What Are Manga Lashes? The Anime-Inspired Beauty Trend Taking Over.

What Are Manga Lashes? The Anime-Inspired Beauty Trend Taking Over.

Move over traditional lashes, a bold, playful trend has taken over the beauty world—Manga Lashes! Inspired by the wide-eyed, dramatic lash looks of anime and manga characters, this lash style has been sweeping TikTok and Instagram, captivating beauty enthusiasts everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of anime or just someone who loves experimenting with new trends, manga lashes offer a whimsical, spiky, and eye-popping look that’s hard to miss.

But what exactly are manga lashes, and why are they becoming such a viral sensation? Read on to find out everything you need to know about this latest lash craze!

The Origin of Manga Lashes

Manga lashes are inspired by the art styles found in manga (Japanese comic books) and anime (Japanese animated shows). In these visual mediums, characters are often depicted with exaggerated, dramatic eyes, highlighted by long, spiky lashes that create an innocent yet striking appearance. While the trend may seem new in the West, manga-inspired beauty has long been popular in Japan, especially in the Harajuku fashion scene that’s known for its daring, experimental looks​.

Key Features of Manga Lash Style

Manga lashes are all about drama, featuring clusters of long, spiky lashes that stand out against a backdrop of shorter, more natural-looking lashes. Here are the defining characteristics of this trend:

  • Spikes: The most noticeable aspect of manga lashes is the “spiky” effect, created by spacing out lash clusters along the lash line.
  • Wispy Look: Unlike traditional full-volume lashes, manga lashes have a wispy, lightweight feel that gives the eyes a fluttery effect.
  • Doll-like Eyes: Inspired by the wide-eyed, innocent look of anime characters, these lashes emphasize an open, doll-like appearance​.

How to Achieve the Manga Lash Look

Achieving the manga lash look can be done at home, with a bit of patience and the right tools. Here’s how:

  1. Start with Individual Lashes or Pre-cut Strips: Choose long, wispy lashes that can be cut into smaller clusters. This helps create the spiky, spaced-out effect.
  2. Apply in Segments: Apply each lash cluster with a slight gap in between. Start with the outer corners and work your way in, focusing on placing the longest spikes toward the center and outer corners for that doe-eyed effect.
  3. Don’t Forget the Bottom Lashes: To truly capture the manga lash aesthetic, add individual lashes to the lower lash line as well, ensuring they’re spaced apart for that iconic spidery look​. 
  4. Finish with Mascara: Lightly coat your natural lashes and the falsies with a layer of mascara to blend everything together.

Why Manga Lashes Are So Popular

Manga lashes have surged in popularity largely due to social media platforms like TikTok, where beauty influencers showcase tutorials on achieving the look. The trend appeals to both anime fans and beauty lovers who want a fun, bold lash style that stands out from the typical natural lash or volume extensions​. Plus it’s a more versatile look than you might think - it works well for cosplay, special events, or just when you want to add a touch of whimsy to your makeup routine​.

Manga Lashes vs. Other Lash Styles

While traditional lash extensions focus on creating volume and fullness, manga lashes prioritize length and spikes. Here’s how they compare:

  • Manga Lashes: Spiky, wispy, and doll-like. Perfect for an exaggerated, playful look.
  • Volume Lashes: Focus on fullness, with lashes applied more densely for a thicker appearance.
  • Natural Lashes: Aim to enhance the lash line subtly, without the dramatic flair​(

Should You Try Manga Lashes?

If you love experimenting with new trends or are looking to add some flair to your lash game, manga lashes might just be the perfect choice for you. They offer a fun, youthful take on beauty, inspired by the world of anime and manga. Whether you want to recreate an anime character’s look or simply love the spidery lash effect, this trend is sure to make your eyes pop.

Ready to try it out? HanaDolly’s Manga Lash line provides the perfect solution for anyone looking to achieve this bold, striking look. Our lashes are lightweight, cruelty-free, and designed with the flexibility to help you nail that manga-inspired style with ease!