Eyelash Trimming Trend Among Men: Why Health Experts Advise Against It
A concerning new trend has emerged in men’s grooming circles, with some men deliberately trimming or shaving their eyelashes in pursuit of what they perceive as a more masculine appearance. This practice, which has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, has prompted health experts to voice serious concerns about its safety and potential consequences.
Across TikTok, videos are circulating showing men proudly displaying their trimmed lashes, with some even documenting the process of barbers using electric razors dangerously close to their eyelids. “Guys, I’m cutting my eyelashes cause it’s not manly to have long eyelashes,” declared one user in a video posted last month, exemplifying the misguided belief driving this trend.
One barber shared his experience online, stating: “I personally witnessed a walk-in client who asked a barber to shave off his eyelashes. He said he didn’t like how long they were and that his wife criticized them for looking too feminine. He was even willing to pay extra.” The barber then posed a crucial question to his colleagues: “Is this service really feasible?”
Medical professionals have responded with a clear consensus – this practice should be avoided at all costs.
“Trimming your eyelashes is not at all recommended,” ophthalmologist Dr. Ashley Hayden told HuffPost, emphasizing that eyelashes serve an important functional purpose beyond aesthetics. “The more you interrupt the natural life of your lashes, the worse it will be for your eyes,” she warned.
The dangers associated with eyelash trimming are manifold. First and foremost, using sharp objects near the eye area creates an immediate risk of injury and potential damage to the delicate eye structures. More importantly, eyelashes play a vital protective role in eye health by acting as a first line of defense against environmental irritants.
Dr. Victoria Williams, a Michigan-based neuro-ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, explained to HuffPost that eyelashes “block germs and bacteria from getting in your eye and prevents eye infections.” This protective function is not something to be compromised for aesthetic reasons.
The risks extend beyond infection control. Dr. Thomas Stokkermans, a senior medical reviewer at All About Vision, highlighted another crucial aspect: “Especially for those of us who use computers and digital devices a lot (which is just about everyone nowadays), keeping your eyes from drying out is crucial.” He further cautioned that “with shorter lashes, the eyes will dry out even faster, potentially affecting your ability to do your job.”
This trend appears to stem from misguided notions of masculinity, with some men feeling that their naturally long lashes appear too feminine. However, health experts unanimously agree that the potential harm far outweighs any perceived aesthetic benefit. The consensus among medical professionals is clear – eyelashes should be left to their natural length and life cycle to ensure optimal eye health and protection.
As this concerning trend continues to spread on social media, eye health specialists encourage education about the important protective function of eyelashes, hoping to discourage individuals from participating in this potentially harmful practice.