Welcome to a fascinating journey through the world of beauty standards! As the saying goes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to the diverse cultural norms and trends that exist across the globe. As ax result, what is considered attractive in one part of the world might be seen as peculiar or even unappealing in another. Through a collection of captivating photos, we will explore how people in different regions of the world strive to achieve their own unique beauty standards. So, get ready to broaden your horizons and appreciate the diversity of beauty in our world!
Untouched Unibrows – Tajikistan
In Western beauty standards, the general consensus is that less hair is more attractive. As a result, it is not uncommon for people to remove hair from all over their bodies, and perfecting the shape of eyebrows can take hours. However, in Tajikistan, this perspective is quite different. The beauty standards in Tajikistan celebrate the presence of excess facial hair, particularly in the eyebrows. Therefore, having a unibrow is often considered desirable, and those who possess one may be viewed as the most beautiful in their town.
The beauty standard of a full unibrow is equally applicable to both men and women in Tajikistan. Therefore, they aspire to have a thick and well-defined unibrow. It is not uncommon for young children to draw a unibrow with a pencil if they do not naturally possess one.
Crooked Teeth – Japan
While straight teeth are considered a beauty standard in many parts of the world, Japan has a unique perspective on dental aesthetics. Unlike the widespread use of braces in other countries, it is not the norm in Japan, and many people choose to leave their teeth uncorrected and embrace their natural crookedness. Crooked teeth are considered endearing and attractive, and numerous individuals in Japan prefer misaligned teeth over perfectly straight ones. Perhaps there is even a market for “reverse braces” in Japan!
This unique beauty standard in Japan could potentially offer an interesting business opportunity. For example, there might be a market for services that help people restore their naturally crooked teeth or eliminate the need for retainers. Those who had braces in the past could even let their teeth gradually shift back to their original, endearing, crookedness.
Facial Tattoos – New Zealand
Tattoos have gained widespread popularity across the world, but in many cultures, they are typically restricted to parts of the body below the neck. However, this is not the case among the Māori tribe of New Zealand, where facial tattoos are common and considered a symbol of beauty. As a result, each tattoo is rich in meaning and significance, indicating not only a woman’s position within the tribe but also her tribal affiliation.
In a way, having facial tattoos is akin to wearing a name tag on your face wherever you go. While it may have its advantages, such as ease of identification, it can also be challenging to have everyone instantly know significant details about you upon first meeting.
Intentional Scars – West Africa
In many cultures, people go to great lengths to conceal their scars, especially if they are the result of an accident or injury. However, this perspective is quite different in some regions of the world. For instance, in certain African tribes and New Guinea, it is customary to scar oneself deliberately. These scars are viewed as a symbol of beauty and are even celebrated.
The scars that are intentionally inflicted are usually prevalent among men and serve as a testament to their courage and status as warriors. Rather than being concealed, these marks are proudly displayed as symbols of strength and fortitude.
Eyeball Implants – Netherlands
If you’re not from the Netherlands, you may not be familiar with the concept of an extraocular implant. This term refers to a surgical procedure that involves inserting a small piece of molded platinum into a person’s eye. The implant can be customized to suit the individual’s preferences in terms of design and shape.
You may be unfamiliar with the notion of extraocular implants, but if you visit the Netherlands, you might encounter individuals sporting small shapes in their eyes. This could come as a surprise, but it is a relatively common occurrence in the country.
Sharpened, Pointy Teeth – Indonesia
Teeth are a critical factor in determining the beauty of a smile, according to many aesthetic standards. While a white, straight, and clean set of teeth is the most prevalent beauty standard, not every culture adheres to this norm. In Indonesia, the definition of tooth beauty is rather unique. They believe that the sharper the teeth, the more beautiful the smile. As this trait is not typically natural, many women file their teeth to achieve this look.
Despite the potential discomfort of filing teeth to a point and the difficulties of using them on a daily basis, achieving sharp teeth through filing is still a prevalent practice in Indonesia.
Tattooing Your Gums – Senegal
Tattoos are a widely popular form of body art in many cultures worldwide. However, the placement and style of tattoos can differ depending on the region. For instance, in New Zealand, tattoos on the lips and chins are preferred, while in India, Henna tattoos on hands and feet are popular. In Senegal, women consider tattooed gums to be a unique and attractive addition to their smile, which has led to this practice becoming increasingly common.
