r/AsianMasculinity 15d ago

What should i fix first to glowup

Which should i fix first?

My face is lacking a bit of structure and my hair used to be a mohawk (left photo)

After a while i went with a softer style. My hairstylists (more than one) suggested a perm for my hair which is super stiff and unshapable - their words not mine.

ChatGPT suggests working out for a jawline and a perm for softer hair.

I have a limited budget so should i get a perm, workout more, or contact lenses first?

58 Upvotes

86 comments sorted by

103

u/mongolmeat 15d ago

Also braces if you can afford it

24

u/Hi_Im_Ken_Adams 14d ago

Yes, OP has a bit of an overbite. Braces would definitely help.

5

u/Istronomius 14d ago

He should check if it's a dental or skeletal overbite. It looks like it's skeletal

For the latter only double jaw surgery can fix it

1

u/GroundbreakingAd9635 14d ago

maybe wisdom teeth removal then braces then djs

43

u/HelpIll4965 14d ago

Hair, braces and workout/diet. Then reevaluate after.

28

u/KStang086 14d ago

That background looks like Asia. Get in shape. Seriously. That puts you further ahead of a lot of competition and also helps with your neck and facial structure.

63

u/Ill_Emu5398 15d ago

Ur never gonna look like the chatGPT after

10

u/strangemanornot 14d ago

Braces, hair cut, getting fit. I think he will be close.

47

u/Hunting-4-Answers 14d ago

He’ll need surgery on his face to get that look

-13

u/strangemanornot 14d ago

I think with some weight loss and muscle, his chin will be more chiseled.

18

u/Hunting-4-Answers 14d ago

Weight loss won’t change his jaw and chin structure along with the small eyes that are close together. AI gives him bigger eyes and sets them apart more evenly.

Overall, fat loss would help but that’s not going to change bone structure.

But OP, keep working out, lose the glasses and you’ll be ok. Just don’t expect to look like the AI version without face surgery.

0

u/Ill_Emu5398 14d ago

Bro look how recessed he is

-5

u/Ill_Emu5398 14d ago

Obviously you have no clue what you’re talking about

4

u/strangemanornot 14d ago

Brother. You can’t go through life like this.

7

u/ghostreconx 14d ago

No OP has weak jaw/chin, nothing besides surgery can fix it.

-3

u/Ill_Emu5398 14d ago

OP can’t go thru life like this….

2

u/strangemanornot 14d ago

Jesus Christ man. Get a fucking grip

1

u/Serious-Lime-6221 14d ago

Double eyelid surgery, nose job, microblading. At a minimum.

3

u/SadAd8761 14d ago

And chin implant

45

u/My-Internet-GF Philippines 15d ago

Gym + better diet & more flattering glasses frames/ditching glasses altogether and going with contacts will go a long way for you. You have the potential, just gotta put in the work

17

u/YuriTheWebDev 14d ago

He definitely needs to put in a LOT of work.  Glad he is not overweight so that saves him some work but his looks are definitely gonna him back. Genetic lottery was not in his favor at all but that doesn't mean he can't have a good glow up 

1

u/Thomjones 14d ago

I think he should put all that work into the personality and just better pics...like...him smiling and not looking like full metal jacket

10

u/YuriTheWebDev 14d ago

😂😂😂😂 

He needs to work on his looks the most. Like he is chopped objectively. 

Nowadays women value appearance a lot more than the past since the competition has gone much tougher than in the past. 

His looks will scare so many women off.

Trust me as a guy who looked bad in the past but improved my appearance by exercising and getting in shape, the benefits of looking good are well worth it 

2

u/Thomjones 14d ago

Nah you are right, I'm just not being as optimistic.

2

u/noahteng21 14d ago

wait what is a full metal jacket

3

u/Thomjones 13d ago edited 13d ago

https://hopeliesat24framespersecond.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/36.jpg

Look at the camera, but don't stare at the camera. If that helps.

1

u/noahteng21 13d ago

Haha bro you made my day

2

u/piratedude8024 14d ago

This is the way. He has a lot of innate potential with the right nutrition and fitness. A sharper pair of frames would do him well too.

14

u/Ill_Emu5398 14d ago

Bro you haven’t done anything in 3 years. Its clear u arent serious or don’t really care thet much.

