How to Curl Ardell Lashes for a More Open Eye Look
By Ardell | Lashes, Nails, Brows & Duo Glue | Published: 2026-08-07
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to curl Ardell lashes for a beautiful open-eye look. Step-by-step guide, tips, and product recommendations for perfect lash curling.
False lashes are a game-changer for defining your eyes, but if they sit flat or point downward, they can weigh down your look instead of lifting it. Curling your Ardell lashes before application is the secret to achieving that wide-awake, open-eye effect that makes everyone ask if you got lash extensions.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the best techniques to curl Ardell lashes safely and effectively, whether you’re using synthetic, mink, or silk styles. You’ll also learn how to shape the lash band for a perfect fit and which Ardell products work best for an open-eye look.
Why Curl Your Ardell Lashes?
Ardell lashes come with a natural curl, but sometimes the curve isn’t dramatic enough for your eye shape or the look you want. Curling the lashes helps to lift the outer corners, making your eyes appear larger and more alert. This is especially beneficial for monolid or hooded eyes, where a straight lash can hide the natural eye shape.
Additionally, curling the lash band can help it conform better to your eye’s curvature, preventing the corners from lifting or poking. A well-curled lash also blends more seamlessly with your natural lashes, creating a more cohesive and polished appearance.
- Enhances eye openness and lifts the gaze
- Improves lash band fit for comfort and longevity
- Creates a seamless blend with natural lashes
Tools You’ll Need for Curling Ardell Lashes
You don’t need any special equipment to curl your Ardell lashes—just a few household items and your hands. The most important tool is your fingers: they give you the most control and allow you to shape the lash gently without damaging the fibers.
If you want a more precise curl, you can use a clean mascara wand or a spoolie brush to help shape the lashes after curling. Some people also use a hairdryer to warm the lash band slightly, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can melt synthetic fibers. For this tutorial, we’ll focus on the manual method, which is safe for all lash types.
- Clean fingers for gentle shaping
- Spoolie brush or clean mascara wand for detail
- Optional: hairdryer on low heat for stubborn bands
Step-by-Step Guide to Curling Ardell Lashes
Start by removing your Ardell lashes from the tray. Hold them by the band with your thumb and index finger. Gently flex the band in a U-shape, pressing and releasing several times. This helps to soften the band and make it more flexible, which is crucial for a comfortable fit.
Next, cup the lashes in your hand, using your fingers to press the lash fibers upward. Apply gentle pressure along the entire length of the lash, working from the inner corner to the outer corner. This motion helps to enhance the natural curl and lift the tips.
For a more dramatic curl, you can use your fingers to pinch the lashes at the base and curl them upward, holding for a few seconds. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause the lashes to lose their shape or even break. If you’re using a pair of Ardell lashes that are particularly straight, like the Naked Shapewear Lash 442, you may need to repeat this step a few times.
- Flex the band in a U-shape to soften it
- Cup the lashes and press upward with fingers
- Pinch and hold for extra curl, but avoid over-bending
Shaping the Lash Band for a Better Fit
A major part of curling your Ardell lashes is shaping the band to match your eye’s curvature. Hold the lash against your eyelid to measure the length, and trim any excess from the outer corner. Then, gently bend the band in a curve that mimics your eye shape, using your fingers to press it into a gentle arc.
If you have hooded or deep-set eyes, you may want to curl the band slightly more to prevent it from drooping. For an open-eye look, focus on lifting the outer corner of the band. Some Ardell lashes, like the Double Up Wispies, have a natural winged shape that already enhances the outer corner, but a little extra curl can make a big difference.

- Trim the lash to fit your eye length
- Bend the band into a curve that matches your eye shape
- Lift the outer corner for a more open appearance
Tips for Different Ardell Lash Styles
Not all Ardell lashes are created equal when it comes to curling. Synthetic lashes, like the Light As Air 522, hold a curl well but can be more prone to snapping if over-bent. Silk and mink lashes are more flexible and forgiving, making them easier to shape without damage.
For a natural, everyday open-eye look, try the Naked Shapewear Lash 440, which has a subtle curl that can be enhanced with a few gentle pinches. If you prefer a more dramatic effect, the Half Naked 421 With Duo 1 Gram Glue, 2-Pack offers a beautiful wispy curl that can be intensified with careful shaping.

Always test the curl by holding the lash against your hand before applying. If it doesn’t spring back to the desired shape, gently re-curl and adjust. Remember, practice makes perfect, and each pair of Ardell lashes may respond slightly differently to shaping.
- Synthetic lashes: curl gently to avoid breakage
- Silk/mink lashes: more flexible and easier to shape
- Test the curl on your hand before applying
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Curling Lashes
One of the biggest mistakes is applying too much pressure, which can distort the lash shape permanently or even break the fibers. Another common error is curling the lashes after applying them to your eyes, which can pull at your natural lashes and cause discomfort.
Avoid using heated tools directly on synthetic lashes, as this can melt them. If you need to use heat, do so on a low setting and keep the hairdryer at a distance. Also, don’t forget to clean your hands before handling the lashes, as oils and dirt can affect the adhesive’s performance.
- Avoid excessive force—gentle is key
- Never curl lashes while they’re on your eyes
- Skip heat on synthetic lashes or use low heat with caution
Curling your Ardell lashes is a simple yet effective way to achieve a more open, radiant eye look. With these tips and techniques, you can customize any pair of Ardell lashes to suit your eye shape and style. Ready to try it? Explore the full range of Ardell lashes, including the Naked Shapewear Lash 442, to find your perfect pair and start curling for a stunning, wide-eyed appearance.