Given the location of the gum tattoos, the pain and the required time to recover may be significant. Thus, it’s impressive to see how dedicated the women in Senegal are to achieving a unique and beautiful smile through this practice.
Larger, Shapely Noses – Afghanistan
In contrast to the prevailing beauty standards favoring a specific nose shape, Afghanistan celebrates the local appearance and urges individuals to keep their prominent and distinctive noses. The desire for a small button nose that is trendy in many cultures is not universal. Afghan women, in particular, often seek procedures to enhance the size of their noses.
The concept of beauty varies greatly across the world, and it’s interesting to see how different cultures embrace various physical traits. So it’s admirable that Afghanistan is celebrating the natural beauty of its people and encouraging them to embrace their unique features.
Plastic Surgery Bandages – Iran
While many people worldwide prefer to keep their plastic surgery discreet, it’s a different story in Iran, where people proudly display their surgery bandages. Instead of staying indoors during the recovery period, they take to the streets showing off their bandages for all to see. It’s quite an unusual and surprising approach to plastic surgery.
Nose jobs are particularly common in Iran for both men and women, and many people opt for the procedure to straighten their noses when they are born with a crooked one.
Stained Teeth – China
Have you ever assumed those sparkling white teeth are universally considered the epitome of beauty? Well, think again! In certain rural regions of China, the opposite holds true. Here, not only is teeth-brushing not promoted to maintain a pearly-white smile but there is even encouragement to embrace dark and blackened teeth. Certain tribes in these areas go to the extent of dyeing their teeth black to enhance their appearance.
In some tribes, darkened teeth signify a woman’s marital status, and this is a prevalent tradition. But, on the bright side, at least they don’t have to worry about brushing their teeth anymore!
Stretched Necks – Burma
Are you looking to have a neck as graceful as a giraffe’s? While this may seem like an unlikely beauty aspiration, an elongated neck is highly coveted in numerous cultures worldwide. However, suppose you weren’t born with this feature and happen to reside in a country such as Burma; fret not. There are neck-stretching devices, like the jewelry shown in the image, that can assist you in achieving the desired look.
A similar phenomenon can be observed in several African tribes too, where an elongated neck is considered an attractive attribute and a symbol of beauty, particularly for women.
Hair Everywhere – France
In recent times, the prevailing Western beauty ideal has been to remove almost all body hair, considering it the epitome of attractiveness. Nevertheless, some nations choose to disregard this trend and embrace their own beauty standards. For instance, in certain European countries, most notably France, it is acceptable for women to retain their natural body hair (much like men do). The presence of underarm and leg hair does not detract from a woman’s beauty in these cultures.
This beauty practice in France is so alluring that it may entice us to relocate! The idea of never having to use a razor again is incredibly appealing and sounds like paradise.
Keeping on Extra Weight – Mauritania
Diet culture has been a pervasive force globally for several years, with thinness being highly valued. Although the emphasis on extreme thinness has been reduced recently, most societies still do not promote weight gain. However, this is not the case in Mauritania, where additional weight is encouraged, and the more, the better. In this culture, carrying extra weight is a symbol of affluence and prosperity.
In Mauritania, if you happen to be extremely thin, individuals may assume that you are impoverished and lack sufficient access to food. In this culture, weight equates to affluence, and people anticipate others to flaunt it.
Fake Tans – USA
In the West, obtaining a bronzed or tanned complexion has gained significant popularity. Individuals are willing to spend extended periods under the sun to achieve a sun-kissed appearance. However, in the 2000s, the trend towards fake tans became so prevalent that spray tans, tanning beds, and excessive amounts of bronzer became essential for everyone.
The most intriguing aspect of this trend was that the fake tans were frequently apparent as they did not appear realistic.
Large Nose Plugs – India
Moving to India, we can examine the Apatani tribe’s notion of beauty. As exhibited by this stunning woman, they place significance on a nose plug. Similar to a piercing or gauge, it is inserted into the nostrils and can be situated on one or both sides, with varying sizes (with larger plugs being more desirable).
