Do Narcissists Have Dead or Black Eyes?

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A deep dive into the research about narcissistic eyes
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Some people say you can identify a narcissist by their dead or black eyes—but is there any truth to this statement? In this article, we’ll explore whether people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) actually have dead eyes, what might cause their eyes to look black, other potential physical traits of someone with NPD, and why this idea is trending now. Just remember that only a licensed therapist can diagnose someone with NPD. [1]

Narcissist Eyes Overview

Some people claim narcissists have “dead eyes” or black eyes. While some studies suggest people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) may have blank eyes, dead eyes aren’t exclusive to people with NPD, and not all people with NPD have dead eyes. Only a licensed professional can diagnose NPD.

Section 1 of 5:

What are "narcissist eyes"?

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  1. Maybe you've seen it trending on TikTok or Instagram: users have taken to social media to share their experiences of dealing with someone they suspect has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Many of them claim the person's eyes appeared "black" (as if their eyes were dilated), empty, or soulless and that they have an intense gaze or stare.
    • There’s limited research on the subject, but some studies suggest people who struggle to feel empathy (such as those with NPD) may actually experience dilated pupils less frequently than those who don’t. [2]
    • Claims that people with NPD have dead eyes, on the other hand, may be more accurate: research has suggested that people who struggle to experience empathy or have difficulty processing their emotions (both symptoms of NPD, but not exclusively) may possess a dead-eyed or vacant look and avoid looking others in the eye.
    • Note that you can't tell if someone is a "narcissist" just by looking at them, and only a licensed therapist can diagnose someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
    • Some people on social media embrace the dead eyes look and purposefully try to achieve it with makeup for aesthetic reasons.
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Section 2 of 5:

Why Some People May Have "Dead Eyes"

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  1. While not every person with NPD will have dead or black eyes (and, conversely, not everyone with dead or black eyes will have NPD), some studies have suggested there is a link between difficulty feeling empathy towards others and having dead eyes. [3] However, a lack of empathy is a possible symptom of several different personality disorders, including NPD, Bipolar Disorder (BPD) , and Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).
  2. People who have undergone a severe trauma—such as combat veterans or victims of abuse—and are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder may sometimes have a vacant or dead-eyed look. A blank gaze may indicate the person has dissociated from reality due to the trauma they’ve experienced. [4]
    • The term “1000-yard stare,” which refers to a vacant, tired facial expression, was originally coined to describe the blank gaze seen on the faces of combat veterans.
  3. Simply not getting enough sleep or attending a boring lecture could give someone a dead-eyed look—also sometimes called “staring into space” or "zoning out." After getting more sleep or doing something more stimulating, their gaze will likely become more lively again.
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Section 3 of 5:

Can you tell if someone is a narcissist based on their looks?

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  1. According to one study, people with NPD may have fuller, better-groomed eyebrows. In the study, participants were able to accurately pick out people with NPD based on images of their eyes and brows. [6]
    • Interestingly enough, when participants were only showed pictures of the top half of the face, they were able to accurately pick out those with NPD, but when showed pictures of the bottom half of the face, they were unable to identify who had NPD.
    • And when the participants were shown only a person's eyes (without the brows), they weren't able to accurately determine if the person had NPD or not.
    • This indicates that eyebrows may be more helpful in identifying narcissism than "narcissist eyes." Still, it's not a black-and-white science, and it doesn't mean you can diagnose NPD at a glance.
  2. Everyone likes to look good, but people with NPD tend to go the extra mile. Research suggests people with NPD may be more likely than people without to pay extra attention to how they dress and groom themselves, as well as to highly value physical appearances generally. [7]
    • Female narcissists in particular may be more likely to wear excessive eye makeup and revealing clothing.
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Section 4 of 5:

Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

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  1. Perhaps the most notable symptom of Narcissistic Personality Disorder is an endless craving for admiration and recognition. People with NPD often struggle with low self-esteem and an uncertain sense of self which can lead them to rely on external validation from others. [8]
  2. Stemming from their sense of inferiority and need for validation, people with NPD may act as if they're entitled to special privileges and treatment. They may make themselves seem more important than they really are and insist on getting their own way. [9]
    • This sense of entitlement can make them act superior to others (despite believing, very deep down, that they're inferior). They may choose to only spend time with people who are their "equals" and believe that they can only be understood by "special" people.
    • Being entitled may also make them more likely to take advantage of others or to manipulate others to get what they want.
    EXPERT TIP

    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW

    Psychotherapist
    Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
    Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
    Psychotherapist

    Narcissists tend to have a sense of entitlement. They may want to think that they are right in every argument, so there's going to be a lot of defensiveness, there's not going to be much empathy for the other person's feelings. And they also seek admiration all the time.

  3. While you can't necessarily identify someone with NPD based on their looks, some studies suggest they may be visibly quicker to anger when they feel rejected or humiliated. [10] Because people with NPD tend to be concerned with how they appear to others and have a high need for admiration, you may notice after they experience disappointment or receive negative feedback that their eyebrows may furrow in frustration, compared to someone without NPD, who may be more likely to just let the disappointment roll off their shoulders. [11]
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Section 5 of 5:

Final Thoughts

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  1. It would be very convenient if we could, but unfortunately, only a licensed therapist can really make that call. [12] While some people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder may have dead eyes, there’s just not enough evidence to suggest you can spot someone with NPD at a glance.
    • Rather than wondering whether someone you know has NPD, consider asking yourself if you feel safe and happy with them, regardless of any diagnosis. If the answer is no, it’s reason enough to keep your distance or set some boundaries.

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      • Remember that while someone may have certain physical traits of a "narcissist," it doesn’t automatically mean they have Narcissistic Personality Disorder. [13]
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      • At the end of the day, how someone treats others is more important than how they look—so pay attention to how you feel around them to see if you feel safe with them.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
      2. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301051117301229
      3. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301051117301229
      4. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7488310/
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5197-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-in-adults
      6. ↑ https://rule.psych.utoronto.ca/pubs/2019/Giacomin2019.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Samuel-Gosling/publication/222511498_Portrait_of_a_narcissist_Manifestations_of_narcissism_in_physical_appearance/links/5afd74880f7e9b98e069c95d/Portrait-of-a-narcissist-Manifestations-of-narcissism-in-physical-appearance.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
      9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
      1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
      2. ↑ https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/narcissism-face-and-social-interaction/latest-news/media-posts
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662

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