Are Eyelash Curlers Bad? Is It Bad To Curl Your Lashes Every Day?

There are many controversies in the beauty product world.

Whether we choose to go down the cosmetic surgery route or use more superficial things like extensions and injections, there are positives and negatives to all.

And although they may be an essential part of your beauty routine, eyelash curlers are no exception to this rule. 

Are eyelash curlers bad for your lashes? Will daily use damage your eyelashes?

With proper use, eyelash curlers shouldn’t damage your lashes very much. But misuse or overuse of a curler can damage your lashes and cause them to fall out.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at eyelash curlers, which some love and others hate. 

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Why Curl Your Lashes?

Most of us love curly, beautiful lashes, especially if ours are straight, flat, and normally lifeless. There’s a reason that curly eyelashes are one of the main ways female cartoon characters are identified!

Curly eyelashes scream beautiful!

Some people find eyelash curlers useful in achieving the perfect frame that makes their lashes appear more luscious and make their eyes pop – bigger, brighter, and much more appealing. 

On the other hand, some people think eyelash curlers are really difficult to use, and others have had nightmare outcomes after using them, sometimes even losing their lashes as a result.

Are Eyelash Curlers Bad? Can They Damage Your Lashes?

Eyelash curlers are neither good nor bad. They are simply beauty tools that many beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists find useful, even if others don’t.

However, where eyelash curlers have perhaps gotten a bad rap because some people have either not used them properly, or have just been the unlucky ones who have lost a few lashes along the way.

There is never a one-size-fits-all approach to anything when it comes to beauty.

Eyelash curlers are neither good nor bad. They are simply beauty tools that many beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists find useful, even if others don’t.

So, does that mean there are risks associated with using eyelash curlers, which makes some people think that they’re bad? Well, if you use eyelash curlers in the wrong way, then indeed you can cause yourself real harm. 

Is Your Curler in Bad Condition?

For example, your eyelash curler might be unsafe to use, especially if it’s old and you haven’t replaced the curler pads or cleaned it.

If your eyelash curler isn’t cleaned properly between uses, then it’s possible for bacteria to build up. And that means the next time you use it, the bacteria could transfer onto your lashes and eyelids, which can result in a nasty eye infection.

Use makeup remover to clean any eye makeup residue off your curler pads, and change the as they become dry and brittle.

Don’t Pull or Put Excess Pressure on Your Curler

Also, if you clamp your eyelash curler too hard on your natural lashes, then that pressure can end up weakening the lashes and causing them to break off. And be sure not to pull too hard!

If your eyelash curler is heated, then overexposure to the heat can also make them brittle, as well as affect their natural texture.

Don’t use too much pressure, a gentle grip will be enough.

The Wrong Curler

Plus the fact that eyelashes come in so many sizes and shapes — they can be short, long, tapered, thick, thin, naturally straight, or curly — if you don’t have the correct size eyelash curler for your lashes, then you won’t get the results you want for your appearance, no matter how hard you try.

Is It Bad To Curl Your Eyelashes Every Day?

Although technically eyelash curlers aren’t bad, if they aren’t used in the right way, then you can definitely damage — or even lose — your natural lashes.

This is especially true if you use the every day.

Luckily though, knowing the right way to curl your lashes will help you achieve a bigger and brighter eye appearance.

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How To Curl Your Eyelashes Without Breakage

Many people don’t know how to use an eyelash curler effectively, but it’s actually quite easy to curl your lashes every day like a professional makeup artist without making yourself cry — or giving yourself an eye infection!

But first, you need to choose the right eyelash curler. Your curler must align properly with your natural lashes to achieve the curl that works best for you. 

Also, make sure that the eyelash curler you choose has rounded and smooth interchangeable soft pads that can be changed regularly. This will prevent any buildup of mascara or other debris.

The curve of a rounded pad will also help your lashes to curl instead of crimp.

1. Round Eyes

The easy-to-use Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler  is the ideal tool to use for those with wide round eyes. Its professional quality stainless steel design has curved rubber pads that can also be used upside down for you to curl your lower lashes.