The practice of inserting nose plugs among the Apatani tribe in India is akin to the tradition of earlobe stretching in some African tribes. If the nose plug is removed, it will likely result in a large, gaping hole similar to stretched earlobes in African cultures.
Red Skin – Namibia
Beauty standards and skincare routines for skin can differ from one region to another. For instance, beauty ideals can take on different forms in certain parts of Africa. For instance, in the Himba tribe of Namibia, a reddish skin tone is considered desirable. However, since their skin is not naturally reddish, they have developed a paste that is applied to the skin on a daily basis.
The Himba tribe in Namibia has developed a paste made from clay and oil or fat, which they apply daily to their skin to protect it from the harsh sun. This paste not only serves as a sunscreen but also gives their skin a desirable reddish tone, which has become a fashionable beauty standard within the tribe.
Stick Piercings – Brazil
Here they are presenting the latest trend in piercings from various parts of the globe. While it may seem similar to the elongated cheek piercings seen in Thailand, it is distinct in its own right. The women of the Yanomami clans, residing in the South American rainforest, exhibit unique beauty. They adorn themselves with multiple sticks protruding from around their mouth area.
While it may seem inconvenient to have these sticks protruding from the mouth, it is not the most uncomfortable or extreme beauty practice on this list.
Unnaturally Wide Eyes – Parts of Asia
In response to the pervasive influence of Western beauty standards on other cultures, many Asian countries have developed a preference for more enormous, more Western-style eyes. Bigger eyes are highly valued in South Korea, Japan, and several other Asian countries. Unfortunately, this is a difficult trait to alter if one is not naturally born with it.
There are surgical procedures available to alter the shape of the eyes and make them appear larger, but they are not widely accessible due to their cost and low prevalence.
Larger Foreheads – Parts of Africa
While many cultures value a full head of hair and are concerned with a receding hairline that results in a high forehead, the beauty standards in many African tribes are quite different. A receding hairline is not a concern at all and is considered one of the most beautiful features a person could have. Some people even take steps to create a higher forehead artificially.
Tribal women often intentionally remove portions of their hairline to create the illusion of a more prominent or higher forehead, which is considered one of the most desirable features in many African cultures. This practice involves the removal of entire sections of the hairline.
Extra Long Locks – India
Long hair is highly prized in many cultures worldwide, often considered a symbol of beauty and femininity. In India, however, the value of long hair is especially pronounced. Rooted in Hindu spirituality and tradition, the trend for long hair has inspired many women to grow their hair to extraordinary lengths. Often, the hair is grown specifically to be donated as a spiritual offering to a temple.
This woman’s hair is so long it could rival even Rapunzel’s famous locks!
“Glass Skin” – South Korea
Skincare and having a youthful, wrinkle-free complexion are prized in virtually every culture. People worldwide spend countless hours on skincare routines and purchase numerous creams to maintain a fresh and youthful appearance. In South Korea, however, they take it up a notch with their pursuit of “glass skin.” What exactly is glass skin, you may wonder? It is the most perfect type of skin that appears luminous and transparent.
Women in South Korea are said to follow a ten-step skincare regimen to achieve and maintain perfect, glass-like skin. However, this routine not only requires a significant amount of time but can also be quite costly.
Turmeric-Stained Skin – India
During a trip to India, it is highly probable that one would come across vast amounts of turmeric. It is an essential ingredient in the cuisine, and it is also widely used on the skin. However, it has a strong propensity to leave stains on everything it comes in contact with, as anyone who has tried to remove turmeric stains from clothing can attest.
Consider this: it’s quite popular in India to apply turmeric-based face masks, which results in a slight yellow tint to the skin. But fret not, as this is actually considered a desirable beauty trait!
Shaved and Bald Heads – Parts of Africa
In certain African cultures, having a shaved head is highly valued as a beautiful and trendy hairstyle. This is in stark contrast to many other places where longer hair or intricate hairstyles are considered the epitome of beauty. For those who follow this trend, a bald head is not only a symbol of beauty but also offers an easy hair care routine.
It would be convenient if this standard of beauty also applied to men, as they wouldn’t have to worry about finding solutions for their receding hairlines.
