You’ve probably been there before… you curl your lashes with what you think is a good quality curler, and within seconds they’re back to normal!
No matter how many times you try to use a curler, it seems my eyelashes won’t hold a curl?
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons why eyelashes won’t hold a curl, and how you can resolve the problem, to keep your lashes curled longer.
What are our eyelashes made of?
Eyelashes are one of the most distinctive features of the human face, but few people know what they are actually made from.
The vast majority of eyelashes are composed of keratin, a type of protein that is also found in hair and nails.
In addition to keratin, eyelashes also contain trace amounts of melanin, the pigment that gives skin and hair its color.
The composition of eyelashes varies slightly from person to person, but the average lash is about 0.07 grams in weight and 10-12 mm in length.
Despite their small size, eyelashes play an important role in protecting the eyes from dirt and debris.
They also help to regulate the amount of light that enters the eye, giving us the ability to see clearly in both bright and dim conditions.
How many eyelashes do we have?
Did you know that we have between 100 and 150 eyelashes on each eye? That’s right – we have more than most animals, who typically only have around 50 eyelashes.
How long does it take for a single eyelash to grow?
While the length of eyelashes varies from person to person, the average lash has a lifespan of around four months.
At the end of this time, the lash will fall out and be replaced by a new one that is typically a little shorter and finer.
The growth cycle of eyelashes is not perfectly synchronized, which is why we don’t lose all of our lashes at once. Instead, we shed around one or two lashes each day without even noticing.
Why do our eyelashes curl?
The vast majority of eyelashes have a natural curl that helps to keep foreign objects away from the eye.
This protective function is thought to be the reason why most animals have eyelashes that curl inwards.
In humans, the direction of the eyelash curl is determined by the position of the eyelid.
For example, people who have droopy eyelids (ptosis) often have lashes that curl downwards, while people with hooded eyelids tend to have lashes that curl upwards.
The shape of the eyelash also plays a role in its curl. Lashes that are long and thin are more likely to curl than those that are short and thick.
How do we curl our eyelashes?
While some people are born with perfectly curled eyelashes, others may need a little help to achieve the desired look.
The most common way to curl eyelashes is to use an eyelash curler, a small device that uses heat or pressure to temporarily change the shape of the lash.
If used correctly, an eyelash curler can give lashes a dramatic curl to straight lashes that lasts for several hours.
However, if not used properly, an eyelash curler can cause pain and damage to the lashes. Some people recommend using a hair dryer on your metal eyelash curler, to help curl your lashes.
For this reason, it is important to read the instructions carefully before using an eyelash curler and to be gentle when applying pressure to the lashes.
My eyelashes won’t hold a curl – but why?
There could be any number of reasons for the question, why won’t my eyelashes stay curled. You could be using the wrong type of curler, or that your lashes are too short or too sparse.
It could also be that you’re not using enough mascara, or that your mascara is too old and has dried out.
Whatever the reason, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that your eyelashes will hold a curl.
First, make sure you’re using a good quality eyelash curler or heated eyelash curlers that fit your eye shape. Second, apply mascara evenly from root to tip, and be sure to let it dry before curling your lashes.
Finally, use a setting spray or coat your lashes with clear mascara to help hold the curls in place. With a bit of effort, you can help ensure that your eyelashes will stay curled all day long.
What causes the curl to drop in our eyelashes?
Eyelashes are made up of a thin shaft of keratin, and they are anchored into the skin by a small, delicate muscle.
This muscle is known as the orbicularis oculi, and it contracts when we blink, causing the eyelashes to sweep across the surface of the eye.
Over time, the lashes will begin to break down and fall out, and new ones will take their place.
However, sometimes the orbicularis oculi muscle can weaken, causing the eyelashes to droop, and become straight lashes.
This can be due to age, illness, or injury. In some cases, it may also be caused by an overactive thyroid gland or certain medications.
Can waterproof mascara effect the curl of our eyelashes?
There’s one type of mascara that may be doing more harm than good. Waterproof mascaras are designed to withstand water, sweat, and tears, but they can also be difficult to remove.
This can cause the lashes to become brittle and dry, leading to breakage and a loss of curl.
When you use waterproof mascara, formulas can also build up over time, leaving behind a residue that weighs down the lashes and prevents them from holding a curl.
So, if you’re looking for long-lasting curls, it’s best to stick with a non-waterproof regular mascara formula, as recommended by any professional makeup artist.
What’s the best type of eyelash curler to help curl our natural lashes?
When it comes to curling natural lashes, the best type of lash curler to use is one specifically designed for the job of helping your lashes curl situation.
Traditional eyelash curlers are often not powerful enough to curl natural lashes, and so a device specifically created for this purpose is the most effective tool for achieving curls that last all day.
Before thinking about the best eyelash curler to curl my lashes, make sure that it fits snugly over the lash line and that it is curved to fit the eye shape.
