Spiky Lashes Are Back: How to Wear Them

I remember the first time I saw a pair of spiky lashes. It was 2015, and a model walked off a runway with lashes that literally looked like little spikes pointing away from her eye. I thought, "there is no way that's going to catch on." Fast forward to today, and spiky lashes are back with a vengeance. They're on red carpets, TikTok, and in every beauty editor's kit. If you're scared to try them, I get it. They can feel intimidating. But once you know how to wear them, they create one of the most flattering, wide-awake looks there is.

MY FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH SPIKEY LASHES

The runway look used these super dramatic, separated lashes that flared out at the corners. It felt costumey. But today's spiky lashes are refined. You'll see them with names like "faux mink spikes" or "petal spikes." They use alternating lengths that fan out to create that signature pointed effect. It's like a feather fan for your lashes.

I started playing with spiky lashes on clients who wanted a bold but wearable eye. The first time I put them on Sarah, she looked in the mirror and said, "Oh, that's dangerous. I love it." That's exactly the energy.

HOW TO WEAR SPIKEY LASHES WITHOUT LOOKING COSTUMEY

The secret to spiky lashes is in the placement and the rest of your makeup. Here's how you do it:

Keep the rest of your eye makeup simple. A thin line of black or brown liner, some mascara on your natural lashes, and you're already 90% there.
Trim the spiky lash to fit your eye. Spikes look best when they start at the center of the eye and extend toward the outer corner. You don't need a full strip of spikes across your whole lid unless you're literally going to a costume party.
Apply with a light hand. Press the lash down from the center outward. The spikes should point upward, not straight out to the side. If they're pointing sideways, you've placed the lash too low.
Balance with a soft lip. A nude or rose gloss lets the lashes be the star. If you wear a bold red lip, the spikes might feel too try-hard.

That's it. Spiky lashes are not as hard to wear as you think. The key is letting them speak for themselves.

SPIKEY LASHES FAQ

Can I wear spiky lashes if my natural lashes are short?

Yes. Spiky lashes come in every length, from subtle to dramatic. Choose a short spiky style and apply a little mascara first to help them blend. You'll get the texture without all the length.

Are spiky lashes comfortable?

Modern spiky lashes are made with flexible bands that hug your lash line. They shouldn't poke or scratch your eye. If a band feels stiff, trim the inside edge or choose a different style.

Can I reuse spiky lashes?

Definitely. Unlike some delicate lashes, spiky lashes are durable. After wearing, peel the band gently from your lash line, remove any makeup, and store them in your lash case. They'll last for weeks.

HOW TO SPOT A WELL-MADE SPIKEY LASH

Not all spiky lashes are created equal. Here's what I look for:

A soft, flexible band that doesn't require extra pressure to stay in place.
Spikes that are distributed in two or three layers, not just a single row of plastic points.
Lengths that gradually increase from inner corner to outer corner. This creates a natural curve instead of a straight line.

When you find those three things, you've found a spiky lash that will work with your eye, not against it.

MY TOP PICK FOR SPIKEY LASHES

I've fallen hard for the spiky lash selection at PHANSTA LASHES. Their spiky styles have that perfect mix of feathery and edgy, and the bands are comfortable enough for all-night events. If you've been curious about this trend, this is the place to start.