Published On: 06 September 2026
Want beautifully curled lashes without accidentally damaging them? Using an eyelash curler may look simple, but the right process matters.
In this guide, we explain how to use an eyelash curler step by step, starting with clean and completely dry lashes and a clean curler.
You will learn how to position the curler correctly, how long to gently clamp it, and why applying balanced pressure is important.
We also cover choosing an eyelash curler according to your eye shape, curling before mascara, working in small sections, and avoiding pulling or tugging your lashes.
Plus, we discuss important points about heated curlers, taking your time, giving your lashes a break, how often to curl them, and practices that can make eyelash curling safer.
Clean Your Eyelashes
If you want to use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes, the first and most important thing you should always do is start with clean lashes.
Make sure your lashes are not dirty and that there is no leftover makeup or product on them. And please, never use an eyelash curler on dirty lashes or lashes with makeup residue on them.
This is important because using a curler on lashes with leftover makeup can cause them to clump together, break, or even get pulled out.
So, always make sure to properly clean your lashes first and remove any makeup or product residue. Once your lashes are completely clean, you can safely use your eyelash curler to curl them.
Dry Your Lashes
Cleaning your lashes before using an eyelash curler is not the only important step — making sure your lashes are completely dry is equally important.
Many people clean their lashes and then use an eyelash curler while their lashes are still wet. Please avoid doing this because curling wet lashes can cause damage and breakage.
If your lashes are wet, the curler may not give you the desired results and can even cause your lashes to break.
So, whenever you are about to use an eyelash curler, always make sure that your lashes are clean and completely dry, not wet. Once they are dry, you can safely curl them for better and more beautiful results.
Clean Your Curler
Cleaning your lashes is not the only important thing — you should also make sure that your eyelash curler is clean before using it.
Never use a dirty eyelash curler if there is dust, dirt, or any product buildup on it. If you use a dirty curler, the dirt can stick to your lashes and may transfer onto your natural lashes during the curling process.
This can affect your results and may also cause your lashes to become dirty or clump together.
That is why it is important to clean your eyelash curler properly before using it, just as you clean your own lashes. Always make sure that both your lashes and your eyelash curler are clean before you start curling.
Start the Curling Process
Okay, now that your lashes are clean and dry and your eyelash curler is also clean, you can start the curling process.
The most important thing before you begin is to make sure that you position the eyelash curler correctly.
Remember, you need to place the eyelash curler close to the roots of your lashes — as close as possible, but not so close that it touches or affects your eyelid. Make sure you are maintaining a safe distance from your eye.
After positioning the curler, use one hand to gently hold your eye open and steady so there is no unwanted movement. Keep your lashes properly positioned inside the curler and gently clamp it for around 5–10 seconds, then release.
After releasing the curler, check your lashes. If you feel that some areas still need more curling, you can repeat the process. If you are satisfied with the final result, move on to curling the lashes of your other eye.
But remember, never apply too much pressure with your eyelash curler. Do not pull or tug your lashes while they are inside the curler. Otherwise, your lashes can break or become damaged.
Finish With Mascara
Choose a mascara that holds a curl and coats each lash while adding volume and providing a long-lasting curl.
Start at the base of your lashes and gently sweep the wand upward in a zigzag motion. This will help separate and define each lash while adding volume and length.
Things to Keep in Mind While Curling Your Lashes
1. Choose the Eyelash Curler According to Your Eyeshape
Whenever you use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes, one important thing to remember is to choose a curler according to your eye shape.
There are various types of eyelash curlers available, and different manufacturers make different eyelash curlers for different eye shapes.
One eyelash curler is not suitable for every eye shape because the shape of your eyes can affect how well the curler works. Therefore, curlers for various eye shapes exist like you can choose one of the best eyelash curler for asian eyes , best eyelash curler for hooded eyes , best eyelash curler for almond eyes or best eyelash curler for round eyes.
Therefore, whenever you are going to use an eyelash curler, choose one that is suitable for your eye shape.
2. Curl Lashes Before Applying Mascara
Another important thing to remember is that you should never apply mascara before using an eyelash curler. In other words, do not apply mascara first and then use the eyelash curler.
Always apply mascara after using the eyelash curler.
Applying mascara before curling your lashes can increase the chances of your lashes breaking or becoming damaged. Therefore, it is important to apply mascara after using the eyelash curler.
