Kayla Young
The traditional eyelash curler design had changed very little since it first came on the market in the 1930s. But the more recent introduction of the heated eyelash curler was a game-changer. Boasting more curling effects and longer staying power than a traditional eyelash curler, heated eyelash curlers promised to be life-changing for anyone with straight lashes.
Though heated eyelash curlers have become more popular, many of us are sitting on the fence, wondering if this is a genius invention or a really bad idea.
Using a heated tool close to your eyes sounds like an accident waiting to happen. And we all know using heat appliances on our regular hair can cause damage. It’s not unreasonable to ask – are heated eyelash curlers bad for your eyelashes?
If you were always curious about, but afraid to try a heated eyelash curler, read on to get all the details.
In this article, we are going to give you the lowdown on how heated eyelash curlers work, their pros and cons, if they are bad for eyelashes, and how to use them properly. We’ll answer a few frequently asked questions along the way.
Contents
How Do Heated Eyelash Curlers Work?
A traditional eyelash curler consists of a metal body with curved clamps that use either rubber or silicon pads to clasp your eyelashes and curl them upwards.
Most heated eyelash curlers, on the other hand, use a heated wand that looks a bit like a mascara brush. Rather than clamping the eyelashes, it uses heat to curl your lashes.
A bit of heat helps to better shape your lashes for long-lasting curls. Not only will the curl last longer, but your lashes will curl more than with a traditional lash curler.
Are Heated Eyelash Curlers Bad For Your Eyelashes?
First and foremost, when used properly, heated lash curlers are totally safe (the same is true of regular eyelash curlers). While the thought of putting a heated implement near your eye might seem scary, a heated eyelash curler never reaches the point of scalding.
You will never be at risk of burning the delicate skin around your eyes or burning your lashes off.
It does not get hot enough to do that (unless something goes haywire).
Plus, there is a comb on the wand that not only works to separate lashes, but prevents you from getting the heating element in contact with your skin.
Heated eyelash curlers (again, if used properly) are not bad for your eyelashes, but there are some things to consider if you are thinking about using one. They have some amazing benefits as well as some drawbacks.
We’ve put together a list of pros and cons of using heated eyelash curlers, so you can decide if they are right for you.
Pros of Heated Eyelash Curlers
The biggest advantage of a heated eyelash curler over the traditional eyelash curler is that it is less likely to pull or break lashes.
Unlike a traditional eyelash curler, heated curlers are usually shaped like a wand with a heated comb-tip, which makes it easier to use. And since there’s no clamp, this also means no pinching, crimping or lashes getting caught and pulled out.
The heated curler better shapes lashes and holds the curl longer than a traditional lash curler. It also makes eyelashes curl more than a regular eyelash curler.
Cons of Heated Eyelash Curlers
One of the things that is an annoying disadvantage is a lot of eyelash curlers run on AAA batteries. You need to keep a spare set on hand in case you run out of juice. More recently, however, USB rechargeable curlers have started becoming more popular.
Heat makes these lash curlers more effective than the traditional mechanical version, but it’s also the thing that can damage your lashes if you are not using it properly. The heat can dry out your lashes causing them to become weak and brittle.
You can avoid your lashes drying out by using a lash conditioning treatment if you regularly use a heated lash curler.
How To Use A Heated Eyelash Curler Without Damaging Your Lashes
Back to the original question – are heated eyelash curlers bad for your lashes? – The only way heated eyelash curlers can be bad for your eyelashes is because of “user error”.
We’ve put together some pro tips on how to use a heated eyelash curler properly, so you can achieve the results you are looking for without damaging your lashes.
As always, refer to the instructions of your particular eyelash curler. But these are general steps.
Step 1
The first step is to use an eye makeup remover to properly clean your lashes to make sure there is no residue from mascara, false eyelash glue, dirt, oil, or anything else before you get started.
This residue can not only melt and stick to your curler, but may cause your eyelashes to stick to the curler wand and you could potentially break them or pull them out.
In most cases, you should avoid using a heated lash curler after you’ve applied mascara, though some brands may recommend a first coat of mascara.
Step 2
Turn on and heat up your lash curler – it might take a few minutes.
Some curlers have one set temperature that’s deemed safe for your lashes, while others have different temperature settings. If you have one of the latter, run the wand along your fingertips and adjust if needed.
Step 3
Place the heated wand in the middle of the base of your lash line under the lashes. Bring it forward, toward the tip of your lashes, and up, slightly twisting the wand.
When you reach the tip, gently push your eyelashes toward your lid and hold for five seconds.
You will need to repeat this process on either side because even if the wand is not straight and has a curve to it, it may not match the natural curvature of your eye.
Step 4
Repeat for the other eye and then give your lashes a boost in volume and length with a coat or two of mascara to seal in your curled lashes.
Do You Use A Heated Eyelash Curler Before Or After Mascara?
The heated eyelash curler is only bad for your lashes if it is not being used properly.
Like we mentioned above, the first step of properly using your heated eyelash curler is to clean your lashes. Applying mascara before use can melt the mascara, making it stick to your wand.
The hot, sticky mascara may also cause your lashes to stick to the wand, making it not only hard to properly curl them, but could result in lashes being pulled out.
Depending on the mascara formula and how thick you’ve applied it, heating it up could also change the consistency, making it thinner, causing it to seep into your eyes or onto your skin. No one wants that!
In most cases, mascara should be applied AFTER curling your lashes.
Though note that some brands may suggest using mascara first. If so, follow your brand’s instructions.
For example:
Can I Use A Blow Dryer To Heat My Regular Lash Curler?
You get a longer-lasting effect with heated curlers, so does that mean you can just heat up a regular eyelash curler?
Though there are TONS of blogs out there that encourage heating your regular eyelash curlers with a blow dryer as an ingenious ‘life hack’.
Don’t do it! We’ve discussed it here.
Because most regular eyelash curlers are made of metal, there is a very good chance of burning your eyelids, your face, and your fingers because you have no control over the heat.
In addition, if your eyelash curler uses rubber, rather than silicon pads, they could melt and stick to your eyelashes. You’ll rip them out.
Even if you use silicon pads, which stand up to heat much better than rubber, if they are too hot, the heated silicone can damage your eyelashes.
Heated eyelash curlers are not that expensive. If you want your eyelash curler heated – buy a heated eyelash curler!
Can I Use A Heated Eyelash Curler Every Day?
Heated eyelash curlers do not heat up as hot as a curling iron or a flat iron, so with proper use, and regular use of a lash conditioner, there should not be a problem using a heated eyelash curler on a regular basis.
That said, keep an eye on your lashes. The best way to know if you are overusing your heated lash curler is how your lashes look and feel. If you start noticing your eyelashes have an irregular texture, then cut down on the heated lash curler use.
