Q&A for How to Heat an Eyelash Curler

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.

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.

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.

There are various ways you can try to curl eyelashes without a custom curler. These include using a spoon, a cotton swab, your fingers or gel. Each of these methods is detailed in: How to Curl Your Eyelashes without an Eyelash Curler .

Run a clean teaspoon under hot water, then quickly dry it. Hold the warm (not hot!) spoon horizontally against the eye with the bowl facing outward, the edge along the eyelashes. Press the eyelashes against the spoon’s curve, helping with your fingers to press the lashes over the spoon’s edge and into the bowl. Hold in place for 30 seconds. Apply mascara to set the curl. For detailed instructions with images demonstrating this process, see: How to Curl Your Eyelashes with a Spoon .

If you don't let it touch your skin, then it should be fine. Also, allow it to cool it down a bit so it won't burn you but still has enough warmth to curl your eyelashes.

Try heating it with your fingers. And you should never use a lighter, it will make the curler too hot, and you could burn your eyes.