Rosy Under Eyes – Japan
In the past, having discolored under eyes was regarded as an undesirable trait, and people would go to great lengths to conceal them. However, this perception changed with the emergence of Gen Z, as rosy or reddish under eyes are now considered a beautiful feature. In Japan, women even apply blush in this area to achieve the desired look.
In Japan, the makeup trend that involves reddish or rosy under eyes is actually called the “sickly” look. It’s fortunate that people who are actually sick don’t need to put on makeup to look trendy.
Super Thick Lips – USA
The trend for extremely plump lips has become widespread in recent years, partially thanks to the Kardashian clan. The bigger the lips, the better seems to be the case. As most people are not naturally born with enormous lips, many are turning to botox, lip fillers, and surgeries to create the perfect pout. Countless celebrities have embraced this look, making it the beauty standard for society at large.
The desire for plump lips has led some people to extreme measures, such as taping their upper lip to the area under their nose in order to create the appearance of fuller, more voluminous lips.
Body Paint Made of Chalk – Ethiopia
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to adorn your body with unique designs and paint it with white chalk? While it might not be something that has crossed your mind, it is a common practice among some tribes in Ethiopia. The Caro tribe, in particular, is known for using white chalk body paint. Both men and women decorate their bodies with spider-web-like motifs to enhance their beauty and stand out as the most attractive individuals in the village.
It might be an enjoyable role to become the village artist who creates these designs on the Caro tribe members’ bodies. However, being polite to them is essential; otherwise, you might end up with the most unappealing design.
Larger Booties – USA
It’s amazing to witness how rapidly beauty trends can evolve in society. One moment, having a flat bottom is deemed as the ideal beauty standard (in the 90s, the flatter, the better), but within a few years, the complete opposite becomes popular. Currently, in the USA, many people are aiming to enhance the size of their lower half, taking inspiration from Kim Kardashian and the rest of the Kardashian family.
The current beauty standard emphasizes a large bottom and a small waist. The classic hourglass figure has now replaced the slim and straight shape that was trendy in the 90s and 00s.
Stretched Out Earlobes – Masai African Tribes
In most cultures, earrings are a popular form of jewelry. However, in many African tribes, the use of earrings goes beyond fashion. The practice of stretching ear lobes with earrings is common, especially in the Masai tribe in Eastern Africa, where they are renowned for their exceptionally elongated earlobes.
In the Masai tribe, having an elongated earlobe is considered a symbol of social status, particularly among women. The larger the earlobe, the greater the status one can achieve.
Uber Pale Skin – China
If you have ever noticed people from China using a sun umbrella on a hot summer day, it could be because of their beauty standards. Unlike many Western countries, the Chinese consider pale skin to be a desirable trait. In fact, the paler the skin, the better. Therefore, sun tans are not popular and are avoided at all costs. They even use beauty products containing mild bleaching agents to maintain light skin.
While some individuals may resort to using skin-bleaching products, the majority of Chinese people avoid the sun, use a sun umbrella, or wear a mask to preserve their fair skin complexion.
Henna Tattoos – India
On the subject of tattoos, India has a well-known tradition that has gained worldwide attention in recent years. Women in India commonly wear henna tattoos, which are temporary designs made from the natural dye of the henna plant. These tattoos are especially popular during special occasions and are intricately designed and aesthetically pleasing. While they can be placed on any part of the body, henna tattoos are typically found on the hands and feet.
This beauty standard is not only harmless but also artistic and temporary, making it a highly attractive option. Henna tattoos are ideal for those who desire a tattoo but can’t seem to settle on a permanent design.
Perfect Teeth – USA
Orthodontists in the United States are known for having a constant flow of work, with an abundance of children in need of teeth straightening. In American culture, straight and pearly white teeth are highly valued, making orthodontics a promising career choice. Unlike some other countries, the US places a greater emphasis on perfectly aligned and bright teeth rather than sharp teeth as the epitome of beauty.
In the US, teeth whitening and straightening procedures are highly sought after. Even individuals with near-perfect teeth often invest thousands of dollars in orthodontic treatments to improve the alignment of their teeth.
The Pear Shape – Brazil
Being perceived as having a pear-shaped body is something that many individuals fear. This body type is often stigmatized and regarded as unattractive in Western media. However, this is not the case in Brazil. The pear shape, referred to as the “guitar shape” there, is deemed the epitome of an ideal body shape, and people aspire to attain it. In Brazil, having larger buttocks and a smaller chest is highly desirable.
