Are Heated Eyelash Curlers Safe?

Lifestyle Collective, September 11, 2023

By Audrey Tan

Here are some things I prefer to keep away from my eyeballs: Sharp objects, blunt objects, and definitely a hot eyelash curler. Alas, not all of us are blessed in the eyelash department. Some of us need extra help getting our eyelashes to curl AND for the effects to last as long as possible. 

A regular eyelash curler is good for curling the lashes. But for those with naturally straight and/or stubborn lashes, it won’t take long for them to flop. Therefore, like using a curling iron to set the hair, a heated eyelash curler sets the curled lashes in place.

But is it really advisable to have something hot that close to our eyes? Find out more as we weigh up the benefits vs dangers of using hot eyelash curlers, and share tips for using them safely!

Curl Gurl: The Benefits

A regular eyelash curler takes a few good rounds of squeezing to achieve an adequate curl, and you must follow up with a good mascara to lock it in place. Meanwhile, heated eyelash curlers use low heat to easily curl the lashes without using any products. You can still follow up with mascara to achieve a more dramatic look. 

This makes heated eyelash curlers great tools if you prefer a low-effort makeup routine or don’t want to spend too long getting ready in the morning. They require less effort to get the job done. Moreover, without squeezing the lashes, you can avoid the annoyingly painful pinching that can happen when using a mechanical curler. 

Dangers Of Using Heated Eyelash Curlers

As for the dangers of using a heated eyelash curler, the most obvious one is, of course, burning the delicate skin around the eyes. The skin of our eyelids is especially thin, which means it can burn easily even on a low-heat setting and may also result in permanent scars. 

The next danger is accidentally poking the eyes with the hot wand, which makes me shudder even at the thought!

Just like using a hot styling tool on the hair too frequently without a hair protectant, using a heated eyelash curler too often can also cause damage to the lashes themselves. Every round of heating makes the lashes drier and more brittle, causing them to break easily, leading to thinning or even loss of lashes over time. 

Tips For Using Heated Eyelash Curlers Safely:

1. Begin with the lowest heat setting and read the manufacturer’s instructions to familiarise yourself with the tool before using it on the lashes.

2. Ensure you have a steady hand before using the curling wand to avoid accidents.

3. Before using a heated curler, use your usual non-heated curler to open up the lashes, making them easier to comb.

4. When curling with the heated wand, keep some distance from the roots. Start near the base or middle of the lashes and curl outwards (away from the eyelids).

5. Keep your hand steady using the other hand for support.

6. Avoid going over the same area repeatedly to minimise potential damage.

7. If you plan to curl your lashes often, check out eyelash serums that you can use to nourish the lashes.

Choosing A Curler

Not all heated eyelash curlers are built the same. As a general rule, I’d avoid ones that come in the shape of a traditional eyelash curler because there’s nothing worse than burning AND pinching the skin. Instead, choose a simple wand or comb applicator, as they’re easier to control. Here are a couple of my go-to’s to point you in the right direction:

Featuring a comb-style wand with heated grooves, Chella’s easy-to-use heated eyelash curler will get your eyelashes ready in 10 seconds. All you have to do is comb through the lashes, starting from the middle and slowly going outwards so that the heat can penetrate. This tool is especially great for frequent travellers thanks to its compact design. 

Then, there’s also Grande Cosmetic’s GrandeLASH-LIFT Heated Lash Curler. Great for beginners, this tool takes extra precautions when it comes to safety as it has a non-burning low heat and a grooved slot to protect the eye area. 

Personally, heated eyelash curlers are a godsend for someone like me who has stubborn straight lashes and wears minimal makeup daily. Because even when I have nothing on my face, having perfectly curled lashes opens up the eyes for a fresh, put-together look that lasts all day. 

Of course, we mustn’t make light of the possible dangers of using a heated eyelash curler in such a delicate area. But as long as you follow the tips above, choose a tool that you feel comfortable with, start with a low heat setting and always take extra safety precautions, you’ll be able to master the technique in no time. Happy curling!