It seems there is always a new viral trend on social media. One of the most recent is hair transplantation – specifically, Turkish hair transplants. This trend has taken the beauty side of TikTok by storm, bringing awareness to the ever-changing topic of men’s grooming standards.
In the digital age, platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat have made it exponentially easier to influence younger audiences, particularly in regard to the latest beauty standards. Various subreddits, hashtags and digital communities exist solely to recommend self improvement and “glow-up” techniques, while influencers boost products and promote brand deals to their audiences.
What sets recent trends like the Turkish hair transplants apart lies in the methods outlined for “self improvement.”
The era of cold showers, morning stretches and basic personal hygiene is fading. Now, modern influencers have shifted their approach, instead advertising the most affordable, accessible and oftentimes permanent procedures as solutions to insecurities like hair loss, facial symmetry and aging.
Some students have noticed this craze on their social media feeds. “The first time I saw a Turkish hair transplant video, I thought it might be just a one off thing. But now, it seems like so many people are doing it, and the trend has really taken off. Plus, now I even get some videos suggesting cosmetic surgery,” said senior Zach Martinez.
Although the hair transplant trend has since declined, it and many other “self-improvement” videos for young men highlight the changing landscape of society’s male beauty standards. Historically, men have been expected to keep a more masculine and rugged look, suggesting more “natural” ideas.
However, in the last decade prominent pop culture figures like Harry Styles, Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator have helped shift those same expectations to a more feminine, polished look. Even athletes such as TikToker and NBA newcomer Jared McCain, who recently obtained a brand deal with beauty brand Sally Hansen, have introduced nail-painting and new fashion trends to traditionally male-dominated sports communities.
PV junior Anthony Harvey recalled the first time he saw Jared McCain on social media. “He had a real focus on being yourself and not always staying with the latest trends, which made him stand out amongst athletes. Especially his nail painting, which got him some hate at first but eventually fans grew to respect it,” stated Harvey.
While the topic of beauty standards is very much subjective, recent opinions seem to validate the changes identified above.
These changes paired with men’s self-improvement trends from early 2021 have created a culture shaped by social pressure and evolving beauty standards, which in turn has pushed for more extreme, permanent procedures rather than simple tips.
“I remember when it was just influencers telling people to wash their face daily or giving workout routines…Now it has taken a whole new form with almost an insulting tone. Apparently it’s over for me if I don’t fulfill requirements or have perfect genetics,” commented PV graduate Aedan Burkhart.
Although social media has not only amplified promotion of these types of procedures, it has also normalized discussions about male self-improvement and hygiene. While some see this as part of a shift from society’s traditional view of masculinity, others argue it creates pressure to conform to newer, more unrealistic expectations as exemplified by the hair transplant trend.
Regardless, large influencers and companies alike continue to shape society’s impression of male appearance standards, and their impact on younger generations is likely to leave a lasting impact on self-improvement culture.
