A TikTok trend in which creators give their romantic partners dramatic makeovers — often captioned as a “boyfriend glow-up” — has ignited viral interest and divided viewers, with some transformations praised as impressive and others criticized as ill-advised.
The videos typically open with a partner portrayed as unkempt or schlubby and then cut to a sharply groomed, slimmer or more styled version after haircuts, shaves, wardrobe changes and sometimes fitness montages. One clip that attracted about 5.4 million views showed a man in a hoodie, sporting a man bun and scruffy facial hair, then reappearing in the next frame clean-shaven, trimmed and with a new haircut. Viewers reacted with enthusiasm, posting comments such as “Gurl! You are a visionary” and “She said I can fix him, and she was right.”
Not every makeover has been received positively. One clip that showed a partner go from a goatee and mustache to a clean-shaven face with a bowl cut prompted baffled responses, with viewers questioning whether the footage was presented in the correct order and asking, “What did you do to that man?” Other posts drew praise for what viewers described as discipline and dedication when weight loss, fitness and grooming were all part of the transformation.
Creators use a range of techniques to stage the changes. Haircuts, trimming or removal of facial hair, tanning or bronzing sprays, wardrobe swaps and targeted lighting or camera angles are common. Some videos mix in fitness footage or claims of diet and exercise. The exact regimens behind many of the transformations are not always detailed in the clips; a number of creators simply show a rapid before-and-after edit without documenting the steps in between.
The trend follows a longer-running online preoccupation with “glow-ups,” a term that broadly describes noticeable improvements in appearance or style. Recent iterations of glow-up culture range from solo beauty transformations to partner-focused makeovers, and have been buoyed by short-form platforms that favor quick, dramatic edits. The phenomenon also intersects with broader social-media behaviors that emphasize visual storytelling and the promise of rapid change.
Influencers have applied other contemporary tools to personal-improvement efforts. This summer, influencer Anastasia Eastin drew attention after she said she used ChatGPT to help jump-start her own glow-up regimen when her prior efforts plateaued. Eastin told followers that a regimen informed by the chatbot left her feeling “happy and polished” and helped her save money, though specifics about any exercises, products or medical procedures were not detailed.
Creators and viewers have expressed a mix of reactions to partner glow-ups. Some celebrate the makeovers as confidence-boosting and collaborative, applauding both the individuals who change and the partners who help. Others view the trend as performative or question whether all changes are in the subject’s best interest, especially when the person undergoing the makeover appears uncomfortable in follow-up footage.
The trend underscores how social platforms amplify brief, highly edited narratives about appearance and identity. While some clips are framed as motivational or affectionate, the varied audience responses reflect differing views about aesthetics, autonomy and the role of social-media entertainment in shaping personal grooming choices.
As with many viral formats, the boyfriend glow-up trend continues to evolve: some creators lean into theatrical, stylized overhauls while others focus on incremental, health-oriented change. Viewers and commenters appear likely to keep debating which approaches feel supportive and which look staged or misguided, and creators often respond in kind by refining the editing, disclosures or explanations that accompany their posts.