Similar to many other nations, appearing excessively thin is not considered attractive in some cultures. Instead, it is viewed as a symbol of poverty. It is commonly believed that being thin suggests that an individual is undernourished and possibly lacking financial resources.
Heart Shaped Face – South Korea
While many cultures have established beauty standards, a particular facial shape is typically not a significant factor. However, South Korea differs from this norm, as having a heart-shaped face is highly desired. This desire is so intense that even a brief visit to the country will reveal numerous advertisements for surgical procedures aimed at achieving this coveted facial shape.
The most prevalent method of attaining the desired appearance among women is through comprehensive chin plastic surgery. This procedure aims to create a more pointed appearance, resulting in a perfect heart-shaped face.
The Natural Look – France
This beauty standard is one that most individuals readily embrace. While heavy makeup is a common practice in various regions of the world, there are numerous women who do not feel attractive unless they wear a full face of cosmetics. However, in France, this practice is discouraged. Instead, the natural, makeup-free appearance is more highly valued and commonly preferred among women.
This approach is rooted in French culture, which cherishes individuality and celebrates natural beauty. It is hoped that this beauty standard will gain popularity worldwide in the near future.
Thin Noses – South Korea
South Korea has a number of distinctive beauty standards, and the latest one pertains to nose size. In South Korea, having a thinner nose is considered more desirable. Along with other features like double eyelids and larger eyes, many of these standards are influenced by Western beauty ideals. However, the obsession with heart-shaped faces may be unique to South Korea and not widespread across the globe.
Individuals are known to pinch their noses in an attempt to achieve a slimmer nose profile. However, the effectiveness of this method is a topic of debate.
General Piercing – USA
Piercings of various types are a popular trend in numerous countries worldwide. They are generally regarded as aesthetically pleasing, whether it is nose piercings, cheek piercings (as in Thailand), or other forms of facial piercings. In the United States, facial piercings are widespread and popular, with ear piercings, eyebrow piercings, and nose piercings being the most common. For some people, the adage “the more, the merrier” applies to piercings.
While piercings are not mandatory to be considered attractive in the US, they are prevalent and can certainly enhance a person’s cool factor. For example, young adults frequently get piercings to cultivate a cooler or more rugged appearance.
Double Eyelids for Wider Eyes – South Korea
If you intend to relocate to South Korea, it is essential to be aware of the country’s strict beauty standards. Apart from the preference for a heart-shaped face, they also place a high value on having a double eyelid. While some individuals naturally possess this trait, it can be artificially created. The reason for this practice is to make the eyes appear wider and more attractive, according to South Korean beauty standards.
Surgery is an option for those wishing to achieve this appearance artificially. However, most people opt for the simpler method of using a small piece of tape to create the double eyelid.
Squiggle Brows – USA
If you believed that the unibrow of Tajikistan was an unusual beauty standard, then let us introduce you to the squiggle brow. It is unclear whether people grew tired of the eyebrow trends or genuinely consider this look appealing. Still, it did emerge among beauty and fashion bloggers and influencers in the US. Aside from appearing extremely labor-intensive, it resembles a worm-like shape above the eye.
This trend will most likely be one of those that people will look back on with embarrassment, remembering what they used to do in order to appear fashionable or attractive.
Pierced Cheeks – Thailand
Piercings are a common beauty trend around the world, with ear piercings being the most popular. However, there are a variety of piercings, such as bellybutton and nose piercings. In Thailand, cheek piercings are trendy for both men and women, even though the piercing process may seem painful, depending on the size of the piercing.
Cheek piercing is not only a beauty trend but also a symbol of religious devotion. However, it is not limited to religious individuals and is also popular among non-religious people.
Chiseled Teeth – Parts of Africa
Tooth chiseling is a common beauty standard among many African tribes, where women are expected to have a particular shape to their teeth. This painful procedure is done every year to achieve a beautiful and fierce look. However, it is quite effective in making the teeth look sharp and intimidating.
Although tooth chiseling is believed to make a woman more beautiful and increase her status in many African tribes, the painful procedure raises the question of whether beauty should require suffering.