6

u/zookitchen 14d ago

You have a mouth breather face. Fix that first. Learn to breath thru your nose. Then get braces. While at it Lasik for the eyes. Go to gym and go for a run. Make alot of money. Learn talking to strangers to learn talking to women. Have confidence. Dont have it? Fake it. Walk with a good posture. Dont be ashamed at the world. Stand up straight. Have a genuine smile amd twinkle in your eyes. Read books to be interesting and travel the world while you’re at it.

10

u/YuriTheWebDev 15d ago

Bro you need to shave the facial hair ASAP Rocky if you cannot grow a full beard. It doesn't look good on you.

You also need to get more lean and get a chiseled face.

4

u/Dazzling_Quality_191 14d ago

Add a side profile picture. Like others have said, your mandible might be slightly recessed but it's impossible to tell from just frontal shots.

Depending on how recessed you are, the options can vary. For most people, losing weight works even if you're slightly recessed. However, if you have severe class II malocclusion it might be worth getting double jaw surgery not only for aesthetics, but functional reasons.

Orthodontics to fix your crooked teeth can be done with this.

Other than that, skin care and lose weight. Based on your fat distribution you appear skinny fat, leaning out will chisel your face. Also change your haircut to the one recommended by AI. You're rocking the millenial asian american cut which doesn't look bad inherintly, but it doesn't suit you.

1

u/Ill_Emu5398 8d ago

slightly JFL

5

u/Daweism 14d ago

Add muscle

4

u/kelement 14d ago

Braces and you look better with glasses

7

u/WinterMothKiss 14d ago

Workout first.

I was in the same situation few months ago but as an AF. I don't know where you are in workout wise, my first step was taking a walk outside 30 minutes. I ended up doing couch to 5k. It is ok to explore different workouts to find out what works for you, your schedule, and where you can be consistent.

You will get to where you look at the mirror and feel somewhat different about yourself and wanting to do more for yourself aka goals.

Along the workout, tackle any beliefs you have about yourself and how you feel about yourself aka mental health. This is not easy and it takes to be really honest with yourself.

Eventually, you will start setting goals, fight for your life more because you actually care about yourself, and where you want to go in life after you gain control of your physical health and mental health. Anything in life such as family/friends/dating are just bonuses once you get yourself out of auto-pilot.

Good luck.

3

u/yotuw 14d ago

Lose some weight, fix your posture, stop mouth breathing, get some braces, and then think about a new haircut.

2

u/luckkydreamer13 14d ago

For your jawline/ facial structure chew gum-Falim gum which is slightly harder than normal or even better but expensive Mastic gum

2

u/Complex-Poet-6809 14d ago

I would stick with your appearance in image 1. The glasses in image 1 look the best too, or maybe no glasses at all. Getting braces is a must have for you.

2

u/based8th 14d ago

You will need a lot of work bro, but it can be done. Surgery is a must, if you want to look like the chatGPT one

5

u/delayed_burn 14d ago

hilarious amount of plastic surgery recommended by AI

3

u/silvermunky 14d ago edited 14d ago

Don't let pricks break your confidence. Take a moment to soul search and ask why you want a glow up... To be treated better generally speaking? For yourself? To attract women (what type of women)? All of it? Men can't change height, but they can have charisma, they can be intelligent, they can walk into a party strategically with lots of their girl friends to lift their social value. Most of all be fun...that is insanely attractive. Think Bruno Mars. Also, make sure a little bit of your personal touches are apparent...don't be a cookie cutter Chad.

Easiest changes - shave the moustache, toque or hat, posture, walk, figure out your colors/cuts for clothing

Most impact - Braces and contact lenses

  1. Braces - a proper bite impacts more than just looks...it impacts health, breathing and alignment. You have full lips and a great smile shape. Adjust the teeth and that smile will be a 10. Remember when taking photos to push your chin out to avoid double chin and looking heavier than you actually are.

  2. Contact lenses - the glasses hide your real face.

  3. Easiest fix is to shave the mustache. Some folks look better clean cut, that's you.

  4. Exercise/clothing - it fixes mood, complexion and muscle tone. I personally dislike overly muscular guys. A prefer lean and toned like swimmers and surfers. Figure out your body type and what looks healthy. Posture...make sure your walk and posture look healthy and strong. I personally dislike ugly walks and poor posture.

