Looksmaxxing: When grooming turns problematic & misleading
AI-generated image for representative purposes only
G
en Z and Gen Alpha have been popularising numerous maxxing trends like sleepmaxxing, geomaxxing, testosteronemaxxing, rizzmaxxing, starvemaxxing, etc. over the past year.
Now, the trend of looksmaxxing is gaining traction. Rise in the number of looksmaxxing influencers, viral content and rising beauty pressure to score romantic connections fuels the trend's resurgence.
WHAT IS LOOKSMAXXING
It is a maxxing trend that promotes pseudoscientific methods to achieve everything – from pouty lips to chin extensions and almond-shaped hunter eyes. The trend is a mix of basic grooming and extreme techniques.
WHY LOOKSMAXXING IS PROBLEMATIC
Looksmaxxing may seem to be just another grooming trend, but its roots are troubling.
Experts say it's tied to incel (involuntarily celibate) ideology, with many influencers exploiting young men's insecurities to promote appearance-based fixes aimed at attracting women.
'The ideology is being rebranded as looksmaxxing,' said Anda Solea, a Portsmouth University researcher. 'While we work to protect women from gender-based violence, we must also be mindful of young men and boys.'
THE TREND IN INDIA
Though it began on TikTok, the trend has gained traction among Indian social media users too, particularly male beauty and skincare influencers.
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Psychologist Parth Gupta says, 'In India, where mental health conversations around men are still rare, such trends can trigger body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, depression, and social anxiety.'
Looksmaxxing can fuel unhealthy comparisons, pressure of masculinity and a constant urge to 'improve' based on external validation. This can lead to dissatisfaction and push them towards risky or costly procedures without expert guidance
Dr Debeshi Bhattacharjee, a cosmetologist
DO THE BASIC
Maintain oral hygiene for clean, white teeth
Stay authentic to be attractive
Prioritise daily exercise, sufficient sleep, hydration and a balanced diet
Embrace realistic grooming habits
Work on self-acceptance. Try therapy, journaling, or honest conversations with mentors
Boost confidence through skills, achievements and personal growth, not just by fixating on looks
(As suggested by Parth Gupta, a psychologist & Dr Debeshi Bhattacharjee, a cosmetologist)
KEY TYPES
SOFTMAXXING
A minimal skincare routine, healthy diet, daily workouts, and stylish clothes to boost attractiveness
HARDMAXXING
Using steroids, plastic surgery, and leg-lengthening procedures to enhance attractiveness. It can involve the following techniques:
Bone-smashing:
Hitting facial bones with hard objects to stimulate bone growth and change the shape
Teeth-whitening:
Applying hydrogen peroxide to the teeth
Mewing:
An unproven method of pressing the tongue to the mouth's roof to improve jawline and facial structure
There is limited scientific evidence claiming the effectiveness of mewing. Further, using hydrogen peroxide in moderation can help in teeth whitening, but overuse can cause sensitivity. Bone smashing, however, is a false technique and can cause injury to facial bones and skin
Dr Satish Bhatia, a dermatologist
LOOKSMAXXING SUB-TRENDS
GYMMAXXING
Building an ideal physique through strict workouts and diet plans, often tied to misleading masculinity
MONEYMAXXING
Refers to career building, investing, flaunting wealth and financial success to boost attractiveness
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