Looksmaxxing refers to the practice of striving to improve one’s physical appearance through various means such as skincare, grooming, fitness, and style choices. It has gained popularity among young men, with online communities and platforms like TikTok serving as spaces for sharing tips and techniques.
One popular figure in the looksmaxxing community is Dillon Latham, an 18-year-old from Virginia, who has gained over 1.3 million followers on TikTok since starting his account in September 2022. Latham shares advice and tips on looksmaxxing based on techniques borrowed from women’s beauty routines. While skincare, hair care, and sleep are not new concepts for improving appearance, Latham’s influence has brought these tips to a wider audience of young men.
The term “looksmaxxing” originates from incel message boards and the “manosphere,” subcultures that attribute romantic success to genetic advantages such as height and muscle mass. These communities view enhancing one’s physical appearance as a way to increase chances in the dating game. Looksmaxxing is often compared to leveling up a character in a video game, where individuals seek to maximize their “looks-bar stat” by investing points in various aspects of their appearance.
Looksmaxxers on TikTok and other platforms share a wide range of tips and techniques. Skincare is a common focus, with recommendations for cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen. Nutrition and fitness are also emphasized, with guidance to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates, as well as engaging in regular exercise including strength training and cardio for a well-proportioned body.
Oral hygiene is another aspect that looksmaxxers pay attention to, emphasizing daily flossing and teeth-whitening to improve one’s overall appearance. Additionally, some members of the looksmaxxing community turn to more unconventional methods, such as tongue exercises to define the jawline or even the controversial practice of “bone smashing,” which involves breaking one’s own jaw to supposedly reshape it.
While looksmaxxing is often associated with the pursuit of physical attractiveness, it is important to note that self-improvement and self-confidence are underlying motivations for many individuals. By taking care of their appearance and making positive lifestyle changes, looksmaxxers aim to boost their self-esteem and overall well-being.
The looksmaxxing trend has also caught the attention of the fashion industry, with brands like Hockerty offering tailored clothing and emphasizing the importance of investing in high-quality garments for a polished look. Alongside grooming and fitness, fashion plays a role in the looksmaxxing journey, as individuals seek to enhance not only their physical appearance but also their style and presentation.
Overall, looksmaxxing has become a significant trend among young men looking to improve their physical appearance and boost their self-confidence. Through online platforms and communities, individuals share tips, techniques, and support, creating a space for self-improvement and personal growth. While the term may have roots in subcultures focusing on genetic advantages, looksmaxxing has evolved into a broader concept centered on enhancing one’s natural features and overall well-being.