Beauty is often said to be in the eye of the beholder, yet we sometimes forget this and get caught up in unrealistic beauty standards—whether it’s having more curves, fewer curves, blonde hair, or long legs. These moments of comparison can take a toll on self-esteem.
As someone who values style but leads a busy life, I don’t have time for self-doubt, and I’m guessing you don’t either. That’s why exploring unique beauty trends from around the world can serve as a refreshing reminder that beauty comes in many forms. Instead of chasing someone else’s ideal, we can appreciate the beauty that already exists—right in the mirror.
In the U.S., a perfect smile typically means straight, white teeth, which is why many people invest in braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic treatments. But in Japan, a different aesthetic is admired. Some young women undergo procedures to achieve “yaeba,” or slightly crooked, protruding canines, which are considered charming and youthful.
For the women of Thailand’s Kayan tribe, an elongated neck is the ultimate beauty standard. Starting as young as four or five, they wear heavy brass rings around their necks, gradually adding more over time. This process creates the illusion of a longer neck, a highly prized feature in their culture.
Tribal tattoos have gained popularity in the U.S. as a form of self-expression, but for New Zealand’s Maori people, Ta-Moko tattoos are deeply rooted in cultural identity and beauty. These intricate black and dark blue patterns are carved into the skin, leaving raised ridges rather than a smooth surface. Women often wear them on their lips and chins as a mark of heritage and status.
While some Americans opt for earlobe reduction surgery, the Maasai people of Kenya take the opposite approach. Both men and women stretch their earlobes over time using weights or large jewelry, as elongated earlobes are seen as a sign of wisdom and beauty.
In 2008, an Oprah special highlighted Iran’s fascination with rhinoplasty, a trend that remains strong today. Many Iranian women, including those living in the U.S., undergo nose jobs. Interestingly, some choose to wear their post-surgery bandages long after healing, turning them into a status symbol.
In Indonesia’s Mentawai culture, beauty is defined by sharp, pointed teeth. Women undergo a painful chiseling procedure to achieve this look, which is associated with high status and attractiveness within their community.
A more modern beauty trend, velaterapia—or candle-cutting—gained global attention in 2014 as a treatment for split ends. The process involves twisting sections of hair and burning off the damaged ends with a candle flame. Advocates claim this method is more precise than scissors and allows the hair to absorb conditioning treatments more effectively. Even supermodel Gisele Bündchen has reportedly embraced this technique.
These diverse beauty standards remind us that there’s no single definition of attractiveness. Instead of chasing trends, we can celebrate the unique features that make us who we are.