As we get older, it's not uncommon to notice a few more wrinkles here and there or maybe a bit of grey in our hair. But what about changes we can't see initially? One such change is a weakening of the jawline and chin. While it's not always noticeable at first, the lack of definition in these areas can lead to a change in appearance over time. A defined jawline gives your face a more angular appearance and makes you look overall leaner and more put together. However, remember, a weak jawline is nothing to be ashamed of–it doesn’t affect your ability to eat or breathe, and it doesn’t make you any less attractive. If you’re unhappy with your weak jawline, a few options are available to you that can help strengthen and define your jawline. We'll discuss some of the causes of weak jawlines and offer some tips on maintaining a strong chin and jawline.
What is a Weak Jawline?
There are multiple definitions for a "weak jawline", also known as a weak jaw or weak chin. But generally speaking, it refers to a lack of definition or prominence in the lower half of the face, making the jawline appear "soft" or "round". A weak jawline can give a person's face a more delicate and older appearance.
Problems Experienced with Having a Weak Jawline
Although a weak jawline may not lead to any physical problems, it can be a source of insecurity for many people. Your jawline is one of the first things that people notice about your face, and a weak jawline can alter your appearance in a way that affects your self-confidence. For guys especially, a strong jawline is often seen as a sign of masculinity, power, and strength. A weak jawline can cause a man to appear baby-faced or feminine, which can be a source of insecurity. Also, if you're a woman with a weak jawline, you might not even realise it, but a lack of definition in the jawline can cause the skin to sag in this area, making you look older than you actually are.
Possible Causes of a Weak Jawline
Here are some of the common causes of a weak jawline:
- Genetics - Genetics play a big role, just as with other physical characteristics like height or eye colour. Our genes can dictate the strength and definition of our jawline. If you have a parent or grandparent with a weak jawline, you may be more likely to inherit this trait.
- Ageing- As we age, the angle of our jaw increases and the definition of our jawline in the lower portion of our face decreases. This is due to the loss of muscle mass and bone density that naturally occurs. Also, our skin and connective tissues lose elasticity, and gravity starts to take its toll. This can cause the skin around the jaw to sag, making the jaw appear less defined and creating the illusion of a weaker jawline.
- Trauma or injury to the jaw - a fall, car accident, or other physical trauma can cause the bones to shift out of place, leading to a weak jawline.
- Prolonged use of a pacifier or thumb sucking- when an individual continues to suck on their thumb or pacifier past the recommended age, they are essentially training their muscles to work in a specific way. Over time, this can lead to muscular imbalances, resulting in a weaker jawline. It can also cause the child's upper and lower jaws to grow at different rates. As a result, the child's face may appear asymmetrical. Additionally, the individual’s teeth may become misaligned, leading to problems such as an overbite or an underbite that can also contribute to a weaker jawline.
- Weight gain - Weight gain can also cause the jawline to appear less defined, as extra fat deposits accumulate around the neck and chin.
- Poor dental hygiene - not brushing and flossing regularly can cause gum disease and tooth decay, weakening the jawbone and muscles over time.
- Finally, certain medical conditions, e.g. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) myasthenia gravis, can weaken the muscles around the jaw, resulting in a loss of definition.
How to Correct a Weak Jawline
If you're unhappy with your jawline, there are some things you can do to improve its appearance and strength. Here are just a few solutions.
Perform Targeted Exercises
The muscles around your jaw are just like any other muscle in your body–if you don’t exercise them, they will remain weak.
Some simple exercises that you can do at home include:
Chewing Excercise Using Chisells
If you're looking for a way to improve your jawline, you may want to try using a chewing exercise device like the 3.0 CHISELL Regular Bite. This device is made of food-grade silicone and is designed to stimulate chewing on an unlimited piece of steak.
Regular Mewing
Mewing is a simple yet effective exercise that anyone can do. To perform mewing, simply place your tongue on the roof of your mouth when closed and press gently upwards. You should feel a stretch along the muscles of your jawline. Hold this position for 10-30 seconds, and then release. Repeat this exercise several times per day for the best results.
By biting down on the chisell, it offers some sort of resistance, leading to hypertrophy of muscles within the jaw, particularly the masseter muscles. And when used regularly, the additional muscle volume that has been gained over time begins to visually impact your jawline appearance.
Facial Massages
Facial massages are one ( nonsurgical ) way to help improve the appearance of your jawline. When performed correctly by you or a professional aesthetician, massaging the muscles and tissues around your jaw can increase blood flow, strengthen the muscle memory, and promote collagen production in the contact area. This, in turn, can help to tighten skin and make your jawline appear more toned and defined. Additionally, massage can help to break down scar tissue and improve elasticity which may also contribute to a more youthful appearance.
Use Makeup
When applied correctly, makeup can be an excellent way to fake a strong jawline. One of the most effective techniques is to use bronzer or contouring powder to create the illusion of shadows. By applying a bronzer along the jawline, you can create the appearance of a stronger, more defined jaw.
Another helpful trick is to use highlight and lowlight colours to create visual interest. For instance, you can use a highlighter on the apples of your cheeks and along your brow bone, and then use a deeper shade at the hollows of your cheeks and along your jawline. This will give your face more dimension and make your jawline appear more pronounced. With a little bit of practice, you can easily achieve a strong and flattering jawline using makeup.
Consider Cosmetic Surgery
There are several cosmetic surgery options available for those who want to make a more permanent and dramatic change. These options include:
- Using dermal fillers and Botox injections
- Adding a chin implant
- Jaw angle augmentation
- Face and neck lift
- Liposuction
- Chin augmentation
- Thread lifts, among others.
It's important to consult with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon in order to determine which procedure is best for you. Each person's facial features are unique, so it's important to find a procedure that will give you the most natural-looking results.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that cosmetic surgery is not without risks and should only be considered after all other options have been exhausted.
Grow a beard
A beard can be a great way to add definition to a weak jawline. The added volume of facial hair can help to fill out the lower half of the face, making the jaw appear more angular and pronounced. Additionally, a beard can help disguise any slight misalignment of the jaw and any inconsistencies in the shape of the face. Working with a professional barber can help ensure that the beard is tailored to complement your individual facial features.
Benefits of Having a Strong Jawline
A strong jawline is often seen as a sign of health and vitality. Those with a strong jawline are often seen as more attractive, and they tend to be perceived as more confident and leader-like. People with strong jawlines tend to exude an air of confidence and strength. This can give them an advantage in negotiations and other situations where they need to assert their authority.
In terms of health and vitality, men with strong jawlines are perceived as being more physically fit and capable, which can be helpful in attracting mates.
While a weak jawline may be a source of insecurity, it does not have to be a life-long problem. With a little bit of effort and jaw exercise, you can overcome the challenges it might pose on your self-confidence.
