5 Tips to Help Your Stubborn Lashes Hold a Curl

Those with straight and stubborn lashes know that simply curling them before mascara doesn’t guarantee that all-day hold we all strive for. If you’re lucky, your stick-straight lashes will hold a curl for an hour. After that, they’ll likely revert to a flat, lifeless state that can ruin your desired makeup look.

While it’s a harsh reality, especially when long, defined and voluminous lashes are perpetually the beauty standard, all hope is not lost. Take notes as we share how to keep your lashes curled plus, the top mascara recommendations for pin-straight lashes.

How Do I Get My Straight Lashes to Hold a Curl?

Straight lashes can be less than ideal when you really want them curled, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for them. Check out our tips to help stubborn lashes maintain a curl.

1. Curl Your Lashes Three Times, Instead of One

Most people curl their lashes once in the middle and then move on to their mascara. But when you have straight, stubborn lashes, curling them three times is a great way to create and define an obvious curl. Essentially, you’re over-curling your lashes so it takes longer for them to fall, which means the curled shape can last longer. 

Start by curling your lashes as close as you can to the base or near the lash line — be gentle, you don’t want to rip out any lashes. If you feel tugging, bring the lash curler up. You want to be able to clamp the lash curler down for ten seconds without feeling any pain. 

Next, curl your lashes at the mid-point where you typically would curl them. Clamp down the lash curler and hold it for ten seconds. The last step is to lift the lash curler to the tips of your lashes and clamp it down for ten seconds. After you apply your mascara, the curl may fall slightly but since you essentially over-curled your lashes, the curl is going to last longer throughout the day before it falls completely flat. 

Editor’s tip: If you have ultra-short lashes, aim to curl them twice instead of three times. 

2. Avoid Mascara Primers

Mascara primers, similar to makeup primers, go on the lashes before your mascara and help to define and nourish them while boosting length and volume. When you have straight and stubborn lashes, any product that can weigh down your lashes is going to make them fall flat. For this reason, it’s best to avoid mascara primers or any type of formula that is heavy on the lashes. 

3. Reach for Waterproof Mascara Formulas

While waterproof mascara makes the makeup removal process more complex, its budge-proof formula gives a better hold and it’s exactly what you need to help your stubborn lashes hold a curl. After a few uses you’ll be happily converted.

The L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara is a great option that can help lengthen and define your lashes with a single swipe. Another great pick is the L’Oréal Air Wear Air Volume Mega Mascara Waterproof, Lightweight, which has an ultra-lightweight formula that puffs up lashes for all day wear. 

We also adore the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Waterproof Lengthening Mascara for stubborn lashes. This cult classic mascara is known for its lightweight, mega-lengthening formula and budge-proof waterproof finish.

After you’ve curled your lashes, immediately coat them with a thin layer of waterproof mascara to help set the curl and define their shape. 

4. Keep Your Mascara Light 

As we mentioned, primer can weigh down your lashes, making it harder for them to hold a curl and the same logic applies to excess layers of mascara. When you have stubborn lashes, it’s best to stick with lightweight formulas and one to two layers at most. Clumpy, heavy mascaras and multiple layers will only make it more difficult to maintain a curl.

5. Try a Lash Lift

Think of a lash lift as a perm for your lashes. This beauty treatment is fairly easy and in an hour's time, you can give your stubborn, straight lashes a flawless, semi-permanent curl that will last up to six weeks. 

The most important thing about getting a lash lift is that you go somewhere reputable. A rubber rod is placed on your lids to create the shape of the curl and every lash has to be in the perfect place. If not, the end result will be bent lashes with misshapen curls for the next six weeks. We recommend doing your research and looking at many before and after pictures prior to deciding on a technician. 

Next: How to Apply Makeup Safely When You Wear Contact Lenses

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn