It can take up to three or four months for the eyelashes to return to normal length
The videos of men who remove the eyelashes, cut or scraping, in recent weeks they have circulated on social networks. This trend is based on the idea that the short eyelashes seem more male.
Hair can tell us a lot about our social and cultural values. As the Canadian sociologist Anthony Synnott says, it can represent ideas rooted on organic sex, such as “opposite sexes have opposite hair” and “the hair of the head and body are opposed”.
But do the differences between the sexes have a biological basis? And the health risks of mixing the eyelashes?
If the idea of a blade that explodes near your eyes makes you nervous, there is a good reason why.
Does sex determine the length of the eyelashes?
Most hot blood animals have eyelashes. Human eyelashes begin to develop in the uterus around the seventh week and, at six months, they are completely formed.
We usually have 100 to 150 eyelashes on the upper eyelid, which grow in two or three rows. There are half of the eyelashes on the lower eyelid.
The length of the eyelashes is usually about a third of the width of the eye. The lower lashes are shorter (6-8 millimeters) than the upper eyelashes (8-12 mm).
Density, length, thickness and curvature of eyelash They are determined by their genetics. But there is no evidence that these anatomical differences are related to sex.
This means that the idea that men have an eye “naturally” – and that women – and those of women are longer, dark and thick – is based on culture, not on biology.
Regardless of their sex or sex, the eyelashes have several important functions.
What are the eyelashes for?
Protection
The eyelashes provide a barrier against dust, debris, insects, bacteria and chemicals (such as hair spray and deodorants), preventing them from entering the eyes.
Tears form a fluid film that covers the eye to keep it lubricated. The eyelashes also prevent the air from drying this film.
From an aerodynamic point of view, the medium length eyelashes (8 mm) are ideal for preventing the surface of the eye. Very short eyelashes can expose the surface to the air, while very long eyelashes can channel a greater air flow towards it.
The eyelashes also protect our eyes from brightness, reducing the amount of light that enters the eye up to 24%.
Sensation
The eyelashes are highly sensitive, then touching them triggers a flashing reflection that brings the eyes close. That protects him of unwanted materials.
Blink also activates the release of tears and distributes them through the surface of the eyes.
Social interaction
The eyelashes help us communicate us. Slowly grove can report attention or flirt – and the eyelashes make it more attractive.
The use of mascara or false eyelashes underlines the eyelashes and can make the eyes larger and more expressive.
So what happens if you don’t have eyelashes?
People can lose eyelashes for various reasons.
For example, cancer chemotherapy usually causes hair loss – including eyelashes -, like alopecia, an autoimmune disease that makes its follicles attack the body.
Some people also pull the eyelashes when they are anxious or stressed.
If you cannot stop this behavior and the loss of eyelashes it is evident and affects your daily life, you can have a condition called tricotillomania.
The compulsion by cutting or radio the hair (instead of starting it) is known as Tricotilomania.
If you are worried, talk to your doctor for support.
It doesn’t matter how much lost, without an eye, you will probably feel more discomfort. The strangest particles can enter the eye – exposing you to a higher risk of infection – and you will make the flash more to try to remove them.
More air on the surface of the eyes can also make them dry and annoyed.
Is the removal of the eyelashes risky?
Positioning sharp blades near the eyes means that if you hit, they slip or even flashes, risks hurting the eyelid or cornea (the transparent dome -shaped cover on the front of the eyeball).
Everything that approaches the eyes must be very clean. If the blades are not sterilized, bacteria can cause blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) or conjunctivitis (“red eye”).
Are the shaved eyelashes grow again?
YES. If the lashes are cut or scraped, the hair bulb and the follicle (the bag that surrounds the hair) remain in the skin of the eyelid, allowing the hair to continue to grow.
The eyelashes grow at an average rate of 0.12 mm per day, or 3.6 mm per month. Up to three or four months may be needed so that the eyelashes grow up to its normal length.
The removal of the hair does not affect the length, thickness and the color of the growing eyelashes: they will regret the same way (unless there have been irreversible damage to the follicle itself).
Sex, genre and eyelashes
The perceptions of the differences between the sexes and the genres in relation to the eyelashes persist, in part due to social norms and representation in the media.
For example, a 2023 study from the United States interviewed 319 people (142 men and 177 women) from various ethnic origins on the length of the eyelashes in women. Men and women of all origins said that the images of female faces without eyelash or short eyelashes were the least attractive, regardless of ethnicity.
The characters of the cartoons illustrate how deeply rooted and socially built they are these gender differences. Compare the long and thick eyelashes of minnie mouse with those of Mickey Mouse, who has no eyelashes.
This is not a memory of the past, since male and female characters still demonstrate by a popular cartoon for miraculous children: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir.
In fact, all the bodies and characteristics, including the eyelashes, are naturally different.
The autonomy of the body means recognizing that personal choices on appearance are valid and must be respected without judgment. But when you alter your body, it is also important to know the health risks.
The authors do not consult, work, have actions or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article and has not revealed any relevant bonds beyond their academic positions.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
