A rather absurd and dangerous masculinity trend is doing the rounds – young men are removing their eyelashes, shocked experts warn of health risks
In an unusual turn for men’s grooming trends, a growing number of young men are turning to
eyelash removal as a way to assert their masculinity. This latest controversial fad, popularised on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, claims that eyelashes are "too feminine," leading some influencers to either pluck or shave them off completely.
While body grooming and experimentation have long been part of evolving masculinity, experts are alarmed at the rise of this particular trend, calling it both medically unsafe and socially regressive.
Hair-Raising Stuff
While some may call it redefining masculinity, others label it as reinforcing old stereotypes. The trend appears to be a reactionary movement against previous years’ growing acceptance of gender fluidity and self-care in men. Some social media users promote the look as a way to “reclaim traditional masculinity” by eliminating traits considered "feminine."
“It’s disheartening,” says Dr Ananya Mehta, a dermatologist based in Mumbai. “For years, society has been working toward breaking down rigid gender norms. This
trend doesn’t just take us backward — it puts people’s health at risk.”
Critics argue the movement is less about personal expression and more a backlash against progress in male body positivity and emotional openness.
Health Risks
Experts are quick to emphasize that eyelashes are not cosmetic accessories—they serve essential biological functions. Eyelashes act as the eye’s first line of defence against dust, pollen, debris, and harmful microorganisms. Removing them can compromise the eye’s ability to stay clean and hydrated.
“People don’t realize how vital eyelashes are,” says Dr Rishi Singh, an ophthalmologist from Delhi. “They help keep dirt and bacteria out of the eye. Without them, you’re much more prone to conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and even corneal abrasions. I’ve already seen two young patients come in with complications from this exact trend.”
Both Dr Mehta and Dr Singh emphasise that the risks go beyond simple irritation. Without eyelashes, the eye’s exposure to environmental hazards increases significantly, and the long-term impact may include chronic infections or scarring.
Irresponsible Media
Social media has a significant role in spreading misinformation. The viral nature of the eyelash-removal trend is another cause for concern. With thousands of likes and shares on short videos and influencer posts, misinformation about the practice is spreading quickly. Some posts falsely claim that eyelashes “serve no purpose” or that removing them enhances a man’s “rugged” appearance.
“It’s one thing to want to look a certain way, but it’s another
to risk your health based on unverified beauty advice from an influencer,” says Dr Mehta. “Social media can be empowering, but it also enables harmful practices to go mainstream without scrutiny.”
Dr Singh concurs, adding that younger people are especially vulnerable: “Teenagers and young adults often look to online personalities for identity cues. We need better digital literacy and more voices promoting safe grooming practices.”
A Regressive Fad
Social commentators see the trend as a worrying reversal of recent progress in gender expression. Over the past decade, men have increasingly embraced skincare, fashion diversity, and open emotional expression—areas once considered taboo. Eyelash removal, in contrast, appears to lean on outdated notions of what it means to be “manly.”
This is not about preference. It’s about internalised shame.
Removing eyelashes to appear more masculine implies that natural features associated with femininity are shameful. That’s damaging—for everyone, not just men.
Doctors Urge Awareness
In response to growing concerns, both dermatologists and ophthalmologists are calling for increased public awareness campaigns and responsible messaging on social media.
While personal grooming is a matter of choice, the medical community stresses that choices should be informed, not reactionary.
“If someone wants to modify their appearance, they should at least understand the risks involved,” says Dr Mehta. “But more importantly, we need to challenge the idea that masculinity must come at the expense of health or humanity.”
Dr. Singh adds, “There’s nothing unmanly about having eyelashes. We need to stop associating natural human features with weakness.”
Whether this trend fades as quickly as it appeared or leaves lasting consequences remains
to be seen.
What’s clear is that the conversation around masculinity is far from over—and the stakes are higher than aesthetics. As experts and advocates continue to push for healthier, more inclusive ideals of masculinity, trends like eyelash removal serve as a reminder: Progress is fragile, andevery generation must re-examine what it truly means to be a man.
AN EYEOPENER
• Eyelashes act as the eye’s first line of defence against dust, pollen, debris, and harmful microorganisms
• Removing them can compromise the eye’s ability to stay clean and hydrated
