Step-by-Step Guide: Use A Lash Curler

Question

How long do you clamp eyelashes with an eyelash curler?

Christin Birckhead is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Conceptual Beauty, a beauty service based in Washington, DC specializing in wedding services such as engagements and bridal parties along with fashion shows and executive headshots. She has over 20 years of makeup and beauty consulting experience. She is also the lead makeup artist for Ascender Communications and freelances with the local NBC news team in the DC metro area. Her clients include Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Cartwright, Armin Van Buuren, Hugh Jackman, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, Benjamin T. Jealous, Colin Powell, Wanda Durant, and Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Christin Birckhead

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

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Question

Does using a lash curler damage eyelashes?

Zin Lwin
Eyelash & Eyebrow Specialist

Zin Lwin is a Vancouver-based eyelash and eyebrow specialist and the founder of Unique Lash Lift & Brow, Vancouver’s first luxury private studio dedicated exclusively to lash and brow lifting. Established in 2023, the studio is known for its appointment-only, high-end experience and meticulously crafted, natural-yet-elevated results. Zin specializes in advanced lash lift and brow services, including Keratin Lash Lift, Lash Botox, the YUMI Lash Lift, Brow Lamination, Hybrid Tinting, and Precision Brow Shaping with Golden Ratio Mapping. Her approach is highly customized, tailored to the client’s natural hair structure, face shape, skin color, and lifestyle. She only uses high-end brands that are 100% vegan, non-toxic, EU-approved, formaldehyde-free, and paraben-free. She also provides 100% ppd free service—a rare offering in the industry—making her services suitable even for clients with sensitive skin or allergies. Zin is deeply committed to lash and brow health, longevity, and safety, never compromising results for trends. Before following her passion for making others feel beautiful with natural beauty, Zin spent eight years working internationally as an engineer. She holds a Bachelor of Construction Management from RMIT University, Australia.

Zin Lwin

Eyelash & Eyebrow Specialist

Expert Answer

It can damage your eyelashes if you use it incorrectly, and it also depends on your lash type. Some people have very straight, thick, or stubborn lashes that need more pressure to curl, and using too much force or repeating it many times that leads to breakage. For these lash types, a curler often doesn’t hold well anyway, so a professional lash lift is usually a better and safer bet.

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Question

If I'm using a lash curler, how long should I clamp my eyelashes for?

Christin Birckhead
Makeup Artist

Christin Birckhead is a Makeup Artist and the Founder of Conceptual Beauty, a beauty service based in Washington, DC specializing in wedding services such as engagements and bridal parties along with fashion shows and executive headshots. She has over 20 years of makeup and beauty consulting experience. She is also the lead makeup artist for Ascender Communications and freelances with the local NBC news team in the DC metro area. Her clients include Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Cartwright, Armin Van Buuren, Hugh Jackman, Vashawn Mitchell, Richard Smallwood, Benjamin T. Jealous, Colin Powell, Wanda Durant, and Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Christin Birckhead

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

That really depends on how straight your lashes are. A 20-30 second hold is usually good, but if your lashes are really straight, aim for 45-60 seconds. It sounds like a long time, but your lashes will get used to it, and then you won't have to do it as long.

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Question

Do I have to use mascara when I use a lash curler?

Community Answer

No, you don't. But if you do, put mascara on after using it so that it doesn't pull your eyelashes.

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Question

I have naturally curly eyelashes, to straighten them, can I use the eyelash curler holding it upside down?

Community Answer

No, that is dangerous and not what it's meant for, if you wan to have straight eyelashes put on clear or normal mascara.

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Question

How would I know if I'm getting the base of my lashes and not pinching my skin? I just don't want to pinch myself.

Community Answer

Sometimes you can tell but other times as soon as you feel it pinching a bit of your skin, don't take it away, instead, slowly release and pull it away from your lashes a very small bit.

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Question

How do I apply mascara and curl short eyelashes?

Community Answer

You have to find a smaller curler. You shouldn't have a problem with the mascara, just try to find a thin brush or clean off a concealer stick and use that. This worked for my sister and she has very short lashes.

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Question

How can I get my curled lashes to last longer?

Zoe

Community Answer

Waterprooof mascara helps a lot and it holds a lot longer.

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Question

Can I use a curler on fake lashes?

Community Answer

It's not recommended as the chance you'll take off your fake lashes is pretty high.

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Question

How do I straighten my lashes without using a curler?

Cecilia Flores

Top Answerer

If you apply mascara to the top of your lashes so that they point down, that straightens them. I think you mean curl, so I'll answer that too. Sleeping with a sleeping mask over your eyes so that it presses up against your lashes will curl them overnight. Also, if you want an instant curl, try using a strong mascara.

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Question

I used the last curler but my lashes remained the same as they were before. Why?

Community Answer

Maybe you were not squeezing the handle hard enough. Try squeezing the handle harder and closer to the lash line, if possible.

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Question

When can I start curling my lashes?

Community Answer

13 seems an appropriate age if you are mature.

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Question

I used the lash curler, but my lashes remain the same as they were before. What can I do?

Community Answer

You could try to run the curler under warm water for a few seconds, kind of heating it up similar to a curling wand. You could also use a blow dryer to heat it up, but always be careful.

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Question

I try to curl my eyelashes; the right comes out well, but the left eyelash come out bad. What can I do to make the left eyelash look good like the right eyelash?

Zoe

Community Answer

Recurl it. Just learn the pattern of how long it takes you to hold them to a substantial curl. Mine generally takes about 40-50 seconds on each eye.

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Question

I barely have lashes. When they do grow they turn under and are irritating and painful. Any suggestions?

Pat Helvie

Community Answer

Maybe you need someone to nip the ends of your lashes to keep them from turning under. Your hairdresser or dermatologist would be a good place to start. They will grow back fast.

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Question

How do I prevent mascara from clumping?

Ghuchison

Community Answer

Apply fewer coats (of thinner layers) of mascara, or use anti-clump mascara.

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Question

Which lash curler is best?

Ghuchison

Community Answer

There's not really a 'best eyelash curler'; it's more about the way you do it and the mascara you use afterward.

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Question

Do you have any suggestions on a great mascara?

Ghuchison

Community Answer

Maybelline Great Lash, Maybelline False Lash Effect, MUA mascaras are all great mascara!

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Question

Would eyelashes be easily lost if I use the lash curler every day?

Community Answer

Lash curlers can damage your lashes, making them noticeably shorter in the long run. However, lashes falling out is an extreme situation unlikely to occur. But don't use the curler every day unless you want damaged lashes.

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