People have been interested in their longer eyelashes for centuries, even though they seem a small part of our overall anatomy. These little hairs are the epitome of beauty and aesthetics and have a clear functional aspect. Many people have an interesting question: are men’s bat eyelashes the most natural, or have women acquired them? Here, we look at what’s behind long eyelashes in both sexes, including biological, genetic, and cultural reasons.
Function of eyelashes in the human body.
Before discussing whether men have long eyelashes, we must first establish why everyone has them. Eyelashes, an integral part of the eyes, are recognized to protect our eyes from foreign materials such as debris, dirt, and small particles that can pose a potential problem or damage. They also serve to prevent dryness and discomfort.
From an evolutionary perspective, eyelashes are something critical to the overall health of our eyes. The shape, with a very slight curve and natural structure, creates a rim around the eye, significantly reducing the speed of the air that can move around it and keeping the eye’s moisture at a comfortable level.
Eyelashes are not only a practical aspect of our body. They also play a cosmetic and social role. Since ancient times, large and long eyelashes have been considered a sign of feminine beauty in many cultures. Makeup trends and beauty products that promise to increase eyelashes’ length and thickness only help reinforce this socially acceptable image.
Eyelash growth from a biological point of view.
There is no scientific knowledge that can affect the length of eyelashes. Eyelashes, like hair on any other part of the body, are primarily determined by genetics. Structure of hair follicles, growth cycles + density Genetics also plays a role in the structure of hair follicles, how long they grow before resting and how tightly packed they are.
The average eyelash length is between 7 and 12 millimetres and can be slightly longer or shorter during the growth cycle in both men and women. The eyelash growth cycle consists of three stages:
Anagen: The growth phase in which eyelashes grow to their maximum length. The duration ranges from 30 to 45 days.
The catagen phase (transitional phase) is when eyelashes stop growing. The hair enters the telogen phase, and the follicles become smaller in preparation for shedding. Less offensive; it lasts about two to three weeks.
Telogen phase (resting phase): In the last growth cycle, eyelashes fall out, and new eyelashes grow. It is a total of 100 days in this phase, and it will continue.
The longer a person’s anagen phase is, the longer we can expect the eyelashes to be. This period can vary by individual, with a more prolonged growth phase resulting in longer lashes and a shorter growth phase resulting in shorter lashes. Furthermore, the biological basis of this cycle is the same for both men and women.
Natural hormones and your hair or eyelashes.
Our eyelash growth depends on hormones: – This type of beard is said to be driven by hormones, and this general trend also applies to eyelashes! Testosterone is a man sex hormone that increases hair development on the body, face (beard or moustache), and scalp. However, in the case of eyelashes, this hormone has much less effect on other body parts.
Estrogen and progesterone can show a role in hair growth in women. While it is well known that estrogen produces thicker and fuller hair on other parts of our body, its effect on eyelashes is relatively tiny. Remember that during pregnancy or menopause, hormonal changes can affect the length of a woman’s eyelashes.
As a result, although hormones play a significant role in the distribution of body hair, their influence on eyelash length is somewhat less pronounced.
Are men’s eyelashes longer?
Despite the huge beauty market, men are generally no better off than women regarding eyelashes. According to research, men and women tend to have the same eyelash length (albeit with slight genetic differences)
However, it takes longer to give the impression that men have long eyelashes because they generally don’t modify their eyelids with makeup like mascara or eyelash extensions. Part of this is also because men typically have thicker, coarser facial features, which can make their eyelashes appear longer.
Also, men’s eyelashes can be more noticeable due to differences in the natural curvature of the pencil or facial anatomy, such as when the shape of the eyebrows and the size of the eyes differ from those of women. This amounts to what these small differences do to create the illusion of longer eyelashes without the actual biological difference.
Cultural and aesthetic considerations appear to influence eyelash length. Biometric research summary: eyelash length and impression management culture.
Long eyelashes are synonymous with beauty, especially for women. Almost all cultures prefer long and thick eyelashes on women for an attractive and feminine look. This is the reason for the popularity of cosmetics such as mascara, false eyelashes, and eyelash serums, designed to grow eyelashes longer and make them look more beautiful.
Guys, on the other hand, don’t get as much value out of long eyelashes. Although long eyelashes are something that only many straight men desire, men don’t have the same pressure as women do. That’s why men are often surprised by the idea of having longer eyelashes.
The obsession with long eyelashes, especially in women, may have set an artificial standard for how long women should get compared to men. Of course, this isn’t entirely true, as eyelash length is related to personal genetic factors, not gender.
The Role of Genetics in Eyelash Length
Genetics As mentioned earlier, genetics is one of the most critical factors affecting eyelash length and thickness. From a genetic standpoint, eyelashes have shape, colour, and density, each person’s individuality. This means that some people are born with longer or thicker eyelashes than others due to their genetic background; in other words, the trait they inherited.
Some studies show that people of African descent have curlier and thicker eyelashes, which can make their length appear relatively longer. In contrast, many people of East Asian descent tend to have straighter and thinner eyelashes that may appear shorter (even though the overall length is the same) than others.
These genetic differences are why we cannot say men have longer eyelashes than women. For any significant hormonal or medical abnormality, two men and women with the same genetic background should have approximately the same eyelash length, if possible.
Eyelash Growth Stimulators and Care
According to the data, there are no significant differences in eyelash length between men and women, but it is possible to expose or reduce their length! Ways to keep eyelashes healthy and natural
Proper Nutrition:
Vitamins and Minerals: A diet ironic in vitamins then minerals, such as vitamin E, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids, is excellent for growing healthier and stronger hair, including eyelashes. A healthy, stable diet can help keep your eyelashes thicker for longer by nourishing them from the inside out!
Avoid harsh cosmetics:
Women often use cosmetics that can damage their eyelashes. Mascara, eyelash curlers, and false eyelashes weaken the hairs in the follicles and make them brittle. This is due to these products or mild nourishing formulas that can keep eyelashes healthy and maintained.
Eyelash serums:
Serums that lengthen and thicken eyelashes. The products contain peptides and panthenol, which work to improve eyelash density. Both men and women seek out these products to have naturally longer eyelashes without the expense or hassle of extensions or heavy mascara.
Regular cleansing:
Keeping the area around the eyelid clean will help keep bacteria away and maintain proper hair follicles. Gently cleansing the eyelids and eyelashes can reduce irritation and promote healthier eyelash growth.
Diseases that can affect eyelash growth.
Eyelash growth can also be affected by certain diseases and medications. For example, people with alopecia areata may experience eyelashes that are thin or fall out entirely. For example, chemotherapy often causes temporary loss of eyelashes in cancer patients, but they usually grow back after treatment.
In contrast, trichomegaly means eyelashes that are longer than usual. This unusual condition can occur as an unwanted side effect of using specific substances or as a genetic trait. It should be noted that eyelash growth conditions affect both men and women.