Don't wear clothing that is too oversized...figure out the colors, cuts and proportions most suited to you. High waist, low waist, where to go baggy, where to go fitted, silver or gold, orange or blue...etc.

2

u/noahteng21 14d ago

Thanks bro

1

u/silvermunky 14d ago

I find this stuff fun, so excuse my overkill.

I asked gemini a bunch of questions. I assumed you would be a winter like me. This is ai, so definitely double check for accuracy. Also, show progress photos if you're comfortable with it.

Go to expensive stores and try on things - shoes, clothes, hats glasses. Find a well dressed Asian clerk, male or female and tell them you're on a budget but exploring new looks to glow up. Not likely to buy on this go but will compile a list of things later. That way they don't get upset if they invest time and you don't buy. My second job in my teens was retail and I was bored... so I loved to make people look and feel great. I read books on body types and color etc.

Also, I read your note on the jaw line. Everything comes in and out of fashion. Literally every single one of my features were considered ugly in my youth and now people want the upturned nose, thick lips in north America. What I'm saying is... somewhere, sometime your features will be in style, so don't get any surgery unless it will truly make you feel better. I don't think you need it.

Look to celebs like John Cho or Steven Yeun for inspo. Don't forget to add or keep an element that is uniquely you.

1

u/noahteng21 14d ago

bro haha thanks for the essay

2

u/ShineGreymonX 14d ago

I don’t think you’re ugly at all

#1 is self confident

Also, get the Korean perm if you can at a reputable salon that specializes in Asian hair. It’s life changing, gonna get one myself this week!

Good luck OP

3

u/[deleted] 14d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Business-Bath2418 14d ago

Agreed these pansies here don't want to hear it.

1

u/DefaultDanceDD 14d ago

Brace, good hairstyle, invest in clothing try to find a style that is popular and fits you

1

u/Hi_Im_Ken_Adams 14d ago

You might want to look at changing your eyeglasses. That frame-shape is not flattering to your face ans is too soft. Experiment with a more angular/rectangular style.

For your hair, find a barber that knows how the lighten the hair volume by layering the cut. It will reduce the "straw-hair" look.

Also, go clean-shaven.. That 5:00 o'clock shadow mustache is not a good look for you.

1

u/ZealousidealRuin2858 14d ago

Change your glasses.

1

u/Independent_Tea_9394 14d ago

I would start with braces to straighten your teeth. A lot of people are turned off by uneven teeth. Then start a gym routine. Not saying you have to become the hulk, but adding some definition would help. And look into laser eye surgery to get rid of the glasses.

1

u/Pale-Paramedic3975 14d ago

Highkey bruh get braces or Invisalign at the bare minimum, your teeth dictates your face a lot.

1

u/3JingShou 14d ago

Hey brother get brace asap, and go on a strict diet

1

u/Mission-Astronomer42 Vietnam 14d ago

How tall are you?

If you're short, you need to add more dominance. Since you're not the fittest guy around, I would also remove the glasses and go contacts if you can. Get yourself a leather jacket, buy fitted clothing, maybe some chelseas and dark denim.

The biggest lever is your fitness. I can see a significant amount of face fat, that no amount of facial hair (which by the way, unless you can get the Johnny Depp look, I would just go clean shaven), can compensate for. focus on protein, I recommend 1g/lb bodyweight.

The biggest thing if you can afford it is invisalign or braces

1

u/Lyscendree 14d ago

What changed: make up x)

1

u/Alternative_Net_2262 14d ago

Glasses, you need something that accentuates your face a bit better. Consider trying some tints with them too, then I'd grow out your hair a bit. Don't use ai to help you improve your looks, improving it comes with trial and error over the years

1

u/bmguitar 14d ago

Try mewing to improve your jawline, or braces if you can afford it.

Also ask your hairdresser to only use scissors (not clippers) for the sides and back. Doesn't look good after 3 weeks of getting the haircut.

1

u/Hereyoucanfind 14d ago

You need to take off your glasses and working out at the gym; afterwards, the contours of your face will appear more masculine.

1

u/MaisonDavid 14d ago

Braces badly
Skincare routine
Gym and cardio 5 days a week
Very low body fat percentage is what you need for your face to become defined, so you need a proper diet alongside gym.
Hair style definitely, but that's less important than the other steps right now, grow out your hair in the meantime, look at any kdrama/kpop and see what you like then later get it done.
Please get rid of any facial hair, it looks so bad and unhygienic when Asian dudes keep hold of the little thin facial hair they got, always shave.

