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Does Testosterone Make You Look Handsome?

Published in Hormonal Appearance 2 mins read

No, testosterone does not directly determine attractiveness in the sense of being universally considered "handsome". While testosterone levels can influence facial features, there is no direct correlation between higher testosterone and perceived attractiveness.

Our analysis of research indicates that high testosterone faces often reveal dominance, not necessarily beauty. The connection between testosterone and perceived attractiveness is complex, not straightforward.

The Relationship Between Testosterone and Facial Features:

Testosterone does influence the development of certain physical characteristics, which can be perceived differently by individuals:

  • Masculine features: Testosterone leads to traits such as a strong jawline, prominent brow ridges, and a more angular face.
  • Dominance: Studies have shown that faces with these masculine features can be associated with dominance, which may or may not be attractive to all.
  • No direct link to universal attractiveness: The research emphasizes that there is no evidence of directional selection for increased (or decreased) testosterone in terms of attractiveness to the opposite sex. This means that, evolutionarily, neither higher nor lower testosterone levels have consistently led to more perceived attractiveness.

Factors that Influence Perceived Attractiveness:

It's important to acknowledge that many factors influence attractiveness, and testosterone is just one small piece of this puzzle. These factors can include:

  • Cultural Norms: Beauty standards vary across cultures and time periods.
  • Personal Preference: Attractiveness is subjective. What one person finds attractive, another may not.
  • Facial Symmetry: Symmetrical faces are often considered more appealing.
  • Other Factors: Personality, health, and self-confidence can all significantly influence perceived attractiveness.

Understanding the Nuances:

Feature Testosterone Impact Effect on Attractiveness
Masculine Facial Features Increases prominence Variable, not universally attractive
Dominance-Related Features Increases, associated with dominance May or may not be considered attractive
Perceived Attractiveness No Direct Correlation Subjective and influenced by many factors

In conclusion, while testosterone influences facial structure and can lead to features associated with masculinity and dominance, it does not inherently make someone universally perceived as handsome. Attractiveness is a complex issue that includes far more than just hormone levels.