No guys, shaving your eyelashes is not a beauty trend to follow

TikTok is a bizarre universe, filled with the most diverse content, from cooking videos to GRW clips, capable of churning out new trends every second. Unfortunately, these trends are not always interesting or sensible. This time, the spotlight is on a series of viral videos collecting millions of views, featuring young men and boys at the barber’s who are not just getting a haircut or a beard trim but are actually cutting their eyelashes. Yes, eyelashes, not eyebrows. If you're wondering why someone would do such a thing, the most common answer from those who undergo this beauty treatment is to appear more manly. The comments are divided: some find the trend ridiculous, others defend it as a form of self-expression, while some highlight the health risks, and others see it as an example of toxic masculinity.

The role of eyelashes in gender perception

Long and thick eyelashes are often associated with feminine features and are considered a desirable aesthetic trait for women. This association is rooted in historical beauty standards and cultural norms, where delicacy and attention to appearance have traditionally been linked to femininity. From ancient Egypt to today, things haven’t changed much. Just think of cartoons and comics, where eyelashes are often used to "code" a character as female, or the fact that mascara, serums, and other eyelash products are almost exclusively marketed to women. As a result, the presence of long eyelashes in men is perceived as a deviation from strict masculinity standards and conventional markers of male attractiveness, such as thick eyebrows and a defined jawline. Therefore, cutting them becomes a symbolic act to reaffirm stereotypical virility and reject any physical trait considered "too feminine."

Eyelashes in the new era of conservative aesthetics

The truth is that, despite being fetishized as a specifically feminine trait, biologically long and thick eyelashes are just as likely to appear on a male body as on a female one. And even if they weren't, what’s so wrong with it that someone would bring a pair of scissors or a razor close to their eyes, risking injury? The emergence of this TikTok trend is a warning sign. It fits into a new era of conservatism that extends beyond politics and infiltrates beauty and wellness, pushing women toward modest, non-threatening, and domestic femininity while pushing men toward an aesthetic that reflects rigid standards of strength, emotional toughness, and aggression. Thus, an apparently harmless act highlights how deeply rooted gender stereotypes are in society and how toxic masculinity perpetuates a culture of shame and rejection toward anything associated with femininity, discouraging personal expression and promoting even harmful behavior.

The health risks of shaving eyelashes

Cutting eyelashes is not just a matter of gender perception, but also a potential health risk. Eyelashes play a critical role in protecting the eyes from dust, debris, and other particles. Their removal can lead to increased vulnerability to infections and eye irritations. Experts remind us that their protective barrier function is also useful against sunlight and helps preserve the tear film, a thin layer of fluid that covers the eye and protects it from irritants. Moreover, eyelashes sense when an object is about to hit the surface of the eye, triggering a blinking reflex that acts as a shield, defending against possible injuries and damage. Therefore, the idea of using sharp objects in this delicate area of the face, risking damage to the cornea and the eyeball, should be discarded and thrown in the bin of foolish trends. Because, beyond the social commentary, this TikTok trend poses a real danger to eye health.