In the last decade or so, the idea of the “Hollywood smile” has dramatically changed. While once monopolized by an image of perfectly white, straight teeth, this ideal is now being flipped on its head by up-and-coming influencers in the space. Actors Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood are fronting the campaign to encourage authenticity to be the new beautiful. They champion features that subvert traditional beauty norms. Their recent roles on HBO’s award-winning series “The White Lotus” drive home this change. They represent a deeper acceptance of natural beauty in Hollywood.
The show has inspired rich conversations around what constitutes beauty. It features characters whose looks defy the stereotypical norms set forth by the industry. Goggins, in particular, has gone out of his way to lean into his receding hairline, making him an unlikely sex symbol. On the other hand, Wood’s decision to unabashedly showcase her “imperfect” teeth has rightfully landed with audiences and opened up incredibly important discussions about self-acceptance and representation.
The Hollywood Smile and Cosmetic Trends
For generations, the “Hollywood smile” has been used to sell cosmetic procedures like veneers and whitening. These procedures have become increasingly widespread, with many more dentists providing these services than ever. Dr. Fadi Yassmin, cosmetic and restorative dentist, explains that veneers have gotten more and more popular over the years. The demand for this dental treatment has increased dramatically in the past 10 to 15 years.
“We do need to challenge the idea that there is this kind of perfection that everyone should strive to have their teeth perfectly white and straight,” – Associate Professor Matt Hopcraft.
Associate Professor Hopcraft said it’s crucial to speak up and stand against unrealistic beauty ideals. He’s convinced from his experience that people find power in accepting themselves without the artifice. This is particularly important for those who may experience external pressures to conform to societal norms.
The advent of new, thinner veneers that produce a more natural appearance reflects an overall cultural trend toward authenticity, even in the world of cosmetic dentistry. More and more people are going for improvements that are focused on emphasizing their natural beauty. They’re tired of being held to these impossible standards of perfection.
Representation of Balding Men in Hollywood
Even with recent changes in beauty ideals, bald men are still severely underrepresented in Hollywood. In fact, a 2014 study found that only 8 percent of photos in 32 major magazines depicted men with any noticeable balding at all. In recent years, this number has dropped even further and still does. Dr. Glen Jankowski, who is the creator of the hashtag, further points out this disparity by arguing that balding men deserve to be visible in media.
“We shouldn’t be able to name individual balding actors on TV, they should be so common that they are the norm,” – Dr. Glen Jankowski.
He contends this absence play a role in the perpetuation of unrealistic standards and pressures for men dealing with hair loss. Take actors, Stanley Tucci and Terry Crews, who both unapologetically rock their baldness. Jankowski insists we need further representation to make this appearance normal in popular media and be more accepted overall.
Cynthia Goggins, who plays Lani in “The White Lotus,” is a perfect example of the change that can happen in this space. Like his hairline, he doesn’t run away from it—he conceals nothing. This realization helps create a more inclusive representation of masculinity that allows for greater audience connection.
The Impact of Embracing Natural Features
Aimee Lou Wood’s rise career trajectory is both a powerful personal victory over societal pressure to have perfect pearly whites. In “The White Lotus,” her character receives a compliment on her smile from another character. This moment perfectly encapsulates the show’s ongoing reverence for realness.
“I can’t believe the impact my teeth are having,” – Aimee Lou Wood.
Wood’s perspective as a person who has been bullied for her crooked teeth underscores the cultural breakthrough. Her determination to flaunt her natural smile speaks volumes to viewers who might be experiencing their own battles with self-acceptance.
“It’s a real full-circle moment after being bullied for my teeth forever,” – Aimee Lou Wood.
This acceptance promotes a desire among people to embrace their distinct attributes instead of attempting to achieve impossible standards. In its final, exquisite moments, “The White Lotus” reaffirms that beauty occurs in multitudes. It makes a beautiful case study of how powerful authenticity can be.
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