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Time of India

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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo 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 One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change