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Gen Z men are skipping showers in 'pheromone-maxxing' dating trend
New York Post • • world
Key Points:
- A TikTok trend called "pheromone-maxxing" involves some young men skipping showers and deodorant before dates, believing that stronger natural body odor increases sexual attractiveness, though scientific evidence for this is inconclusive.
- Pheromones are chemical signals known to affect behavior in animals, but no definitive human pheromone has been identified, and studies on body odor preferences, such as the "sweaty T-shirt study," have shown mixed and context-dependent results.
- The trend is part of the broader "looksmaxxing" movement, where individuals attempt to enhance attractiveness, sometimes through extreme or unconventional methods, but it has received significant criticism online for promoting poor hygiene.
- Media commentators recommend maintaining basic cleanliness, with advice to shower and use unscented deodorant before dates, warning that excessive cologne or body odor can send negative social signals.
