How to Curl False Eyelashes: Techniques and Tips

HOW TO CURL FALSE EYELASHES: TECHNIQUES AND TIPS

The Curl Problem That Nobody Talks About

You just bought a beautiful pair of lashes. You apply them perfectly. But when you look in the mirror, something is off. They're not curling upward. They're just... sitting there. Pointing straight out. Or worse, drooping downward like a sad weeping willow. You think, "Did I buy the wrong pair? Is my eye shape broken?"

No, your eye shape is fine. The problem is that most false lashes don't come with enough curl built-in. They are manufactured flat and rely on your natural lash curler to add the lift. But you can't use a regular eyelash curler on false lashes—it will crush the fibers and leave permanent kinks. That's why you need a different approach.

I've been here. I once wore a pair of lashes to a wedding, and by the third photo, they had drooped so much that I looked like I was crying mascara. It was mortifying. But since then, I've perfected the art of curling false lashes, and I'm going to share every single technique with you.

Method 1: The Blow Dryer Trick (Fastest & Most Effective)

This is the method I use 90% of the time. It's the same principle that hairstylists use to curl hair with heat, but adapted for lash fibers.

What you need: Your false lashes, a hair dryer, and your fingers.

Step 1: Turn on your hair dryer to the warm setting, not the hot setting. Hold it about 6 inches away from your lashes.

Step 2: Wave the dryer back and forth across the lash band for 10-15 seconds. You want the band to become slightly warm and pliable. You should be able to feel the warmth on your hand when you hold the lash.

Step 3: Immediately wrap the lash around your finger—with the band facing your finger and the fibers facing outward. Hold it for 20 seconds while the band cools.

Step 4: Release. The lash should now have a gentle, even C-curve shape.

Why does this work? The heat relaxes the synthetic fibers in the band. When you wrap it around your finger, you're resetting the memory of the band. Once it cools, it holds the new shape. This is the most dramatic curl you can achieve.

Method 2: The Spoon Trick (When You're Traveling)

You're in a hotel room without a hairdryer. You have a pair of lashes and a spoon. You can still get a curl.

What you need: A metal spoon (or a metal lash curler, but the spoon works universally).

Step 1: Hold the spoon with the bowl facing you, like you're about to eat soup. The convex side (the back of the spoon) is what you'll use.

Step 2: Place the lash band against the convex side of the spoon.

Step 3: Use your thumb to press the lash band firmly against the spoon's curve. Slide your thumb back and forth for 30 seconds. The friction creates heat and forces the band to conform to the curve.

Step 4: Lift and check. You'll see a subtle but noticeable curl.

This method won't give you a dramatic lift, but it's perfect for adding a gentle upward tilt that makes lashes look more natural.

Method 3: The Mascara Wand Technique (For Natural Lashes)

This one is for lashes that are already applied and have started to lose their curl during the day. You can't take them off and redo the heat treatment. But you can fix them with this trick.

What you need: A clean mascara wand (or a spoolie), your hair dryer, and a steady hand.

Step 1: Warm the mascara wand with the hair dryer for 5 seconds. It should be warm to the touch, not hot.

Step 2: Brush the wand underneath your false lashes, from the root to the tip, using a gentle upward motion.

Step 3: As you brush, use your other hand to press your finger against the lash tips, pushing them upward. Hold for 10 seconds.

Step 4: The heat from the wand, combined with the upward pressure, will re-set the curl that was lost.

This is a rescue technique. It won't do much for a very straight lash, but it will bring back the curl of a lash that has been flattened by wind or humidity.

How to Maintain the Curl After Application

You've curled your lashes, applied them, and they look amazing. Now you need to keep them that way. Here are my three rules for maintaining curl:

Rule 1: Never apply mascara to your false lashes. Mascara adds weight, and weight pulls the curl down. If you need volume, choose a lash with more volume instead.
Rule 2: Use a water-resistant lash adhesive. Not waterproof (that's a nightmare to remove), but water-resistant. It creates a stronger bond that holds the lash in place, which indirectly supports the curl.
Rule 3: Press the lash upward for 10 seconds after application. While the glue is still tacky, press your finger against the lash and push it upward toward your brow bone. This fuses your natural lash and the false lash together, and the natural curl of your lashes will help support the false lash curl.

When Curling Isn't the Answer

Sometimes, the lash isn't drooping because it needs to be curled. Sometimes, it's drooping because the band is too thick. A thick band is heavy. Gravity wins. It will droop no matter how much you curl it.

This is why the quality of the lash band matters more than the curl technique. A thin, 0.15mm band is lightweight and naturally hugs your eye's curvature. It doesn't need much help to stay curled. A thick, 0.5mm band is a liability. No amount of hairdryer heat will fix that.

So, if you're constantly fighting with your lashes to keep them curled, check the band thickness first. It might be the real culprit.

If you're looking for lashes that hold a curl without all this extra work, look for a pre-curled style. These are manufactured with a permanent curve baked into the fibers. They are designed for people who struggle with drooping. The PHANSTA LASHES Curled Volume Lashes are made with a heat-set curl that holds its shape from the box to your eyes. They're ideal for hooded eyes or straight lashes that need all the help they can get.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a heated eyelash curler on false lashes?
No, heated eyelash curlers are designed for natural lashes. They will melt synthetic fiber lashes. Use the hairdryer method instead.

Q: How long does the curl last?
If you set the curl with the hairdryer method, it will last until you remove the lashes. The spoon method lasts a few hours.

Q: Can I curl lashes with a cotton swab?
Yes, use a cotton swab to press the lash into a curve while you heat it. This is a good alternative for the spoon method.