Beauty standards are often defined through facial features, skin color, style, and body shape. These particular traits are said to increase the physical attractiveness of a person. Throughout history, the world has witnessed evolving beauty standards because every generation has its own unique definition of beauty.

In the early 90s, women who were skinny and bore soft features were seen as the epitome of beauty. Nowadays, women with curvy bodies and prominent facial features, such as fuller lips and prominent eyebrows, are seen as beautiful and attractive. These beauty standards are always subjected to change.

Here are some of the most bizarre beauty trends we’ve seen in history.

#1 – Small Feet

You might’ve seen a lot of documentaries on foot binding but what is now seen as brutality was once one of the most sought-after beauty standards. There is no evidence regarding its supposed origins in China but historians claim that it was a common trend amongst the wives and daughters of noblemen. It started with girls as young as five to seven years of age having their feet bandaged tightly to inhibit the growth and break the bone.

Getty Images | Though painful and disabling, it was one of the most common beauty trends in China

#2 – Skull Shaping

This trend originated in 1000 BCE when Ancient Mayans started modifying the skulls of their infants. Newborns were subjected to having their skulls bound or strapped with various artifacts that would result in the skull changing its shape. The skull-shaping aesthetic was not gender-specific as both male and female children had to deal with it. Though there’s no evidence stating that it was related to social standing, it is believed that it was seen as a sign of beauty nonetheless.

Cornell University | Evidence of this tradition is being discovered to date

#3 – Long Nails

From feet binding to pale makeup, China is home to many odd beauty trends but there’s one that stands head and shoulders above the rest because of how strange it is—the long fingernail trend. During the Qing Dynasty, women and men both grew their nails out. Historians state that the length of the nails varied from 8 to 10 inches, because of which some women even opted for a nail-guard made of gold to protect their long nails.

Wikimedia Commons | We still like long nails but perhaps not as long

These are the strangest beauty standards we’ve seen in history. Time for a silent prayer in hopes that they never make a comeback.

Violet Rose

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