From healthy eating to fitness goals, January is known for inspiring people to change something in their lives for the better. With the most popular New Year’s resolutions relating to appearance, a study has found 1 in 5 (19%) of Brummies spend up to 60 minutes per day feeling self-conscious about their looks – which equates to 106 days a year.
The research, commissioned by SmileDirectClub, the industry pioneer and first direct-to-consumer medtech platform for transforming smiles, noted that nationwide Gen Z spends a staggering 36 minutes per day (8.4 days per year)worrying about their looks, which is 44% higher than the national average (25 minutes).
Birmingham natives from Gen Z are least confident while Baby boomers are the most confident
Meanwhile, Baby Boomers (55+) feel the most confident above any generation, with 60% of boomers rating their self-esteem as six or higher on a scale of one to ten. 63% of respondents under the age of 55 are not so self-assured, rating their confidence as six or lower on the same scale.
Top Things Brummies feel self-conscious about
Teeth (44%)
Hair (23%)
Nose (21%)
Eyebrows (21%)
Facial hair (18%)
Looking at specific features people in Birmingham feel most self-conscious about, nearly half of those surveyed (44%( list their teeth as their biggest bugbear, followed by hair (23%), and nose (21%). Nearly half of Brummies (46%) admit they tackle their insecurity by smiling with their mouth closed.
Kay Oswald, President of International at SmileDirectClub, said: “It’s disheartening to learn how many people are struggling with their confidence and self-image on a day-to-day basis.
“Overcoming negative perceptions of ourselves is a vital step to transforming our lives and positively impacting our place in the world. SmileDirectClub is honoured to help people rediscover their confidence through affordable and convenient access to a straighter, brighter smile.”
Teeth are revealed to be Birmingham’s biggest bugbear
Interestingly, the study revealed that half (50%) said that smiling has the power to instantly make them feel better. Perhaps this is why 45% say they would smile back at a stranger, no matter how out of the ordinary or awkward the situation.
Birmingham natives also voted Cheryl Cole’s (33%) smile as their favourite, followed by Kylie Minogue (23%), Julia Roberts (21%), Michelle Keegan (14%) and Holly Willoughby (12%).
However, with a smile, must come a frown; according to the survey, looking at finances and being told to smile more was highlighted as the number one thing to make somebody scowl (22%), closely followed by receiving the wrong takeaway (21%) and the Monday morning commute to work (18%).
