Looksmaxxing: When Grooming Turns Bothersome & Deceptive
A brand-new fad called ‘looksmaxxing’ is gaining popularity among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, particularly in India. This trend advertises potentially dangerous approaches to enhance physical appearance, fueled by social media sites and beauty pressures. Experts caution that looksmaxxing is linked to incel ideology and can cause body dysmorphia and mental health concerns, especially among young men.
What is Looksmaxxing
Looksmaxxing is a trend promoting pseudoscientific techniques to achieve various physical enhancements. It combines traditional grooming with extreme methods.
Why Looksmaxxing is Problematic
Looksmaxxing, though appearing as a grooming trend, has concerning origins tied to incel ideology. Influencers often exploit young men’s insecurities to sell appearance-based solutions for attracting women.
Experts warn that such trends can trigger body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, depression, and social anxiety, particularly in regions like India where mental health discussions among men are limited.
The Trend in India
While originating on TikTok, looksmaxxing has gained traction among Indian social media users, especially male beauty and skincare influencers. This trend can lead to unhealthy comparisons, pressure to conform to masculine ideals, and reliance on external validation.
Basic Recommendations
- Maintain dental hygiene
- Stay authentic
- Exercise, rest, hydration, and balanced diet
- Practice reasonable grooming habits
- Foster self-acceptance through therapy and personal growth
Softmaxxing vs. Hardmaxxing
Softmaxxing involves minimal skincare, healthy lifestyle, and stylish clothing. On the other hand, hardmaxxing includes extreme methods like steroids, plastic surgery, and unproven techniques such as bone-smashing and mewing.
Looksmaxxing Sub-Trends
- Gymmaxxing: Building an ideal body through strict workouts
- Moneymaxxing: Focusing on career, wealth, and financial success to enhance attractiveness
