Hollywood circle for stoking the fire of our current-day lash addictions, but just like the products we enjoy today stemmed and evolved from the things of the past, the lashes of the past evolved from age-old beliefs and cultural fads. 

Did you know that in ancient Rome, a misguided author by the name of Pliny posed that eyelashes fell out from excessive hanky-panky? We know; we thought we’d heard it all before, too. And to think, we all could’ve gone our entire lives without living through such a face-palm moment.

Because of that belief, women with longer lashes were deemed more chaste, which, back in those days, was the equivalency of godhood. Oh, to be so close-minded. We’re on our knees in gratitude that those ideas are being left in the dust along with the old and outdated versions of lashes. As we leave those old lashes behind, we welcome a new and budding industry of innovation that comes with all the bells and whistles you could want.

Two of those bells are the reason you’re here today: clusters and individual extensions. These are just a few advancements in the way we wear lashes, but it’s important to note their difference and how to use both properly. If you’re curious about which lane to plant your feet in, keep reading. 

What Are Individual Extensions?

Individual extensions are the product used in the tedious process of getting full sets done with a lash technician. Where each of your natural lashes individually sits, a lash tech will apply an individual extension. This gives a fuller, more dramatic look with a plethora of options available in terms of the end result. 

With a lash tech to professionally lay out the lash map for your look, you can quite literally achieve any kind of length, density, volume, wisp, fan, or glam look that you desire. Individual extensions have excellent longevity, too, and, if done correctly, will keep for 6-8 weeks. 

Sound amazing? Well, slow your roll for a minute. For every positive aspect of a lash set, there are some things to watch out for too. For instance, the longevity of your lashes will be tenfold compared to a strip lash, but while you’ll get to enjoy them forever and a day, there’s also a lot more upkeep to concern yourself with. 

Like clockwork, you’ll need to clean your extensions with a skin-safe cleanser and spoolie to remove built-up dirt, makeup, and oil from your skin. You might be thinking that it can't be that bad if you leave your lashes to their own devices, but we’d recommend you rethink that assessment.

If left untreated, lash extensions and their build-up can cause severe eye reactions like swelling, itching, and burning or even an infection like blepharitis. Blepharitis is an eye condition that can be developed by lash build-up, and it results in symptoms like flaky, dandruff-like fallout on your lashes, itching and watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and the constant feeling like you’ve got debris in your eye. 

Sound amazing still? Obviously, these conditions are completely avoidable with the proper care and upkeep, but it’s something to keep in mind when getting long-term, individual extensions.

What Are Lash Clusters?

Cluster lashes are small groups of individual lashes that fan out from a point. Lash techs and salons favored these extensions back when they were first popularized, but as the lash game has changed, so have the tastes for the kind of extensions used — and for good reason. 

Clusters started as a way to achieve more volume over more of your natural lash in less time. Doesn’t get much better than that. Except, like everything else in this finite world, things that seem too good to be true usually are. The base of the lash clusters needs to be attached with lash adhesive — usually, the disposable kind. 

Because clusters are nearly impossible to attach to a single natural lash like individual extensions, they’re attached to a cluster of your natural lashes to be able to hold them in place. For a night out with disposable lash glue, adding a cluster here or there is perfect. Who doesn’t love a little extra glam for girl night? The risk there, though, is that temporary lash glue doesn’t last very long, and many options contain some pretty icky allergens. 

Just like with individual extensions, there are ways of wearing clusters while completely avoiding negative reactions, but in the case of clusters, they might be a better temporary bestie than a best-friend-forever kind.

The Not-So-Secret Third Option

So you’ve weighed your options. Both have their ups, and both have their downs. Some downs are bigger than others, and some highs are higher. But what if we told you that there’s a third option in play?

Given the fact that you’re reading this article on this website, it shouldn’t come as a shock to you when we scream from the heavens, “Gossies®!” They aren’t the pricey, high-maintenance individual extensions, and they aren’t the high-risk, low-reward lash clusters. No, our Gossamer® Lashes are a game changer. And we’ve changed the game a lot

We’ve taken innovation by the collar and put it in an unrelenting chokehold that results in endless ideas, user-friendly applications, and a family of products that are all designed to work together. Our bonds are made for our lashes. Our lashes are made for our sealants. Our sealants are made for more lashes, and those lashes are made for our cleansers, and so on and so forth. 

We’ve taken the very best of what lashes can be and combined them into an arsenal of extensions, tools, and accessories that are completely made for you. Every formula and ingredient is tested and tested again to maintain the health and beauty of your eyes and skin because we believe your health and ease of use are the top priority. You shouldn’t have to worry every second you have your lashes on that they’ll turn against you. 

Our Gossamers are basically like cluster lashes, but with an amped-up bond that lasts for way longer — and is better for you! That means you can still stack and layer them to your heart’s content. 

So what are you waiting for? With an option that provides all the good and none of the bad, is there really any more comparing and contrasting to be had? Your new favorite lashes are waiting for you.

The Difference That Matters

Take a breath and think back to the start of lash advancement. 

It’s kind of crazy to see all those years behind us, huh? It’s even wilder to think about all the years ahead. If we think we’ve reached new heights of what lash technology can be, imagine where we’ll be one, five, or even ten years from now. Who knows? Maybe we’ll discover some way to permanently alter the lash length at will or find a way to do individual lash extensions from home too. 

The path is long and exciting, but until we reach those higher heights, it’s lovely to know we’re surrounded by other lash lovers like you to walk alongside. We’ll keep innovating and pushing for the best of the best to offer you in return, and if you ever need more advice on all things lash, you know where to find us! 

Now get out there and start creating your own fabulous lash looks with everything you can find just a click away! DIY lashes have never looked so professional, and you’ve never looked so good wearing them.

Sources:

The history of fake eyelashes will make you never want to wear them again | Business Insider

A Full History of Eyelashes And Their Place in Culture: Why Are We So Obsessed? | History Daily

Blepharitis | National Eye Institute

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