If you've been on social media recently, you've probably seen this viral video about — of all things — neck tape.
But it's not just ANY neck tape — this is Nexsey.
Though Nexsey ($20, Nexsey) launched about a year ago, it's only now that people are hearing (and freaking out) about it. Oh, the power of a viral video!
Nexsey is a medical tape, which according to the brand, "is designed to temporarily tighten skin around the neck, taking years off your appearance."
According to CEO Linda Gomez, Nexsey was created to address the "trouble areas" that come with aging. "I heard from women all over the world," she writes on the Nexsey website. "And neck issues were at the top of the list!"
"As we age, we experience many physical changes and not all women can afford or want surgery. Personally, I was looking for a way to help tighten the neckline without any need for expensive or painful procedures, and after lots of experimenting with different options and tapes, I developed Nexsey as an alternative."
According to the product instructions, you tear off a strip of tape, gather the skin at the back of your neck, then tape it down.
Per the very detailed instructions, you have to make sure that your neck is clean and dry — "Even your hair conditioner can leave [residue] on your neck, causing your Nexsey strip not to stick" — and if you live in humid area, "you may need to carry a back-up strip in your purse."
Each strip should last four to six hours on your skin, and apparently doesn't hurt to put it on, or take it off. You do have to cover the taped area with your hair, or with your clothing, though.
The internet's favorite Glam-ma is even a fan of taping her neck for tutorials.
Her granddaughter, Tea Flego, uses Nexsey tape in her videos to enhance her grandmother's jawline.
But of course, a lot of people have a LOT of feelings about taping one's neck to hide wrinkles.
The internet seems split: reactions have either been "This tape genius, and I need it," or "WTF, that's disgusting, you should love yourself the way you are."
And of course, there's truth on both sides. On one hand, is neck taping silly? Yes. Is it sillier than covering zits with flesh-colored goo? Getting shots in your face to rid of wrinkles? Probably not! If taping back neck-wrinkles helps someone feel amazing about themselves, TAPE AWAY — I am not here to judge anyone's insecurities. This tape is probably better than wasting money on expensive anti-aging creams that promise a lot, and deliver no results.
On the other hand, should women *really* have to tape their freaking necks? It's important to acknowledge what CREATES these insecurities in the first place: the idea that aging in women is "gross." Wrinkles are normal, and they happen to everyone — but only women are encouraged to tape their neck to look hotter, and (of course) skinnier. It's fine to want to look good, but at what point does "good" become ageist and fat-phobic?
You can't fight your age. But according to Gomez, you can tape it away.
You can check out the Nexsey website right here, if you're so inclined.
What do you think about taping your neck? Would you try it?
Let me know all your feelings, complicated or otherwise, in the comments — or over on Facebook!
