How to Heat an Eyelash Curler

Last Updated: February 5, 2023

If a simple eyelash curler is not cutting it for your makeup routine and desired look, a heated curler can help you achieve a dramatic and long-lasting curl. Optimally, you'll curl your lashes when you are finished with all your eye makeup except mascara and any false lashes you may want. Whether you prefer using a regular eyelash curler or using an electric or battery-operated curler, heating these tools is easy and can help produce awesome results!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Heating a Traditional Metal Curler

1
Clean your curler using soap and water. Rub makeup cleanser or soap for sensitive skin on the pad and metal area of the curler with a cotton pad or sponge. Make sure there is no leftover makeup on the pad or metal parts of the curler. Rinse all of the soap and residue off with water.^{[1]
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- If your curler has makeup residue on the pad before you curl the lashes, the residue can create clumps of mascara and leave you with a less-than-ideal curl.
2
Use a hair dryer to heat up the curler. Hold the end of the curler near the hot air for 10 - 20 seconds. Use a dryer with a concentrator nozzle and keep it pointed toward the clamp. Let the curler cool down to a warm temperature so that it does not hurt to touch the metal parts.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 7 March 2019.}
- Be careful when touching the metal parts of the curler. These parts absorb the most heat and can burn your skin.
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3
Put the curler under hot water if you don't have a dryer. Run the eyelash curler under hot water for 10 - 20 seconds. Let it cool down to a warm and touchable temperature.^{[3]
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4
Test the heat of the curler on the back of your hand. Make sure you can hold it there for at least 3 - 5 seconds without it burning. If it does burn, allow it to cool for 10 - 20 seconds before testing again.
- If the curler is too hot for skin, it's too hot for your lashes. Putting a curler on lashes is too hot can damage and even remove them.
5
Curl your lashes. Gently clamp the warm curler 2-3 times on each set of lashes. Start near the lashline or band and work outward toward the tips of the lashes. This helps give a more natural look.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 7 March 2019.}
- After your lashes are curled, use mascara to add depth and length.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Heated Curler

1
Clean the heated curler using rubbing alcohol. Making sure the curler is not turned on, put rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and rub the area of the wand that touches your lashes until there is no residue.^{[5]
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- Do not use water and soap on electric curlers. Running a heated curler (battery operated or electric) underwater can damage the circuitry and ruin the curler.
2
Prepare the curler with necessary attachments or accessories. If it is battery operated, look inside the cartridge to determine what kind of batteries it requires. If it's an electric curler, plug it into a nearby outlet.
- Most battery operated curlers use AAA batteries.
3
Follow the curler’s instructions for how to turn it on. Some curlers require you to hold down an “On” button until it reaches the heat you desire. Other curlers simply have an “On” switch you can press and do not have to continue holding down.
4
Wait for the wand to cool down to a warm temperature. Before using the curler, hold it against the skin on the back of your hand. If it is uncomfortable to leave against your skin, it is too hot to use on your lashes. Wait for 10 - 20 seconds and test again.
5
Use the curler on your lashes. Gently clamp the heated curler on the lashes 2-3 times. Work from the lashline or lash band toward the tip of the lashes. Follow the curl with mascara for more length and definition.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Are heated eyelash curlers bad for your lashes?

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Cassandra McClure is a clean beauty advocate, working to increase use of sustainable and healthy cosmetics, based in Palo Alto, California. She has worked in the beauty and cosmetic industries for over 15 years, as a model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur. She has a Masters in High Definition Makeup from the MKC Beauty Academy.

Cassandra McClure

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

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Heating your eyelash curler could possibly dry them out a little, but it's unlikely that you're going to get the curler hot enough to do any serious damage. On top of that, you really don't need to get the curler especially hot to begin with. You don't need to use a hair dryer or anything like that. You can just hold the curler between your hands for 10-15 seconds and warm it up with your body heat.
Question

How do you use an eyelash curler?

Cassandra McClure
Makeup Artist
Cassandra McClure is a clean beauty advocate, working to increase use of sustainable and healthy cosmetics, based in Palo Alto, California. She has worked in the beauty and cosmetic industries for over 15 years, as a model, makeup artist, and entrepreneur. She has a Masters in High Definition Makeup from the MKC Beauty Academy.

Cassandra McClure

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

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Start by warming up the eyelash curler with your hands or a blow dryer. Open the clamp and slide the eyelashes in between each side of the clamp, going as close to your lash follicle as you can. Close the clamp on the eyelashes and hold in place for 5-10 seconds. Then, release the curler, go out around 1 cm (0.4 in) with your curler, and fold your lashes again. This helps curl your lashes naturally in a "C" shape instead of an "L." If you only curl your lashes 1 time at the base, they'll just stick up.
Question

Do eyelash curlers damage your eyelashes?

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Staff Answer
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Improper use of an eyelash curler can break your eyelashes, so it’s important to use it with care, which includes not gripping too heavily and not using it daily. Keep the curler sterilized before use to avoid transferring bacterial infections to your eyes and lashes. A heated eyelash curler that is too hot can damage your eyelashes and may even cause them to fall out and it can also burn your skin; do not use it hot. Finally, do not wear mascara when curling your eyelashes as this can make them too brittle and may cause them to break; add it after curling.

Warnings

Test your eyelash curler against your skin before placing on your lashes.

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Do not leave a heated eyelash curler unattended.

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