Your lashes usually will not curl because they are damp or oily, the eyelash curler does not fit your eye shape, your technique is uneven, or your mascara is too heavy. Curl your lashes before mascara, use a clean curler on completely dry lashes, and press at the base, middle and tips. One thin coat of mascara is often enough to hold the lift without weighing it down.

The Most Likely Reason Your Lashes Are Not Curling

What happens Likely cause What to do
The curler barely changes your lashes Lashes are wet, oily or coated with skincare Clean and dry your lashes completely
The curl appears, then drops Mascara is heavy, wet or highly volumizing Try a thinner curling formula or water-resistant mascara
You get a sharp crease You are squeezing in one place Press at the base, middle and tips
Inner or outer lashes stay straight The curler does not reach those areas Curl in smaller sections and adjust the angle
Lashes pull out or break You are curling after mascara or using too much force Curl before mascara and use gentle pressure
One eye curls better than the other Lash direction or eye shape differs Change the curler angle and spend longer on the straighter side

1. Your Lashes Are Damp or Oily

Eyelash curlers grip dry lashes better. Moisture, facial oil, eye cream, sunscreen and leftover makeup remover can make lashes slippery. The curl may appear briefly, then fall out.

Before curling:

  1. Remove all eye makeup.
  2. Clean the lashes gently.
  3. Let them dry fully.
  4. Avoid applying oily skincare directly to the lashes.

Do not apply mascara before curling. Mascara can make lashes stick to the curler, which may pull or break them. Maybelline's application guidance also recommends curling before applying mascara primer.

2. You Are Using the Curler in Only One Position

Pressing once at the roots can create a weak curl or a sharp crease. A rounded curl comes from working along the length of the lashes.

Try this method:

  1. Look slightly downward into a mirror.
  2. Place the curler at the base of the upper lashes without pinching the eyelid.
  3. Squeeze gently for a few seconds.
  4. Move the curler to the middle of the lashes and squeeze again.
  5. Finish near the tips with lighter pressure.
  6. Repeat on the inner and outer corners if needed.

Shiseido recommends pressing at the base, middle and tips instead of relying on one squeeze.

3. The Eyelash Curler Does Not Suit Your Eye Shape

A curler that is too flat, too narrow or too curved may miss the lashes at the inner and outer corners. You may notice that the center lashes curl while the corner lashes stay straight.

Instead of pressing harder, try:

  • Rotating the curler slightly toward the inner corner.
  • Curling the outer lashes separately.
  • Using a narrower curler for difficult corners.
  • Checking that the silicone pad sits evenly.
  • Replacing the pad if it is cracked, flattened or hardened.

A suitable curler should grip the lashes without pinching the eyelid. Do not force the tool into position.

4. Your Mascara Is Pulling the Curl Down

Thick, wet or highly volumizing mascara can add enough weight to straighten curled lashes. This is more likely when you apply several coats before the first coat has set.

For better curl retention:

  • Apply one thin coat first.
  • Keep most of the product near the roots instead of loading the tips.
  • Choose a curling or lightweight formula.
  • Let the mascara set before adding another coat.
  • If washable mascara does not hold the curl, try a water-resistant formula.

Old mascara can become dry and clumpy, which makes lashes heavier and harder to separate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says mascara manufacturers generally recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase. Dried mascara should not be revived with water or saliva.

5. Your Lashes Are Naturally Straight, Coarse or Downward-Growing

Some lashes naturally grow straight or point downward. A regular curler may create only a temporary bend, particularly in humid weather or after you apply heavy mascara.

You may get better results by:

  • Curling in three sections instead of one.
  • Holding each section for a few seconds without crushing the lashes.
  • Using a lightweight curling mascara.
  • Lifting the roots rather than bending only the tips.
  • Trying a different curler shape.

If your lashes are very short, a large curler may not catch them well. A smaller or more precise tool may work better than a stronger squeeze.

6. The Curler Is Dirty or Worn

Mascara and makeup residue can build up on the curler pad. This makes the surface uneven and can prevent a smooth curl.

Wipe the curler and silicone pad with a clean tissue or dry cloth between uses. Shiseido specifically recommends cleaning the curler and pad between uses.

Replace the pad when it becomes hard, cracked, permanently stained or flattened. A damaged pad can create a crease instead of a smooth curl and may increase pulling.

The Best Routine for Lashes That Will Not Stay Curled

Use this order:

  1. Start with clean, completely dry lashes.
  2. Check that the curler is clean and the pad is intact.
  3. Curl gently at the base, middle and tips.
  4. Apply a thin coat of curling mascara.
  5. Comb through clumps before the mascara fully dries.
  6. Remove eye makeup gently at night.

Avoid repeatedly re-curling your lashes during the day, particularly after mascara has dried. Repeated pulling and pressure can contribute to lash damage and shedding. The American Academy of Ophthalmology discusses eyelash loss and possible causes.

Should You Try a Heated Eyelash Curler?

A heated eyelash curler may create a longer-lasting lift, but heat adds risk around the eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that excessive heat can damage lashes, burn the thin eyelid skin or injure the eye if the device touches the cornea.

A standard mechanical curler is the safer first option. Do not heat a metal eyelash curler with a hair dryer or lighter.

Is a Lash Lift a Better Option?

A professional lash lift can create a longer-lasting curl by chemically reshaping the existing lashes. It does not make lashes longer or thicker, and it can cause allergic reactions, overprocessing and eyelid inflammation.

Cleveland Clinic advises against doing lash lifts at home and recommends professional treatment with a patch test if you decide to proceed.

When Straight Lashes May Signal a Lash Problem

Straight lashes alone are usually a styling issue. Speak with an eye-care professional if the change is sudden or comes with:

  • Noticeable lash loss or broken lashes
  • Redness, swelling, itching or burning
  • Crusting around the lash line
  • Eye pain, pressure or discharge
  • Blurred or reduced vision
  • Loss of eyebrow or scalp hair

The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that irritation, eyelid inflammation, allergies and other conditions can contribute to lash loss. The FDA recommends stopping an eye cosmetic if it causes irritation and seeking medical advice if the irritation continues.

If the curler pulls instead of bending the lashes, stop using it and check the pad before trying more pressure.