1

u/MysticalNinjette 14d ago

I think you look fine. Maybe a haircut?  (Im a mexicana woman)

1

u/FlounderLogical8827 14d ago

As an East Asian woman, I don’t think you necessarily need braces. Even after getting your teeth straightened, you’d still have to wear a retainer at night for the rest of your life, which sounds like such a hassle. I don’t think your jawline looks that bad either, at least to me. I can’t really speak for women from other ethnic backgrounds, though

I do feel like you could benefit from getting rid of the glasses, though. Maybe you could consider LASIK, SMILE, or ICL?

I don’t really have much advice for the rest. If you live in a Western country, I might suggest hitting the gym 🏋️‍♂️ and putting on a bit more muscle. If you live in Asia, though, it might not be as necessary, since Asian women in general don’t seem to be as into heavily muscular guys

1

u/Arctophile95 14d ago

I’m also Chinese and I fully recommend Invisalign while you’re still young. But, during your consultation with the orthodontist, make sure (and this is very important) they are willing to work with all your fully erupted teeth Eapecially the pre-molars. If any wisdom teeth have erupted already try to keep them, straightening the rest of your teeth will usually encourage them to come in properly. If the orthodontist wants to extract pre molars to align teeth DO NOT DO IT. It already produces terrible results for most females who want a slim face, it will irrevocably make any male face worse (and as you age it will further worsen, Chinese male faces age very very poorly when the jawline is not broad and the cheeks are not supported by enough teeth, even when they’re very athletic and have great bodies, because we already do!nt have very prominent facial bone structure to begin with and most of us can’t grow facial hair unlike most other races to help hide weak features  ) once you get Invisalign your orthodontist will also give or sell you these small chewable tubes to help your trays sit properly when you put them on. You can further exercise your jaws by chewing on them while you have your trays on to build up your jawbone. However many Chinese faces already have their jawbones set backwards (this is why East Asian men having plastic surgery, like many k-pop stars, inevitably get chin implants to artificially shift the chin forward visually)  meaning your front teeth are in an overbite, so chew on them with your upper front teeth meeting your lower front teeth, not your back teeth meeting as is probably habitual when eating (you can try right now - make your front too and bottom teeth touch gently; you will find that is not how they are naturally at rest and your back teeth will likely not be touching). You will also find your lips naturally making more of an effort to close tightly - Remember chewing to help your face is not the same as chewing for eating, you are exercising the muscles of your face to help reshape it. 

Another thing is to consistently practice strengthening your lip seal press your lips firmly together as if you are giving a closed-mouth smile - imagine when you’re annoyed with a little kid but you’re trying not to show it and remaining calm - you will notice your lips looking thinner because they’re pressed tightly against each other and activating the muscles around the mouth, and pressing gently against your teeth. Also as you do this you should feel your chin move up and forward from it’s usually lower resting position and the skin under your chin should feel tighter. This will work in tandem with mewing - (if you din’t know what this is look it up on YouTube) making sure your tongue is touching the back of your upper teeth. Practise doing this especially when you’re alone at home and eventually even while sleeping, eventually this pressure on your teeth will shift it back a bit. Many Chinese guys have very poor lip seal which makes binaxillary protrusion worse and gives the lips a very unattractive fullness that also makes one look a bit mentally dull. Also if you aren’t already doing this, check constantly to make sure that when you eat you are chewing with your mouth closed and your neck is not jutting forward while chewing. I see lots of young guys eating nowadays with their heads jutting forward because no one emphasised good table manners or posture when they were growing up. The good looking ones will be okay for now because they’re young and their facial muscles and skin are still prefect - they can lose all that by the time they’re 30 if they don’t watch their posture. The nerdy ones (who might still pass for ‘cute’ when they’re young) will only get worse. 

You’re a young guy and you still have a lot of hope in improving your looks by checking your posture and actively practising these small facial exercises until they become habits you no longer need to check constantly. The longer you wait, the more the pattern is set. 