3. Avoid Applying too Much Pressure
Another important thing to remember when using an eyelash curler is to always apply balanced pressure. Your lashes are between the pads of the eyelash curler, so it is very important to apply the right amount of pressure.
If you apply too much pressure, the chances of your lashes breaking or becoming damaged are much higher. On the other hand, if you apply too little pressure, your lashes will not curl properly.
Therefore, always use moderate pressure for effective results. Apply pressure gradually and slowly.
As soon as you feel that your lashes are starting to curl at a certain level of pressure, stop at that pressure instead of applying too much pressure in the first attempt and damaging your lashes.
4. Clamp Lashes & Avoid Pulling
Another important thing to keep in mind is that when your lashes are between the eyelash curler, you should only try to curl them with gentle pressure.
You should never pull your lashes while they are held in the eyelash curler. Pulling the curler while your lashes are still inside can cause your lashes to be pulled out and may lead to lash breakage.
Therefore, once you have curled your lashes, avoid pulling or dragging the eyelash curler away from your lashes.
5. Work in Small Sections
Whenever you are going to use an eyelash curler, always remember that you need to work in small sections. Many people try to curl all their lashes at once, but it is not always possible to curl the entire lash line in one go.
This is because your lashes may be wider than the width of the eyelash curler, or the curler itself may have a smaller width. As a result, all of your lashes may not fit into the eyelash curler at once, and they may not curl properly in a single attempt.
Therefore, work in small sections. Divide your lashes into sections, then place the eyelash curler on each section and curl them one section at a time.
6. Heat the Curler Properly
When you are using an eyelash curler, another important thing to keep in mind is that if you are using a heated eyelash curler, it needs to be heated enough to effectively curl your lashes.
If your lash curler is not heated enough, its effectiveness can decrease and you may not be able to curl your lashes properly.
Therefore, whenever you use a heated eyelash curler, make sure to heat it to the right temperature. However, you should not heat it more than necessary, as excessive heat can damage your lashes.
7. Don’t Rush the Process
The most important thing to remember when using an eyelash curler is to take your time and avoid rushing. When you are using an eyelash curler, you should not be in a hurry.
From cleaning your eyelash curler to curling your lashes, you need to give the process enough time so that everything is done properly and the results are much better.
If you rush and use a dirty eyelash curler, or quickly pull the curler away from your lashes, your lashes can be damaged unnecessarily. Therefore, it is important to take your time and work carefully.
8. Give Your Lashes a Proper Break
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should not use an eyelash curler every time you want to curl your lashes.
You should give your lashes some time and allow them to remain in their natural state for a while.
When you feel that your lashes have had enough time to recover, you can then consider curling them again.
How Often Should You Curl Your Lashes
Many people are confused about how often they should curl their lashes. The answer is that you should curl your lashes only once a day.
Therefore, whenever you curl your lashes, avoid doing any activities that could ruin your lash curl. Complete those activities first, and then use the eyelash curler and curl your lashes at the end.
Is Using an Eyelash Curler Safe
Yes, using an eyelash curler is completely safe, provided that you follow all the tips mentioned above. Avoid all the things that we have advised you to avoid, and always keep your eyelash curler clean.
Cleaning your eyelash curler regularly helps reduce the chances of bacteria and infection, prevents damage to your lashes, and makes the use of an eyelash curler safer.
You should also apply balanced pressure and avoid pulling your lashes while using the eyelash curler.
This will help prevent your lashes from breaking and make the use of the curler safer.
Similarly, you should always apply mascara after using the eyelash curler. All these practices help make the use of an eyelash curler safer.
Learn to Curl Lashes Without Lash Curler
You can curl your lashes without using a lash curler as well. There are multiple methods available that allow you to curl your lashes without having an eyelash curler.
You can learn about these methods in detail in our article on how to curl lashes without a lash curler.
Conclusion
Using an eyelash curler can be a simple part of your beauty routine when you follow the right steps. Start with clean, completely dry lashes and a clean curler, then position it carefully near the lash roots without touching the eyelid.
Use gentle and balanced pressure, avoid pulling or tugging, and work in small sections when needed. Remember to curl your lashes before applying mascara and choose a curler that suits your eye shape.
If you use a heated curler, make sure it is heated properly without excessive heat. Most importantly, do not rush the process and give your lashes a proper break. Following these practices can help you use an eyelash curler more safely and achieve better curling results.