A good eyelash curler should also be easy to grip and apply pressure evenly across the lashes.
Look for an eyelash curler with a non-slip handle and silicone-coated clamp to ensure a secure, comfortable grip when in use.
When using an eyelash curler, make sure to curl lashes in sections and gently squeeze the device at the base of the lashes, then slowly move up, stopping just before the tips.
This technique helps to create a longer-lasting curl, without damaging or over-stretching the natural lashes.
It is also important to heat up the eyelash curler before use with a blow dryer; this will help to create a longer-lasting curl.
Using an eyelash primer before curling is recommended, as this product helps to hold the curl in place and protect natural lashes from damage.
How can we make sure lashes stay curled after using a lash curler?
The key to ensuring lashes stay curled after using a lash curler is to properly apply the lashes and curl them correctly.
Firstly, it is important to select the right size curler for your eye shape. A good curler should be tight enough to grip the lashes and hold them in place.
But not tight enough to cause any discomfort. Secondly, when curling the lashes, use a gentle back and forth motion.
This will ensure an even curl. It is important to heat the curler before use; this will help make the curls last longer, and keep your eyelashes curled, and enable them to curl better.
Finally, the most important step is to apply a proper mascara. Look for formulas that are specifically designed for curling the lashes; these formulas will help the lash curl last throughout the day.
Can false eyelashes effect the curl of our natural eyelashes?
Applying false eyelashes is a popular beauty technique that can give your eyes a dramatic look.
However, some experts believe that false eyelashes can damage your natural lashes.
The glue used to attach the falsies can weaken the follicles, making them more prone to breakage.
The weight of the fake lashes can put pressure on your natural lashes, causing them to become misshapen or fall out.
If you regularly wear false eyelashes, it’s important to take care when removing them and to use a gentle cleansing routine to avoid damaging your natural lashes.
Benefits of having a lash perm treatment
A lash perm treatment or a lash lift can be a great way to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking curls without the need for daily curling or heating.
The treatment works by coating the lashes with a perming solution, which helps to break down the proteins in the lashes and make them more pliable.
Once the lashes are wrapped around rollers and left to set, they will retain their new shape for several weeks.
As well as being convenient, a lash perm treatment can also help to protect your lashes from heat damage and breakage.
Which is longer lasting – a lash perm or lash extensions?
The debate over which is better – lash perms or lash extensions – has been raging for years.
Lash perms use a chemical solution to curl the lashes, and the results can last up to six weeks.
Lash extensions, on the other hand, are individual false lashes that are glued to the natural lashes.
They can last anywhere from two to four weeks. So, which is longer lasting – a lash perm or eyelash extensions?
The answer is lash extensions. While lash perms may last slightly longer than lash extensions, they will eventually start to uncurl and lose their shape. Lash extensions, on the other hand, will stay in place until they are removed.
Can supplements help my eyelashes to curl?
Some experts believe that supplements can help to improve the health of your lashes, resulting in longer, thicker growth. For example, biotin is a vitamin that is often touted as a “hair-growth vitamin.”
While more research is needed, some small studies have proved that biotin supplements can help to promote lash growth.
Other nutrients that may be beneficial for lash health include omega-3 fatty acids and pantothenic acid (also known as vitamin B5).
Having supplements will keep you healthy on the inside, which could in the long-term keep lashes curled all day.
How can our skincare routine affect the health of our eyelashes?
Having a healthy eyelash routine is essential for keeping your eyelashes looking and feeling healthy.
Eyelashes provide protection from dust and dirt, as well as preventing us from getting eye infections.
However, there are a few things we should be mindful of to keep our eyelashes in the best possible condition.
Start by making sure that you’re using a gentle cleanser. A cleanser that is too harsh will strip away the natural oils from your eyelashes, resulting in dry, brittle lashes.
For the most natural, healthy look, choose a gentle cleanser that is free from irritants and fragrances.
It’s also important to avoid using too much makeup on your eyelashes. Heavy makeup can weigh down your lashes, causing them to break easily and leaving them looking dull and lifeless.
When applying makeup, use light, gentle strokes and choose products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Make sure to use a generous amount of moisturizer to keep your lashes hydrated.
Put a bit of moisturizer on your fingertips and rub it into your lashes each night before bed.
This will help protect your lashes from environmental damage and leave them looking fuller and healthier.
Summary
Why won’t my eyelashes curl? If your eyelashes don’t hold a curl, it could be due to a number of factors, including the type of curler you’re using, the length of your lashes, or the age of your mascara, and your mascara application.
There are a few things you can do to help ensure that your eyelashes will stay curled all day long, including using a setting spray or clear volumizing mascara, and using a quality curler that fits your eye shape.
In some cases, lash perms may be the best option for long-lasting curl. However, lash extensions are generally longer lasting and require less upkeep.
Supplements, such as biotin or omega-3 fatty acids, may also help to improve the health of your lashes and promote growth.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.