If you’ve noticed that some of the biggest stars have their mouths positioned in a very specific way when posing for pictures, you’re likely picking up on mewing. This technique involves touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth to create a more defined jaw look. Experts speculate that Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Jennifer Lopez are among the celebrities that are mewing in photos. Is this trend worthwhile? See what the experts have to say.
“The idea is that you reposition your tongue so it’s touching the roof of your mouth. By repositioning your tongue in this way, it will give the appearance of a more sculpted and defined jawline,” explains London plastic surgeon Yannis Alexandrides, MD. “It was apparently made popular by British orthodontists John and Mike Mew, hence the term ‘mewing.’” The technique can be used as a workout for those muscles or a quick fix for photos.
Medical aesthetician Amy Peterson notes that mewing is also often used when taking photos. It helps the jaw appear sharper and can reduce the appearance of a double chin.
The experts are fairly split on how well mewing actually works. “Do pilates and yoga work? I think some patients who perform these exercises may see results depending on technique and frequency,” says Dr. Klausner. “We see ballet dancers tend to have long necks. We can see the impact of brass rings on the necks of the women in the Kayan tribe from Myanmar. These rings maximize the natural neck extension and tend to do so by pushing the collarbone and shoulders down.”
Peterson believes “mewing can be effective, but it is a very subtle and temporary fix. It will not completely restructure your face, and it will lose its effect as soon as you rest your tongue back in its normal position.” Dr. Alexandrides is more skeptical, noting “that there is no scientific research or factual evidence to prove this technique actually works or is effective in defining and giving a contoured look to the jawline.”
