New Male Trend: Eye-Hurting Liberation
TikTok Trend: Men Cutting Eyelashes in Pursuit of Virility Raises Health Concerns
Table of Contents
- TikTok Trend: Men Cutting Eyelashes in Pursuit of Virility Raises Health Concerns
- TikTok Trend: Men Cutting Eyelashes – The Answers You Need
- What is the “Conservative Guys Cutting Eyelashes” trend?
- Why are men cutting their eyelashes for this trend?
- What do eyelashes do?
- What are the health risks of cutting eyelashes?
- What does an ophthalmologist say about cutting eyelashes?
- How much do eyelashes protect against UV exposure?
- Will my eyelashes grow back if I cut them?
- Key Takeaways: Eyelash Cutting – Risks vs. Reality
A new trend is gaining traction on TikTok where men, primarily in the United States and Turkey, are filming themselves cutting their eyelashes. The trend, dubbed “Conservative Guys Cutting Eyelashes,” involves shaving eyelashes deemed too long or curved, supposedly to appear more masculine.
Masculinity and Eyelash Removal
According to Aurore Malet-Karas, a neuroscientist and sexologist, this trend is part of a larger movement within masculinist circles that glorifies virility. This includes activities such as going to the gym, consuming protein supplements, and striving for a “square jaw.” Malet-karas told Liberation that this eyelash-cutting trend is simply another means of achieving this ideal. In this view,eyelashes are seen as a feminine attribute that men must eliminate to enhance their masculinity.
Malet-karas added that the belief is amplified by the increasing emphasis on eye makeup among women. Data indicates a significant global market for mascara. The Insight Partners, an American research site, estimates the global mascara market at $6.32 billion (5.81 million euros) and projects it will reach $7.82 billion (7.19 billion euros) by 2032. For those participating in the “conservative guys” trend, shaving eyelashes is seen as a way to distance themselves from perceived femininity.
Health Risks Associated with Cutting Eyelashes
Beyond the social and political aspects, this trend poses significant risks to eye health. Using scissors or razors near the eyes is inherently dangerous. Laurence Desjardins, a former ophthalmologist, told liberty that this practice can damage the cornea, increasing vulnerability to infections. Eyelashes serve a crucial protective function, shielding the eyes from dust, dirt, and fine particles. Removing them elevates the risk of eye infections.
Eyelashes and UV Protection
Eyelashes also provide protection against the sun’s rays. Desjardins warns that shaving them increases the risk of eye cancer and cataracts. A 2022 study by Swiss academics indicated that eyelashes reduce UV ray exposure to the cornea by approximately 12% to 24%.
Eyelashes Grow Back
Even if individuals are willing to overlook the health risks, eyelashes, like other hairs, naturally regrow within 6 to 12 weeks.
TikTok Trend: Men Cutting Eyelashes – The Answers You Need
What is the “Conservative Guys Cutting Eyelashes” trend?
The “Conservative Guys Cutting Eyelashes” trend, which has gained traction on TikTok, involves men, primarily in the United States and Turkey, filming themselves cutting their eyelashes. The supposed aim is to appear more masculine by shaving eyelashes that are perceived as to long or curved.
Why are men cutting their eyelashes for this trend?
According to Aurore Malet-Karas, a neuroscientist and sexologist, this trend aligns with a broader movement within masculinist circles that emphasizes virility.The act of cutting eyelashes is viewed by some participants as a means to distance themselves from perceived feminine attributes, in this case, eyelashes. This is amplified by the increasing focus on eye makeup among women, with the global mascara market reaching billions of dollars.
What do eyelashes do?
Eyelashes serve important protective functions:
Shield the eyes: They act as a barrier against dust, dirt, and small particles.
Protect from UV rays: Eyelashes help reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the cornea.
What are the health risks of cutting eyelashes?
Cutting eyelashes poses meaningful health risks:
Eye infections: Removing eyelashes elevates the risk of eye infections, as the eyes are more exposed to environmental elements.
Corneal damage: Using sharp objects like scissors or razors near the eyes can damage the cornea.
* Increased risk of eye cancer and cataracts: Eyelashes provide protection against the sun’s rays, and removing them increases the risk of eye cancer and cataracts.
What does an ophthalmologist say about cutting eyelashes?
Laurence Desjardins, a former ophthalmologist, warns that cutting eyelashes, using sharp tools near the eyes, can damage the cornea, which increases the vulnerability to infections. she also notes the importance of eyelashes in protecting against the sun’s rays, and that removing them could increase the risk of eye cancer and cataracts.
How much do eyelashes protect against UV exposure?
A 2022 study found that eyelashes reduce UV ray exposure to the cornea by approximately 12% to 24%.
Will my eyelashes grow back if I cut them?
Yes, eyelashes, like other hairs on the body, naturally regrow. They typically regenerate within 6 to 12 weeks.
Key Takeaways: Eyelash Cutting – Risks vs. Reality
To summarize the key points, here’s a table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Trend Origin | TikTok, primarily in the U.S. and turkey |
| Trend Goal | Appear more masculine; distance from perceived “femininity” |
| Underlying Beliefs | Part of a masculinist movement emphasizing virility |
| Health Risks | Eye infections, corneal damage, increased risk of eye cancer and cataracts |
| Eyelash Regeneration | Eyelashes naturally regrow over 6-12 weeks |