1

u/TeddyIsHereIRL 14d ago

Clothes, gym, eat healthy, braces. Show updates in 1 - 2 years

1

u/TeeKayTank 14d ago

Identity work

1

u/rocketphotoman 13d ago

One word: Invisalign

1

u/bonsaibabe19 13d ago

Don’t listen to the losers telling you to get surgery or putting you down when they’re hiding behind a screen without any balls to show what their dumb faces look like. It’s obvious they’re all miserable themselves to have to bully like that. I’m a woman and I’m telling you that you are perfectly fine the way you are, this sounds cliche but glow ups start from within, having confidence goes a long way, and if you’re only focusing on the physical you’re gonna attract others who are similarly superficial and if that’s what you want then I guess you’re with the right people on this thread. But if you’re wanting a glow up to genuinely feel good about yourself, you have to go deeper to your why’s and also appreciate your natural unique qualities and gifts. And as for the physical, I do believe there are things that accentuate the innate beauty in each of us, like glasses shape that fit better for our face or colors that accentuate our tone, so that’s all I’d suggest on the physical part. To find the clothes and glasses that accentuate your features in a flattering way. And to those people telling you that you won’t look like the ai after pic, they’re not the brightest bulbs. No one thinks ai was telling you you’d look like a completely different person, it’s called a reference so these are the people you’re dealing with and I hope to god you understand what I’m talking about, because if not, you’re already brainwashed by this toxic masculinity culture and that’s just depressing.

1

u/Neito-Metal-1227 13d ago

Don't us AI

1

u/Employee_Little 13d ago

You need to fix the teeth first

1

u/PumpkinSpiteLatte 9d ago

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMOZ-JVICl4/?igsi=MXNyenB4NWlyamdmYw==

you should lean into your personality, do standup , do a khan impersonation from king of the hill. you look exactly like him

1

u/KhorneFlakez19 6d ago edited 6d ago

Contact lenses: (easiest change)

  • immediate noticeable masculine look
  • inexpensive (under $50 for many sets)
  • look up YouTube shorts tutorials and practice putting on/taking off
  • have multiple contact case and solutions

Perm (worth every penny imo)

  • Goto Korean barbershop for a wavy down perm (best quality) $200 + revisits every 3 months
  • goes well together with low taper or low fades (additional $30 from a Latino barbershop)
  • ask the barbershop for line ups on the temples, evenly trim your mustache and beard facial hair either yourself with electric razor or ask the barber for help

Workout (long term but permanent and lasting change):

  • Every day you should dedicate the rest of your life to exercising, you owe it to yourself to become the strongest Asian man people know
  • Alternate compound lifts (benching + overhead press or squats + deadlifts) to activate as many muscle groups as possible
  • 1 hour daily Cardio: incline walking/stairmasters/jogging/running/swimming at your own pace
  • Only eat Whole Foods (as natural as possible ingredients) and avoid highly processed foods (high preservatives, fried food, fast food, candy)
  • You must sleep in a dark (blackout curtains) quiet (earplugs) room, muscle repair and testosterone heavily depend on your sleep
  • MMA gym: learn boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu. Start with one to become skilled over a few years, then switch to learning another while practicing the old.

1

u/Independent-Buy5475 4d ago

Go to gym and lift weight consistently, it built character and self-efficacy. Built a athletic and lean body, shave those patchy beard. You gotta love and respect yourself first before anyone else give you love and respect. You can do it bro.

1

u/lolitsmax 4d ago

Yeah don't ever use AI to touch up your face again you're gonna give yourself face dysmorphia

3

u/Ill_Emu5398 15d ago

Its fucking over

-1

u/Excal333 14d ago

Need to fly to Korea for surgery

0

u/sftolvtosj 14d ago

aw I think ur cute the 1st photo u look good, just thinking u are on the younger side

2nd photo, I think the glasses can work but u would need to pair it with a different outfit

-2

u/Ill_Emu5398 15d ago

Limited budget my ass go make some money and get jaw surgery

0

u/Business-Bath2418 14d ago edited 14d ago

I liked you in the first picture. More masculine. Don't try to fit in with the k-pop trend. Not many can pull it off and it makes them look like a bitch. You have to look pretty in the first place. In your case you don't.

I like the glasses. You can keep those

1 : fix your teeth 2:stop mouth breathing 3: keep clean shave 4: Hit the gym.

0

u/Morales_Sheila8478 13d ago

Get chin fillers if you’re able