The Lash Debate: Why Some Men Are Shaving Their Eyelashes

The world of male grooming is constantly evolving, pushing boundaries beyond traditional haircuts and shaving. The latest, and perhaps most surprising, trend sparking heated online debate? Men shaving their eyelashes. It's a practice met with everything from enthusiastic support to strong criticism. Which makes it hard to explain the social media trend of men trimming down — or even entirely shaving off — their eyelashes in a bid to look “more masculine.” Videos posted to TikTok, Instagram and X in recent weeks show men braving blades very close to their eyes, in barber shops from Turkey to New Zealand, in a quest for stubby lashes. While some barbers are seen wielding buzzing electric clippers, others are freestyling with just a pair of hairdressing scissors and, hopefully, a steady hand.

The reaction to men trimming or shaving their lashes is decidedly mixed:

The Supporters:

Aesthetic Preference: Some men simply prefer the look of shorter, less prominent lashes. They feel it creates a cleaner, more "open-eyed" appearance or better showcases their eye shape and makeup. As Allure magazine has noted, eyelash preferences are deeply personal, just like any other beauty choice.

Gender Expression & Fluidity: For others, it's part of a broader exploration of gender expression. Challenging the traditional association of long lashes strictly with femininity is a significant motivator. A 2023 study published in "Psychology of Men & Masculinities" highlighted the increasing diversity in male grooming habits as societal norms around masculinity shift.

Practicality: Some find long lashes bothersome, feeling they brush against glasses, get sticky with sweat, or obscure vision slightly.

The Critics:

Safety Concerns: From stopping dust and dirt getting into the eyes to prompting our blink reflex, eyelashes do more than just look pretty. “Eyelashes are vital for both visual experience and eye health,” said Vickie Lee, a consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon at Imperial College London, in an email interview. “As well as acting as a barrier and a trigger for the protective blink reflex, eyelashes help reduce airflow over the eyes… maintaining moisture, keeping the eyes healthy and comfortable, filtering intense sunlight, reducing glare and improving visual quality.”

Questioning Motives: Some critics worry the trend stems from unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated online or unnecessary insecurity about a natural feature. They question the pressure to conform to yet another specific aesthetic ideal. Meanwhile, influencers and celebrities appear to be eschewing bold lashes in what has since been dubbed the #fullfacenomascara movement. Could women also be moving away from the archetypally feminine big eyelash trend?

Permanence Concerns: While lashes grow back, shaving them disrupts the growth cycle. It can take weeks or even months for them to return to their original length and fullness. During this time, the eye lacks its natural protection.

The overwhelming medical advice is clear: eyelashes are there for a vital reason. Tampering with them is inherently risky. While informed, minimal trimming might be undertaken with obsessive care and professional guidance, completely shaving them is strongly discouraged due to the significant potential for harm.