Looksmaxxing: When grooming turns problematic & misleading
Gen 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 INDIAThough it began on TikTok, the trend has gained traction among Indian social media users too, particularly male beauty and skincare influencers.
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.”
DO THE BASIC
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
LOOKSMAXXING SUB-TRENDS
GYMMAXXINGBuilding an ideal physique through strict workouts and diet plans, often tied to misleading masculinity
MONEYMAXXINGRefers to career building, investing, flaunting wealth and financial success to boost attractiveness
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 INDIAThough it began on TikTok, the trend has gained traction among Indian social media users too, particularly male beauty and skincare influencers.
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.”
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
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
LOOKSMAXXING SUB-TRENDS
GYMMAXXINGBuilding an ideal physique through strict workouts and diet plans, often tied to misleading masculinity
MONEYMAXXINGRefers to career building, investing, flaunting wealth and financial success to boost attractiveness
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