Society has given men a set of beauty standards that they must follow just like women. These standards are particularly challenging because they are often not talked about and can lead to an immense amount of pressure on men.

From body hair to muscles, men are expected to look a certain way, which can be debilitating for many. In this article, we will explore the struggles of men in meeting society’s beauty standards and what we can do to help break these unrealistic expectations.

Social media has become a breeding ground for unrealistic beauty standards, and men are not exempt from it. Everywhere we look, men with chiseled abs and toned muscles are being sexualized, objectified, and idealized.

This has led to men feeling immense pressure to look like the men on social media, which can lead to a host of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.

Hair Standards

From body hair to the hair on their heads, men are expected to meet certain hair standards to be considered attractive.

Society often focuses on men’s facial hair, with the expectation that they need to sport a well-groomed beard or mustache to be taken seriously. However, if a man doesn’t grow facial hair quickly, he may face ridicule from his peers. Additionally, men are often expected to have a full head of hair. Those that are bald may feel unattractive and less desirable.

Muscle Standards

When it comes to muscles, men are under a lot of pressure to have a muscular and toned body. The media portrayal of “ideal men” often includes well-defined muscles and low body fat.

This unrealistic standard, however, may not be achievable or sustainable for many men. This expectation can lead to extreme dieting, overtraining, and the use of appearance-enhancing drugs.

Height Standards

Height is one physical trait that men have no control over, yet it is a factor of attraction for many women. Men are often expected to be tall and well-built, which can be challenging for those who are shorter in stature.

Shorter men often report feeling less attractive and having a harder time finding romantic partners than their taller counterparts.

The Stigma Behind Male Beauty Products

While it is becoming more acceptable for men to use beauty products, there is still a stigma surrounding their use. Men are often made to feel less masculine if they use beauty products.

However, with the rise of male grooming brands, there is hope that this stigma will lessen, and men will become more comfortable using products that help them look and feel their best.

Break the Mold

The first step in breaking the unrealistic beauty standards set on men is to recognize that they exist. We need to stop perpetuating these standards and instead celebrate diversity in male beauty.

Men come in different shapes and sizes, and this should be celebrated. We could also use social media as a tool for uplifting all types of men by creating various role models and standards of beauty instead of rigid ones.

Conclusion

The struggles of men to meet society’s beauty standards can be debilitating and lead to a plethora of mental health issues.

It is essential for men to recognize that these standards are often unrealistic and unattainable due to the genetic differences in men. We need to celebrate diversity and challenge these standards so that men can feel comfortable in their own skin.