Unusual beauty standards around the world  

Beauty is defined in different ways across the world. What is considered attractive in one country may be completely different in another. While beauty is universally valued, its standards vary widely. This article explores several long-standing beauty traditions that may seem unusual to outsiders.  

 Women with long necks  

In Myanmar, women from the Kayan ethnic group are known for wearing metal rings to elongate their necks. These rings are not only a symbol of beauty but also indicate a woman’s social status and age. Girls often begin wearing them at the age of five or six, depending on their family’s financial situation.  Locals believe that the longer the neck, the more beautiful the woman. However, the Kayan people say the tradition originally began as a way to make women less attractive to enemy tribes, discouraging abductions. Over time, the perception changed, and the practice is now upheld as a cultural heritage. Despite its significance, wearing rings has drawbacks. As their number increases, so does their weight, sometimes reaching up to 20 kilograms. Even lighter rings make agricultural work difficult and painful. More alarmingly, after years of wearing them, removing the rings can be dangerous, as the cervical spine may become too weak to support the head, potentially leading to fatal injuries.  

“Beautiful” men of the Wodaabe tribe  

The Wodaabe tribe, which spans across five African countries, has a unique tradition where men compete for female attention through dance and body painting. During an annual festival, men spend a week showcasing their beauty, performing elegant dances, and adorning their faces with bright colors. Women then choose the most attractive man as a potential husband.  

Interestingly, Wodaabe men, known for their distinctive customs, always carry mirrors and take great care of their appearance. Despite being labeled "the ugliest tribe in the world" by outsiders, they dedicate time each morning to grooming before heading out to herd cattle.  

Appeal of sharp teeth  

While some beauty trends seem unusual, they persist in many cultures—even in modern developed countries. In Japan, for instance, crooked and pointed teeth, known as "yaeba", are considered attractive. Some women even spend thousands of dollars to make their teeth resemble those of "vampires."  Japanese men often find "yaeba" appealing, associating it with youthful innocence and cuteness. As a result, the practice of installing temporary or permanent dental veneers to achieve the look is one of the most popular and in-demand procedures among Japanese dentists. Beauty standards continue to evolve, reflecting cultural values and traditions. While some customs may seem strange to outsiders, they hold deep significance in the societies that uphold them.

Lip plates: A symbol of status  

The Mursi, Chai, and Tirma tribes in Africa are among the few societies that still practice the tradition of wearing large ceramic plates in the lower lip. This custom is believed to enhance a woman’s beauty and often begins around the age of 15. The process of stretching the lip continues for years, with the size of the plate carrying social and economic significance. According to "The SHS Courier", the size of the plate can indicate a woman’s status within the tribe. However, due to the natural elasticity of human skin, the final size also depends on individual physical characteristics and living conditions.  

Mud-wrapped hair of the Himba women  

For the Himba women of Namibia, hairstyles are not just about aesthetics—they also reflect marital status, age, wealth, and social standing. Creating these intricate braids takes hours, and each hairstyle carries deep cultural meaning. To achieve long, thick braids, Himba women use goat hair or artificial extensions, decorating them with dried plants and a special clay mixture made from red earth. Thick and glossy braids symbolize fertility and are considered highly attractive by the men of the tribe.  

Fat grooms: A measure of beauty  

While much of the world associates beauty with slimness, the Bodi tribe of Ethiopia values the opposite. Among the Bodi, obesity is seen as a sign of beauty and prosperity. In preparation for marriage, young men undergo an intense fattening ritual lasting six months. During this period, they remain indoors, consuming only a diet of cow’s blood and milk to gain as much weight as possible. However, drinking this two-liter mixture in Ethiopia’s extreme heat is no easy feat—if not consumed quickly, it turns sour, making it even harder to swallow.  

At the end of this grueling "fat marathon," the men showcase their gained weight to the tribe. The heaviest contestant is crowned the "fat champion" and earns lifelong respect and admiration.  

Body painting to attract women  

Ethiopia is home not only to tribes that prize body weight but also to those where men compete for female attention through body painting. In the Karo tribe, men adorn themselves with white chalk patterns to attract women. This tradition, which dates back over 500 years, involves decorating the body with lines, stars, handprints, and even animal motifs. The bright colors symbolize courage and masculinity, with men changing their designs daily to stand out. Unlike in many cultures where women are expected to enhance their beauty, here it is the men who go to great lengths to win admiration.  

Tiny feet: A path to wealth  

For centuries, China had one of the most extreme beauty standards in history—foot binding. In this practice, girls' feet were tightly wrapped from the age of five to prevent growth, forcing them into unnaturally small shoes. At the time, small feet were considered a symbol of beauty and social status. Women with tiny feet were believed to be more delicate, elegant, and desirable to wealthy suitors. Girls with the smallest feet had the highest chance of marrying influential men, making foot size an indicator of prosperity and class. Though foot binding was officially banned in the early 20th century, the effects of this painful tradition lasted for generations, shaping perceptions of beauty in China for hundreds of years.  

Beauty standards evolve over time, but some traditions persist for centuries. While many of these customs may seem extreme or even shocking to outsiders, they remain deeply valued in the cultures that uphold them. Would you be willing to follow any of these unique beauty traditions?