Celebrity-fueled ‘bleph bun’ trend gains popularity as hairstyle mimics eyelid lift, but experts warn of long-term hair damage
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Oct 03, 2025, 21:33 IST
Celebrity-fueled ‘bleph bun’ trend gains popularity as hairstyle mimics eyelid lift, but experts warn of long-term hair damage
Highlight of the story: The sleek, slicked-back bun — dubbed the “bleph bun” for its similarity to a surgical eyelid lift — has become a red-carpet favorite. The trend, fueled by high-profile celebrities, gives a sculpted and lifted look without cosmetic procedures. However, medical experts warn that prolonged use of this hairstyle could damage hair follicles, potentially leading to permanent hair loss.
TL;DR
Celebrities Anne Hathaway, Ariana Grande, and Lindsay Lohan's popular "bleph bun" haircut is marketed as a substitute for eyelid lift surgery for free. Although the look gives a short-term "new face" effect, experts warn that repeated pulling can cause traction alopecia and permanent hair loss.
The Rise of the 'Bleph Bun'
What was once a basic fashion trend, the slicked-back bun is being repackaged as the "bleph bun," named after blepharoplasty, the medical procedure for an eyelid lift. By tugging the hair back tightly, the look shifts the brows temporarily, erases crow's feet, and changes the position of the eyes, giving the face a lifted, revitalized look.
Fashion magazine Allure first highlighted the term, calling attention to the bun's twin function as both a stylish look and a cosmetic deception.
Celebrities Driving the Trend
From Ariana Grande's trademark ponytail to Anne Hathaway's extremely tight updo during New York Fashion Week, the style has caught on fast in Hollywood. Hathaway's look raised eyebrows as to whether she had plastic surgery, with people remarking on her "new face."
Health Risks Behind the Style
The bleph bun may come as a free way to simulate cosmetic alterations, but dermatologists and hair technicians warned about some pitfalls. Healthline warned that constantly putting hair into really tight styles such as buns, ponytails, or braids could lead to traction alopecia, which is basically hair loss caused by repeated tension on follicles.
Traction alopecia: follicles can get scarred, meaning they stop producing hair and the hair loss becomes permanent. Experts advise wearing alternate looser styles to lessen such long-term risk.
A Fashion and Health Degree
For many, bleph bun stands for empowerment and aesthetic trial, a sort of surgical-free high-fashion glamour. But medical experts want you to take it in moderation. By adopting looser hairstyles or protective methods, they say fans can appreciate the look while still protecting themselves from lasting damage.
FAQs
Celebrities Anne Hathaway, Ariana Grande, and Lindsay Lohan's popular "bleph bun" haircut is marketed as a substitute for eyelid lift surgery for free. Although the look gives a short-term "new face" effect, experts warn that repeated pulling can cause traction alopecia and permanent hair loss.
The Rise of the 'Bleph Bun'
What was once a basic fashion trend, the slicked-back bun is being repackaged as the "bleph bun," named after blepharoplasty, the medical procedure for an eyelid lift. By tugging the hair back tightly, the look shifts the brows temporarily, erases crow's feet, and changes the position of the eyes, giving the face a lifted, revitalized look.
Fashion magazine Allure first highlighted the term, calling attention to the bun's twin function as both a stylish look and a cosmetic deception.
Celebrities Driving the Trend
From Ariana Grande's trademark ponytail to Anne Hathaway's extremely tight updo during New York Fashion Week, the style has caught on fast in Hollywood. Hathaway's look raised eyebrows as to whether she had plastic surgery, with people remarking on her "new face."
Health Risks Behind the Style
The bleph bun may come as a free way to simulate cosmetic alterations, but dermatologists and hair technicians warned about some pitfalls. Healthline warned that constantly putting hair into really tight styles such as buns, ponytails, or braids could lead to traction alopecia, which is basically hair loss caused by repeated tension on follicles.
Traction alopecia: follicles can get scarred, meaning they stop producing hair and the hair loss becomes permanent. Experts advise wearing alternate looser styles to lessen such long-term risk.
A Fashion and Health Degree
For many, bleph bun stands for empowerment and aesthetic trial, a sort of surgical-free high-fashion glamour. But medical experts want you to take it in moderation. By adopting looser hairstyles or protective methods, they say fans can appreciate the look while still protecting themselves from lasting damage.
FAQs
- What is the “bleph bun”?A slicked-back bun or ponytail styled so tightly that it creates a lifting effect similar to an eyelid lift.
- Is the bleph bun dangerous?Infrequent use is harmless, but constant usage tends to lead to traction alopecia that may lead to permanent hair loss.
- How can risks be minimized?Practitioners recommend the changeover to looser styles, refraining from constant pulling, and giving hair follicles time to recover.