You've seen them on your For You page, on the influencers you follow, maybe even on a stranger at Starbucks whose lashes made you do a double-take and immediately open Instagram to screenshot for your next appointment. We're talking about manhua and anime lashes — the ultra-editorial, spiky, almost illustrated eye look that's taken over beauty spaces everywhere. And yes, you can absolutely get them done right here in Tempe.
What Are Manhua Lashes? (And How Are They Different from Anime Lashes?)
Both styles are inspired by illustrated characters — but there's a meaningful difference in the aesthetic each one creates.
Anime lashes draw inspiration from Japanese animation: think big, round, doll-like eyes with lashes that cluster in defined spiky points, mimicking the way lashes are drawn on characters like those in Sailor Moon or modern shojo manga. The effect is wide-eyed, youthful, and a little fantastical — your eyes look almost cartoon-level expressive.
Manhua lashes pull from Chinese comics (manhua) and the aesthetic of C-drama and idol beauty trends. They tend to be more elongated and graphic — sharper spikes, often placed to create a dramatic outer flick or a downward "crying lash" effect at the lower outer corners. It's a more editorial, high-fashion version of the illustrated-eye look, sometimes paired with lower lash extensions for the full illustrated effect.
| Anime Lashes | Manhua Lashes | |
|---|---|---|
| Inspired by | Japanese animation / manga | Chinese comics / C-drama beauty |
| Eye shape effect | Rounder, wider, doll-like | Elongated, lifted, more graphic |
| Spike placement | Evenly distributed clusters | Concentrated toward outer corners |
| Vibe | Playful, cute, expressive | Editorial, dramatic, fashion-forward |
| Lower lash add-on? | Optional | Often paired for full effect |
Both are technically volume or hybrid sets with very intentional spike placement — the magic is in the mapping. Getting this look right requires a lash artist who understands the aesthetic deeply enough to translate it onto your specific eye shape, which is why experience and communication matter so much.
What Makes These Lashes Different to Apply
Here's something a lot of people don't realize: manhua and anime lashes aren't a different product — they're a different technique. The spiky, clustered look is created by strategically varying extension lengths, curl types, and fan density across the lash line. It's an artistic mapping process, not just a style name you drop and walk away from.
At Today Studios, when you come in for an anime or manhua set, we'll talk through:
- Your eye shape — Whether you have almond, round, monolid, hooded, or deep-set eyes affects how we map the spikes to get the most flattering version of the look for you specifically.
- How many spikes and where — More spikes = more dramatic. Fewer, placed at the outer corners = more wearable for everyday. We'll figure out together how editorial you want to go.
- Curl type — A sharper curl (like a D or M curl) creates more defined spike separation. A softer curl blends the spikes more into a wispy hybrid effect.
- Length and thickness — Longer spikes read more dramatically graphic; shorter ones keep it cute and subtle.
Bring inspo photos — seriously, they help so much. Even if your reference image is a drawing or an idol's promotional photo, it gives us something to work from and translate into what's actually achievable on real human lashes.
Can You Wear Anime or Manhua Lashes Every Day?
100% yes — in fact, a lot of our clients who get this style say it's actually more wearable than they expected. The spiky detail adds so much definition that you need almost nothing else on your eyes. No liner, minimal shadow, and you still look completely done.
That said, these sets do have a slightly more specific vibe than, say, classic natural lashes. Here's a quick guide to how they tend to land in everyday life:
- Work and everyday errands: A softer anime set (smaller spikes, moderate length) reads as "really pretty lashes" rather than "costume lashes" to most people. Very wearable.
- Going out, events, content creation: This is where you can really lean in — longer spikes, more drama, lower lash add-ons. They photograph beautifully and look incredible in person.
- Dates and social events: It's a conversation starter in the best way. People always ask about them.
Aftercare for Spiky Lash Sets
The good news: aftercare for anime and manhua lashes is the same as for any other extension set. The spiky texture holds up just as well as regular volume fans when maintained properly.
- Avoid oil-based products near the lashes — they break down the adhesive over time
- Brush your lashes daily with a clean spoolie, working from mid-lash to tip (not from the root) to preserve the spike definition
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase or on your back if possible — friction is the enemy of spike separation
- Come in for fills every 2–3 weeks to keep the intentional pattern looking sharp
One thing unique to these styles: because the spike placement is so specific, it's really worth coming back to the same lash artist for fills. The mapping is intentional, and maintaining the pattern is an art in itself. We'll keep notes on your style so your fills stay consistent every time.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
A full new set of anime or manhua lashes typically takes 2–2.5 hours, depending on how detailed the mapping and how much volume is involved. Here's what the appointment looks like at Today Studios:
- Consult and inspiration review — We'll look at your inspo, assess your natural lashes and eye shape, and talk through exactly what we're going for.
- Under-eye pad placement and cleanse — Your natural lashes get prepped and any residue removed.
- Mapping and application — The most time-intensive part. This is where the artistry happens.
- Final brush-out and review — We'll show you the finished look and make any adjustments before you leave.
Come with clean, makeup-free lashes, and don't drink a ton of caffeine beforehand — relaxed eyes are much easier to work on (and you're basically getting a 2-hour nap, so lean into it).
Get Your Anime Lashes Done in Tempe
Today Studios is located at 1761 E Warner Rd, Suite A9, Tempe, AZ 85284, and we welcome clients from all over the East Valley — Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and the greater Phoenix area. Whether you've been eyeing this look for months or you just discovered it last week and need it immediately, we'd love to bring your illustrated-eye vision to life.
Want to talk through what style would work best before committing? Reach out through our contact page or just text us — we're genuinely happy to chat lash theory before you book. You can also browse our full range of lash extension styles to see everything we offer, or learn about the Today Studios team and how we work.
BOOK YOUR ANIME LASH SET | Call or text: (602) 877-1363