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Are Tattoos Attractive?


Do women love them or hate them? Which tattoos will make you look sexy. Which won't? What do your tattoo's design and placement say to a woman?


According to a recent study, women don’t find tattooed men more (or less) attractive. They do think men with tattoos are healthier, more masculine, dominant, and aggressive, but that they make worse partners and parents.


MEN think tattooed men look more attractive to women, and also more masculine, dominant, and aggressive. The study hypothesized that this was because braving the physical cost of getting a tattoo signalled higher testosterone.


What's The Takeaway?

While a tattoo may get you more respect from other men, it tends to tell women you’re more fling material than husband material. We'll leave you decide for yourself whether that’s a good thing.


Tattoos Women Find Sexy

A few years ago, women in a small survey by GQ magazine ranked male tattoos from the biggest turn-on to the biggest turn-OFF. Here are the results:


#1. Minimalist Tattoos

These are usually small with just a few crisp lines, often in plain black. When deciding on yours, consider the size of the pattern on a tacky novelty tie vs. one you’d wear on a date. The same principle applies when the pattern’s on your skin. In other words, keep it small and subtle. An understated tattoo also reassures her that you’re not compensating for anything.


#2. Foreign Language Tattoos

Only get this tattoo in language that you actually speak. Steer clear of any kanji characters unless you know SIGNIFICANTLY more Japanese than ‘kawaii desu’.


#3. Fierce Animal Tattoos

Signals power, aggression, and the possibility that you’re a tiger in the bedroom.


#4. Men's Bird Tattoos

Suggest a free and aspiring spirit. Nautical swallows can also symbolize love and loyalty or a successful voyage, since they always return home.


#5. Nautical Anchor Tattoos

Represents what (or who) keeps you steady and grounded. Can be a subtle statement of Christian faith, or simply remind her of rugged, sex-hungry sailors.


#6. Tattoos Of Skulls

Reminders of death: not a good choice unless you're John Donne.


#7. Flower Tattoos On Men

Doesn't look very masculine. Why not just buy flowers for her instead? Women genuinely love flowers.


#8. Sexy Lady Tattoos

Not sexy to a real lady.


#9. Tattoos Of A Dagger

Maybe it makes her worry that you’d hurt her, maybe it’s just cheesy.


#10. Mom Heart Tattoos

Respecting your mom is attractive. Implying that she’ll always be the number 1 lady in your life is NOT.


According to her Hottest Place to Be Inked (From Best to Worst): 1. Forearm

Some ladies specified the underside.

2. Arms (full sleeve)

Really hot, but also a major commitment.

3. Back

With one caveat: "Just not wings. Never get wings on your back. You are not an angel or a bird."


4. Underside of Wrist

For the shy, younger brother of forearm-tattooed man. The hotness is less in-your-face, but we can't believe it took us this long to notice...


5. Chest

Could be hot, just keep it up top. Harry Styles's butterfly is verging on belly territory.


6. Knuckles

This is a bit scary, not so sexy. But its ranking suggests there's room for exception.


7. Ankle

A little bit '90s.


8. Back of Calf

Is it a portrait of Fox Mulder? Sure, go ahead then. (Sarcasm.)


9. Legs (full)

Women seem to like your legs bare—possibly because of the wincing that occurs when we imagine the tat artist drudging through all that leg hair.

10. Belly

Don't ever do this.

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