The Clean Girl Aesthetic is Still Trending But it is Not as Harmless As One May Think

Some social media trends fade quickly, while others linger, and the clean girl aesthetic is a prime example of a trend that continues to thrive. Since it first appeared in early 2022, videos tagged with the aesthetic have accumulated over 750 million views on TikTok.

Instagram/ @haileybieber

While it may seem innocent at first glance—essentially promoting regular hygiene—there is far more to the clean girl aesthetic than mere cleanliness. This trend has numerous implications that raise significant concerns for various reasons.

Let's delve into what this trend entails and why it can be harmful to many.

Even though most of what makes a clean girl 'clean' piggybacks off what women of colour have been doing for decades, the poster girls for the 'clean girl look' are all white women, particularly Hailey Bieber. More importantly, the clean girl aesthetic is not just another microtrend, it seems like it is here to stay and it has completely changed the way a lot of women do their makeup, their hair and even their daily routines!

What Exactly Is the Clean Girl Aesthetic?

The clean girl aesthetic emphasizes looking polished and well-put-together without appearing to have put much effort into it. Here are the key characteristics that contribute to this overall appearance, often described as fresh, effortless, and natural—though, in reality, it’s quite the opposite.

Hair

Slicked-back buns are a familiar style that has been favored by women of color since the 1960s, particularly among ballerinas. These buns are a defining feature of the clean girl aesthetic, typically styled with a subtle center part. The look is immaculate, with not a hair out of place. Alternatively, a slicked-back ponytail may be worn, sometimes incorporating a braided section. If hair is down, it should always be smooth and shiny, with a glass-like finish being ideal.

Makeup

The clean girl look embodies a "no makeup" makeup approach. Adherents of this trend opt for makeup that conceals blemishes without being overt. Glossy lips are essential, but they should not be overly pigmented. Blush is heavily utilized for a natural glow, and brows are kept perfectly groomed. Highlighter and contour are used to create a radiant finish, but the aim is for these products to be virtually undetectable.

Clothes

To achieve a polished look, one must appear effortlessly stylish. Essentials include well-fitting basics such as black or white t-shirts, tank tops, boyfriend-cut jeans, white button-up shirts, oversized black blazers, and neutral slip dresses. The clean girl aesthetic is preppy without being overly formal, blending modern and classic elements. Picture an off-duty model look.

Lifestyle

The clean girl aesthetic extends beyond personal appearance; it encompasses lifestyle choices as well. Morning matcha lattes are more aligned with the clean girl vibe than standard coffee, although an Instagram-worthy iced coffee is still acceptable. Regular consumption of smoothies and green juices is encouraged, while minimalist decor is favored for home settings, as this aesthetic translates well to social media photos.

Why The Clean Girl Aesthetic Is Problematic

As you may have guessed, this trend is unrealistic for many people. Let’s break down the various problematic aspects of it.

It's Classist

The term "clean" suggests a stark contrast to "dirty." A quick glance at #cleangirl posts reveals that this aesthetic is all about pristine appearances, which is only achievable for those with certain lifestyles. For individuals relying on public transportation, engaged in physically demanding jobs, or caring for children, maintaining this look is often unfeasible.

Moreover, the clean girl aesthetic leans heavily on high-end brands for makeup, clothing, and decor. This trend promotes a lifestyle that avoids dirt altogether, which is impractical for those who are not affluent.

It's Fatphobic

Scrolling through #cleangirl content, it's hard to miss how predominantly thin the participants are. In Western culture, fatness is often unfairly associated with being unclean, and this bias is reflected in the trend. A simple Google search for terms like "clean girl fat" or "clean fat girl" yields no relevant results. The idealized clean girl image centers around visible shoulder bones, collar bones, and hip bones. If these features are not prominent, individuals may feel judged.

It's Racist

While a few women of color, such as Selena Gomez and Zoe Kravitz, have been associated with the clean girl aesthetic, clean girls are predominantly seen as white. A Twitter post titled "‘Clean Girl’ aesthetic but make it black," published in May, garnered over 90,000 likes, indicating that Black women are not fully recognized within this trend. Elements of the clean girl look, like buns and gold hoop earrings, were popularized by Black and Latina women long before this trend took off. The most visible "clean girls" are typically white.

It's Ageist

The clean girl aesthetic mainly targets young women, appealing to those under 25. This trend idealizes a youthful appearance as if life hasn’t taken its toll yet. Society already struggles with undervaluing older women, and trends like this exacerbate that issue. By placing undue emphasis on youthfulness, the clean girl aesthetic perpetuates the notion that aging is something to be avoided or considered "dirty."

It's Unattainable for Most

In addition to being classist, racist, ageist, and fatphobic, the clean girl aesthetic simply isn't feasible for the average person. This look requires flawless skin, no visible freckles or acne, hair that remains smooth and frizz-free, and outfits that appear freshly washed and wrinkle-free. Moreover, healthy foods like green bowls and smoothies are prioritized over more traditional meals, such as burgers or sandwiches. Achieving all these standards while making it seem effortless is impossible for anyone balancing a job or family responsibilities.

The Takeaway

Though the clean girl aesthetic may seem innocuous at first glance—featuring young women with glossy hair and skin who resemble off-duty models—it actually compounds prevalent societal issues. It marginalizes women of color, individuals with lower incomes, and anyone who doesn't fit the mold of a skinny, white, unblemished ideal.