Let me start off by saying, absolutely not.
I'm sure you've probably seen the ads on Instagram, or have even maybe had the service done to you. Cluster lashes are a big NO. Cluster lashes are little sections of a strip lash or a group of lashes that are glued together in a cluster with a thick base. Just as stated in our previous post talking about isolation, cluster lashes create an impossible environment for natural lashes to thrive and do their thang. When you don't isolate properly while attaching extensions, the lashes tend to stick together, creating what we call lash stickies. When this happens, a lash that is about to fall out might pull on one that is just starting out, which will cause damage to the follicle.
Whether it's during your appointment or after, extensions should be comfortable ALL OF THE TIME! If your lash line feels "tight" that is a sign that the extensions were glued onto your skin and may also be too thick. That tight feeling is your skin trying to stretch but can't.
Cluster lashes will cause damage to your natural lashes because they are too heavy and attached to multiple natural lashes at once, too much glue is used for the application, and when the cluster lashes fall off, they tend to pull out your natural lashes.
There is a huge difference between individual lash extensions/volume lashes & cluster lashes. Individual extensions are applied to one single natural eyelash with damn near military precision. Clusters are closer to gluing an entire false eyelash to your eyelid.
Do not sacrifice your lash health for a cheaper, or faster version of "extensions".
Lash extensions are a luxury, and you should feel like it when you're finished. You should not have red eyes, swelling, or have your eyelids feeling heavy. After your lash appointment, you should be able to open your eyes seamlessly (it's okay to have one or two minor stickies) & feel almost nothing on your eyes. It should give you the feeling of having just woken up from a nap-- but bam baby, now we got some lash length & volume while still caring about the integrity of your lashes & allowing them to bloom under our work!
For my lash technicians-- Lash extensions are a luxury service, meaning if clients can't afford them, they don't need to get them. You don't need to lower your prices or give discounts if you don't want to just because somebody says they can't afford your price. Know your worth. Know the worth of your supplies, your time, and your work. Don't sell yourself short. & to beginners, it's okay to be a slow burner. Not everyone picks up things right away, but those who stick with it and practice will always succeed. Those who wanna perfect this craft, and make a career out of this know that the process is the most beautiful part of your success story, so make yours a good one.