Several videos of men shaving their eyelashes to avoid looking too “feminine” have been circulating on TikTok, and experts are growing concerned.
The clips show barbers who have started fulfilling their clients’ requests by using a trimmer to shorten men’s eyelashes, aiming to make them look less “feminine.”
The videos have already amassed millions of views on TikTok, with thousands of comments from users who are confused by the idea. “This is so embarrassing,” commented one TikTok user.
“What’s so masculine about shaving eyelashes?” asked another. “He’ll regret it so much if he goes to the beach on a windy day,” stated a third user. “So, eyelashes actually have a purpose, and they’re not just for aesthetics,” observed another user.
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It may seem obvious, but eyelashes exist to protect your eyes. According to Malik Eye Care, human eyelashes are hypersensitive, making them capable of triggering a quick reflex if something in the air gets too close to your eyes.
They also help prevent moisture from escaping your eyes, which in turn helps prevent them from drying out. One study also found that eyelashes play an important role in protecting the cornea from harmful sun rays.
While trimming them may be harmless, experts suggest caution before joining the trend. One downside to cutting or trimming your eyelashes is that it can take six to eight weeks for them to grow back, and they may never grow back the same way.
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Photo and video: TikTok @billybeebaddestbitch. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