2. Almond-Shaped Eyes

The Tweezerman Curl 38' Lash Curler  has a narrow 38-degree angled top bar and an extra wide opening that is structured for getting hold of every lash along the line of almond-shaped eyes without pinching.

This eyelash curler also works for those who have deeper-set eyes. 

3. Small/Deep Set Eyes

The Shu Uemura S Curl Eyelash Curler  is perfect for those with smaller and deep-set eyes who find it difficult to grab hold of their lashes with a normal eyelash curler.

Its small frame means you might have to curl your lashes in sections, so it could take some getting used to.

However, with practice, you will achieve a curl that lasts all day long.

4. Short Lashes

Even if you have short lashes that you’ve never been able to curl with traditional eyelash curlers, there is an option available that has been specially designed to help people like you. 

Shiseido Mini Eyelash Curler 215 & Mini Eyelash Curler Sort Rubber 216  is a tiny curler that has a flatter clamp, which makes it easy to get close to the lash line of those with short lashes, and those hard to reach lashes on your inner eyelids.

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Should You Heat Your Eyelash Curler?

One of the big beauty hacks floating around is to heat your lash curler under a blow dryer for 5-10 seconds before use. This heat will help your lashes curl more easily, and last longer.

However, it’s not a good idea. You have no control over the amount of heat, and you’re heating up rubber or plastic that could melt near your eyes.

If you want to heat your lashes, buy a heated curler. They work well and aren’t particularly expensive.

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Lash Prep and Safely Curling

Make sure that your natural lashes have been completely cleaned from any leftover residue from yesterday’s eyeshadow and/or mascara. And that they are patted dry with a clean towel that won’t leave fluff on them.

Otherwise, the residue can get stuck on the pads of your eyelash curlers, which could stop them from curling your lashes how you want.

In order to prevent causing damage to your lashes, align the eyelash curler with the lash line of your upper eyelid, then carefully press down on your lashes, and hold it in place for 10-15 seconds.

Slight pressure is all you need.

Now, carefully release the pressure, and lift your eyelash curler away, then keep repeating the same process as necessary until both of your eyes have the curl you’ve been after. Applying mascara after is optional, but it should help to hold the curve for the rest of the day. 

Slight pressure is all you need.

Finally, make sure that you properly clean your lash curler, so that you can rest assured that it will be safe to use the next time. 

Safe Alternatives To Using Eyelash Curlers

If you are still unsure about using an eyelash curler after reading all of this, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are some alternative methods to creating a luscious curl that will give your eyes the dramatic boost you’ve been hoping for.

1. The Spoon Method

Back in the day, before eyelash curlers were readily available, ladies used to use spoons to curl their lashes. It may sound rather old-fashioned, but it can work, especially if the length of your lashes are longer.

Even Miranda Kerr is a fan of this method.

Simply get a clean teaspoon and align it facedown to the base of your eyelashes. Moving from the outer corner, gently press your lashes onto the spoon’s rounded edge with your thumb, and hold for about 20 seconds before letting go. Keep repeating this process, as you work towards the inner lashes.

2. Waterproof Works

Using a good waterproof mascara that comes with a curved wand, which is designed to lift and curl, will provide the curve you want from the base of your eyelashes. 

The right waterproof mascara will also help hold the curl of your lashes all day without drooping, and you can make more use of the wand by giving it a flick at the ends. You may need to apply 2-3 coats for it to seal in your curl before applying another coat of your regular mascara. 

L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Mascara  will do the trick, and comes in a clump-free and smudge-free formula that will boost your lashes by up to five times their natural thickness to provide real drama and curl.

Note: do not use waterproof mascara if you have lash extensions!

3. The Q-Tip Flip

Your grandma probably did this back in the day when eyelash curlers weren’t so readily available because the common Q-Tip can be used to create a curl effect on your eyelashes. 

First, apply your mascara, then gently place the Q-Tip horizontally along the edge of your lash line to lift it, and hold it for up to a minute while your mascara dries to create your desired look.