7 Countries with the Most Unusual Beauty Standards Around the World

Japan – Yaeba (Crooked Teeth)

In many places, straight teeth are a sign of beauty, but in Japan, many people admire “yaeba,” or slightly crooked teeth. Some believe this makes a person look more youthful and cute. Women even visit dentists to get their teeth altered to achieve this look. This trend is very popular among young women and celebrities in Japan.

Iran – Nose Job Culture

Iran is known as the “nose job capital of the world.” Having a perfectly shaped nose is a significant beauty standard in Iranian society. Many men and women undergo rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to achieve their ideal nose shape. Some even wear bandages on their noses for a long time to show that they have had surgery, which is a status symbol.

Mauritania – Fuller Bodies

In many Western countries, slim bodies are considered attractive, but a fuller body signifies beauty, wealth, and prosperity in Mauritania. Some women go through a process called “gavage,” where they are encouraged to eat large amounts of food to gain weight. Sometimes, young girls are even sent to special camps to fatten up, as being plump is desirable for marriage.

South Korea – V-Line Face Shape

South Korea is famous for its beauty industry and plastic surgery culture.

One of the most popular beauty trends is having a “V-line” face shape, a small, narrow, and pointed chin. Many people undergo jaw reduction surgery to achieve this look. Makeup and face massages are also used to enhance the V-line appearance.

Ethiopia – Lip Plates

Among the Mursi and Surma tribes in Ethiopia, women wear large lip plates as a sign of beauty and social status. At a young age, their lower lip is cut and stretched over time using bigger plates. The more significant the plate, the more beautiful and respected the woman is considered. Though this tradition is less common today, it remains a fascinating beauty practice.

China – Lotus Feet (Historical)

Although it is no longer practiced, foot binding has been a popular beauty trend in China for centuries. Women’s feet were tightly wrapped to keep them small, which was considered highly attractive. These “lotus feet” symbolized femininity, status, and grace. Despite the pain and lifelong disabilities caused by this practice, it remained common until the early 20th century.

New Zealand – Maori Face Tattoos (Ta Moko)

The indigenous Maori people of New Zealand practice “Ta Moko,” a form of facial tattooing representing ancestry, identity, and social status. For Maori women, having a tattoo on the chin (moko kauae) is a sign of beauty and cultural pride. These tattoos are significant and are still an important tradition today.