- Looksmaxxing, a social media-driven trend pushing men to intensely “optimize” their appearance, is becoming widespread.
- It’s related to similar looks-focused movements, like its softer and more extreme counterparts.
- Although frequently framed as self-improvement, health professionals warn these trends can fuel body dysmorphia, anxiety, disordered eating, and even risky behaviors.
- Young men may be especially at risk due to several reasons, such as online messaging about manhood and worth.
A increasing trend on social media is encouraging young men to “optimize” their physical looks.
Referred to as looksmaxxing, the trend focuses on achieving the “perfect” physique and facial features. It mirrors comparable social media trends, called softmaxxing and hardmaxxing, which advocate for practices ranging from rigorous skincare regimens to cosmetic procedures and radical body modification.
While advocates claim these practices can be confidence-building, therapists warn they can intensify body dysmorphia, anxiety, and other unhealthy behaviors.
One mental health professional labeled looksmaxxing as a “social media-driven body dysmorphia craze.”
“Teenagers can succumb to this illusion of acceptance, and what they think women desire from them,” he explained. “They can get trapped in possibly long-term battles with feeling a sense of not being good enough and handling that shortcoming.”
He further described that “Individuals will focus their energies on improving their body based on emotions of low self-worth or insecurity.”
“Individuals can get stuck in a loop of trying to ‘fix’ their looks, but as therapists, we know that if you’re struggling with not good enough or less than, those are the core problems to address with a trained therapist.”
Exploring the Distinctions Among the Looksmaxxing, Softmaxxing, and Hardmaxxing Trends?
Although the terminology differs, the phenomena all have one thing in commonality: the drive to obsessively change one’s looks.
“This trend is fundamentally personal development put on overdrive. It’s reframing the male body as something to be built,” the counselor clarified.
While softmaxxing entails subtler adjustments to one’s looks, often achieved through grooming and lifestyle adjustments, hardmaxxing is more intense.
“It involves serious procedures to transform your appearance, such as rhinoplasty, Botox, surgical hair restoration, and chin surgery. The clear issue with this is that once you open that Pandora’s Box, it’s difficult to close the lid,” he pointed out.
Another licensed therapist summed up the differences.
“There’s nothing wrong with a desire for self-care, and caring for your appearance can build confidence and be gender affirming. But the major distinction is that this trend is rooted in self-loathing and trying to fit in, at the expense of your well-being and safety,” she pointed out.
“The extreme version, on the other hand, seems to be venturing into self-harm territory, especially some of its associated behaviors, like smashing your face with a hammer.”
The Reasons Looksmaxxing Is Especially Popular With Young Men
Why does looksmaxxing appear to be connecting with adolescent boys in particular?
One expert explained that young men, especially adolescents, are typically at a phase of their lives when they are still figuring out who they are, and many may be searching for ways to portray what they view as “the ‘ideal’ version of manhood.”
He also believes trends like this one may be connected to incel culture and the manosphere.
“It gained traction in recent years, with male gurus espousing specific ideals of manhood. These kinds of ‘alpha’ influencers have led some men astray,” he said.
Another specialist offered a additional perspective about potential underlying causes.
“Mental health issues and loneliness are also prevalent right now, making this demographic especially susceptible,” she added.
The Line Between Healthy Self-Improvement and Unhealthy Behaviors
Identifying the boundary separating taking pride in your looks and an unhealthy obsession with how you look can be challenging for many individuals.
“Routines aimed at betterment turn problematic when anxiety is the main motivator; when your rituals are taking up so much mental space that you can’t be present in your daily existence and connections,” one specialist explained.
There are multiple risks linked to these types of unhealthy behaviors.
“Eating disorders and dangerous actions are commonly connected to poor body image, worry, and low self-esteem,” she continued.
“Males are at risk of experiencing shame around their bodies due to cultural pressures that they should be fit and fit. And for some men, it can feel like a challenge to their masculinity and self-worth.”
The other expert noted that, for some individuals who try to make purely external modifications to their physique, it can open the door to harmful, obsessive psychological needs.
“It can spin out of control, and you may believe you must do something to help yourself feel better rather than feeling comfortable in your own body.”
In the end, he said, healthy self-improvement typically doesn’t look like the kind of self-care material that’s trending on apps like TikTok and Instagram.
“It’s about taking care of yourself from the inside,” he emphasized.
Tips for Cultivating Self-Acceptance
Developing greater body acceptance is not a process that occurs quickly, but there are positive actions you can take to start that journey.
Firstly, having complicated emotions about your body is valid and understandable.
One specialist suggested “leaning into” that and finding an outlet for it.
“Creativity is a great way to express those emotions in a way that might even be fun. Try sketching, making a collage, or making a journal to document your experiences,” she advised.
While social media use can fuel unhealthy behaviors and feelings, there are ways to reduce these dangers.
“Subscribe to accounts that promote body positivity and positive male role models. Or engage with individuals who don’t fit into the limited view of masculinity promoted by society,” she
