top of page

What Women Find Attractive When It Comes to Men and Body Hair

Updated: Mar 13

In the realm of attraction between men and women, preferences can vary widely. However, when it comes to male body hair, studies suggest that women have a penchant for the natural growth of hair on men. Exploring the findings from a study conducted by Brandeis University, we delve into the allure of male body hair and its significance in women's perceptions of attractiveness, masculinity, and parental abilities.



When it comes to women's attraction to males, there is evidence that they prefer the growth of body hair in men. Males grow terminal hair in more parts of their bodies, including the face, chest, back, legs, arms, hands, and feet. The development of male body hair is associated with puberty and serves as an indicator of sexual maturity, similar to the role it plays in females.


A study conducted by Dixson and Brooks (2013) further explored the role of facial hair in women's perceptions of men's attractiveness, health, masculinity, and parenting abilities. The research revealed that women rated men with a heavy stubble beard as the most attractive, while men with full beards were rated highest in terms of parental abilities. These findings highlight the significance of facial hair in enhancing male characteristics that women value in long-term relationships, such as age, social maturity, industriousness, sincerity, and ambition.


Facial hair also amplifies traits associated with sexual maturity, masculinity, aggression, and dominance. Although the latter two characteristics may initially be seen as negative, they are directly related to protection benefits in long-term relationships. Women perceive facial hair as an indicator of a man's ability to provide security and safeguard their family unit, which contributes to the preference for men with full facial hair.


In addition to facial hair, male body hair on the chest and abdomen is also seen as attractive by women. A study conducted by Dixson et al. (2003) found that women rated men with hair in these areas as more appealing. This preference aligns with the notion that body hair serves as a visual cue of sexual maturity in men, just as it does in women. The presence of body hair further enhances a man's attractiveness and may be interpreted as a sign of readiness for reproduction.


It is worth considering that the preference for male body hair may be reciprocated by men when seeking attractive characteristics in women. Just as women are drawn to male body hair as a sign of sexual maturity, men may find certain features in women that signal femininity and reproductive potential appealing. This reciprocal nature of attraction based on physical characteristics speaks to the complex dynamics between genders and highlights the diverse range of preferences in human relationships.


Research suggests that women have a preference for male body hair, including facial hair and hair on the chest and abdomen. These features are associated with attractiveness, masculinity, parental abilities, and indicators of sexual maturity. Understanding the significance of male body hair sheds light on the multifaceted interplay of physical attributes and attraction between men and women. It emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and recognizing the diverse preferences that exist in matters of attraction.

bottom of page