Overview
#Looksmaxxing surged in late 2023 as young men obsessed over “maximizing” physical appearance through mewing (tongue posture), jawline exercises, skincare, and extreme grooming. The trend had dark incel-adjacent undertones.
Cultural Impact
Looksmaxxing merged self-improvement with toxic masculinity. While some focused on healthy grooming, others spiraled into obsessive rating systems, bone structure fixation, and cosmetic surgery extremes.
Hashtag uses:
- Mewing technique demonstrations
- Before/after transformations
- Jawline exercises and devices
- “Hunter eyes” vs. “prey eyes” discussions
- Attractiveness rating scales (PSL, SMV)
- Bonesmashing warnings (literal face hitting)
Key Moments
- September 2023: TikTok algorithm pushes looksmaxxing content
- October 2023: Mainstream media covers trend’s dark side
- November 2023: Mental health professionals warn about body dysmorphia
Techniques
- Mewing: Tongue on roof of mouth to reshape jaw (pseudoscience)
- Skincare: Multi-step routines, tretinoin, sunscreen
- Grooming: Haircuts, eyebrow shaping, teeth whitening
- Fitness: Low body fat to reveal facial structure
- Extreme: Jaw fillers, implants, bone surgery
Dark Side
Looksmaxxing communities often promoted toxic beliefs: “looks are everything,” rating women, incel ideology. The obsession with “canthal tilt” and bone structure bordered on dysmorphia.
Positive Aspects
Some participants focused on legitimate self-care: skincare, fitness, hygiene. When stripped of toxicity, basic grooming advice had merit.