Are Pretty People More Successful? The Shocking Science of Beauty Bias

Do “pretty people” really have an advantage in life, work, and relationships? In this episode of Beauty & The Brain, Dr. Chris Croley and NP Jerry Drinkard unpack the psychology, neuroscience, and cultural patterns behind beauty bias — the unconscious (and sometimes unfair) preference society gives to more attractive individuals.

You’ll hear real-world examples from the exam room to the workplace, plus surprising research on how facial symmetry, grooming, hair color, and even skin tone influence trustworthiness, leadership perceptions, hiring decisions, and sentencing severity. They also explore how beauty standards vary across cultures, how social media reinforces appearance-driven expectations, and whether medical aesthetics fuels confidence or pressure.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain faces are universally seen as “beautiful,” how injectables play into modern beauty ideals, or why blondes are perceived differently than brunettes, this episode delivers science-backed answers with humor and nuance.

Topics Include:

• How beauty bias forms — even in childhood

• Why symmetry & even skin tone influence perceived health

• How grooming affects job interviews & first impressions

• Do attractive people get better career opportunities?

• Why beauty helps men professionally but works against some women

• Regional & cultural differences in beauty standards

• Are blondes seen as less intelligent?

• How aesthetic treatments enhance presentation & confidence

Whether you’re an injector, beauty professional, or simply fascinated by social psychology, this conversation offers data-driven insight into how aesthetics shape our lives.