Beauty Standards Around the World

A look at diverse beauty standards across cultures, with writing prompts and examples.

Writing Tips

• Highlight contrasts and commonalities.
• Use sensory and cultural details.
• Link to Body Image in Media.

Notes on hair colour and culture

• Certain hair colours carry region‑specific meanings: for example, naturally occurring red hair is rare and culturally salient in many societies. See Red Hair for history, stereotypes, festivals and modern cultural debates around prejudice and pride.

Writing Examples

Example "In her grandmother’s village, wide hips were a blessing—her curves a source of pride, not shame." Why it works: Shows cultural context and positive framing.

Common Pitfalls

• Exoticising or stereotyping cultures.
• Ignoring change over time.