The ‘bleph bun’: Celebs are using this tight updo as a free eyelift

The slicked-back bun, a style staple seen everywhere from red carpets to runways, is making waves again, this time for its unexpected cosmetic effects. It has sparked fresh interest in the style, with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Anne Hathaway, Lindsay Lohan, Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber embracing the look.

The fascination with this new face effect is aligned with a broader beauty trend of subtle enhancements that appear natural, as opposed to the more dramatic makeovers of the past. Plastic surgeons note that minimal work on the face is now more sought-after than noticeable procedures.

What is it

Dubbed the 'bleph bun,' it is a hairstyle involving an ultra-tight updo that gives eyelids a lift, thanks to its ability to subtly reshape the face. By pulling the hair taut, the bun redirects brows and eye corners to a higher angle while smoothing out fine lines around the eyes.

It damages the hair

While the bleph bun may make your face look lifted and clean, it can damage your hair. Dr Ameesha Mahajan, cosmetic dermatologist, says, "When hair strands are pulled with strong tension, it weakens the hair follicles, causing breakage and thinning of hair around the hairline. In some cases, it can even cause traction alopecia (hair loss caused by chronic hair pulling)."