Social media is known for churning out new trends, but few have persisted quite like the “clean girl” aesthetic.
Emerging in 2022 and gaining millions of views on platforms like TikTok, this trend isn’t just about hygiene—it’s a curated look and lifestyle that has influenced countless beauty and wellness routines.
Beneath the polished surface of the clean girl aesthetic, however, are complex social dynamics and critiques. Let’s break down what makes up this popular look, why it resonates with so many, and what issues lie beneath its glossy veneer.
What Defines the “Clean Girl” Look?
The clean girl aesthetic revolves around a refined, minimalistic look that suggests effortlessness and simplicity—though achieving this look is anything but simple.
Polished Hair
One signature element is slicked-back, frizz-free hair, often styled in buns, ponytails, or smooth, loose waves. This style, rooted in beauty traditions long embraced by women of color, is known for its immaculate, sleek appearance.
Subtle Makeup
The makeup style leans heavily on a “no-makeup” makeup look, focusing on flawless, glowing skin with barely noticeable products. Glossy lips, light blush, and a touch of highlighter complete the look, aiming for a natural glow.
Understated Wardrobe
The wardrobe is clean, neutral, and unfussy, usually featuring basics like white tees, oversized blazers, straight jeans, and minimalist dresses. Each outfit appears effortlessly stylish, drawing from both classic and modern elements.
A Curated Lifestyle
Beyond appearance, the clean girl aesthetic extends to daily routines and habits. It incorporates morning matcha lattes, green smoothies, and minimalist home decor, creating a carefully curated lifestyle that’s both visually pleasing and socially shareable.
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Why the “Clean Girl” Aesthetic Sparks Controversy
While many embrace the clean girl aesthetic for its simplicity and style, this trend carries underlying issues, often excluding individuals based on race, body type, age, and socioeconomic status.
Classist Ideals
The clean girl aesthetic promotes a look that requires significant time, resources, and access to high-end products. From skincare routines to wardrobe choices, the trend sets a standard that is expensive and difficult to achieve for many. This curated lifestyle isn’t practical for those who lack the financial means or have demanding jobs or family responsibilities.
Exclusion of Body Diversity
The trend idealizes thinness, as most participants and influencers embody slender physiques. The emphasis on certain body types reflects a broader societal bias that equates thinness with beauty and cleanliness. This focus excludes and alienates those who do not fit these narrow physical standards, reinforcing stereotypes around body size.
Erasure of Cultural Roots
The slicked-back buns, glossy lips, and hoop earrings associated with the clean girl look have been style staples in communities of color for generations. Yet, the most visible faces of this trend are overwhelmingly white influencers. By ignoring the cultural origins of these styles, the trend erases the contributions of Black and Latina women who have long been pioneers of these looks.
Age Bias in Beauty Standards
The clean girl aesthetic largely appeals to a younger demographic, emphasizing a fresh, youthful appearance that subtly suggests aging is undesirable. This approach perpetuates an ageist perspective, reinforcing stereotypes that associate beauty with youth and diminishing the value of older women.
The Unrealistic Side of “Effortless” Beauty
The reality is that the clean girl aesthetic is far from effortless. It demands flawless skin, immaculate clothing, and specific food choices, which can be unachievable for anyone balancing the demands of daily life. The trend’s “clean” eating preferences, such as green juices and bowls, are not universally accessible or practical for all lifestyles and budgets.
This strict visual standard, requiring expensive products and endless maintenance, creates a façade of simplicity that can make anyone who doesn’t or can’t follow it feel excluded or inadequate.
The Clean Girl Aesthetic’s Impact on Modern Beauty Standards
The clean girl aesthetic may seem appealing at its surface—a polished, youthful look emphasizing simplicity. However, its underlying exclusivity issues make it more than a beauty trend. Promoting a narrow standard of beauty perpetuates ideals that are difficult to achieve for the average person. In the end, while the aesthetic may inspire some, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations and the broader impact it has on society’s beauty and lifestyle expectations.
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