How to Cut Wispies from a Volume Lash Pair

"Wait, you can make wispies from a regular volume pair?" That's the text I get most from readers after they see a wispy lash photo. The answer is yes—and honestly, it's the cheapest way to get a custom lash look without buying three different styles. If you've bought wispy lashes before, you know they can cost twice as much. But with one volume pair and five minutes, you can transform them into an airy, feathery set. I'll show you exactly how.

YOU'LL NEED THESE 3 THINGS

• A volume lash pair (preferably with longer strands like 12–14mm)
• Small, sharp scissors (cuticle scissors work best)
• A steady hand and decent lighting

HOW TO CUT WISPIES: 4 SIMPLE STEPS

1. Separate the lash into sections. Gently pick up about five strands at a time with your fingers. You want to isolate these clusters because you'll clip through the others.
2. Snip at a 45-degree angle. Cut halfway up the lash from the band, at an angle. This leaves a tapered, feathered tip.
3. Remove every third cluster. The biggest mistake people make is cutting too much. Instead, choose a few gaps and leave the rest untouched. Those gaps let your natural lashes show through—that's what creates the wispy illusion.
4. Fluff and repeat. Use your finger to brush lashes upward. Identify sections that look too heavy and give them the same angled snip.

The entire process should take under 4 minutes.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE CUT PIECES

Don't throw the tiny strands away. You can use them as corner accents. Place a small clipped piece on your outer lash line to extend your eye shape. It feels like getting a free second pair of lashes from the same box.

WHY THIS WORKS BETTER THAN BUYING 'WISPY' LASHES

Buying cut-to-order wispies usually means paying a premium. The average wispy pair costs $15 to $25. Cutting from a volume pair you already own costs nothing. And here's the bonus: you control the exact shape. You get a look that's flattering for your eye shape, not a factory design that ignores your lash line. It's the difference between choosing clothes off a rack and having them tailored.

MY PICK FOR THE BEST CANDIDATE

When I'm teaching readers to cut, I always recommend starting with a pair that has long, even strands but a flexible band. Those wispy tricks work best when the lash fibers have enough length to survive the snip. PHANSTA LASHES' volume styles are my go-to for this because their lashes hold their shape after cutting—no curling, no warping. I've used their 'Siren' volume pair in tutorials and had readers send me results that looked like a bespoke salon set. If you want a pair that forgives mistakes, that's the one.

WISPY LASH FAQ

Can I cut wispies from any lash pair?

Technically yes, but the result is better on volume pairs with longer fibers. Short, stiff lashes won't give you the feathered look.

How do I keep the cut lashes from looking too blunt?

Always cut at an angle. Straight cuts make the lash appear fake. Another trick is to trim each cluster on a different height so the effect feels organic.

Will cutting damage the lash band?

No, as long as you snip only the fibers and stay above the lash band. Use sharp scissors to avoid pulling.

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