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This photo compares a natural, asymmetric face with edited versions of mirrored, symmetric face. According to physical predictors of attraction, the left and right symmetry versions are found to be more attractive.

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Studies indicate that humans experience bilateral symmetry, which is explained as follows: "When left and right halves of a face or body match; symmetry is positively correlated with perceived attractiveness" (310). In other words, humans find symmetric faces more attractive or pleasing than asymmetric faces. Facial asymmetry may refer to one eye being larger than the other, a mole on one side of the chin, or one eyebrow with a higher arch than the other. The question is, why does this biased attraction occur?

The textbook answers this question from an evolutionary perspective, claiming that symmetry acts as "a heuristic cue that helps us make fast judgments about others" (310). This suggests that symmetry makes us make the decision if someone is attractive or not.

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This photo was retrieved from a study that combined thousands of faces of women from different parts of the world to come up with an "averaged" face. Do you find these more attractive than images of individual women?

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The term averaged face is described as "A computer-generated face created by combining several individual faces. Averaged faces are often perceived as more attractive than individual faces" (311). In general, the more faces that are combined, the more attractive the image is found. Why? The textbook dives into 3 possible explanations:

1. Procedural effect- Looking at the "averaged" face after looking at many individual faces could affect the results.

2. Averaged faces are more symmetrical.

3. Averaged faces are more comforting because they are considered accepted by culture and society.

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This image shows several different waist-to-hips ratios of women. For women, there are preferred waist-to-hips ratios that are considered more attractive than others. For men, the more applicable ratio is that of waist-to-shoulders.

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The waist-to-hips ratio compares the waist circumference to the hips circumference. This ratio is most commonly applied to the attractiveness of women. Through studies, it is has suggested that "the most desirable waist-to-hips ratio for women is about 0.7" (312). A possible explanation for these preferences come from the unconscious thoughts that wide hips allow healthy childbearing, and a small waist "indicates aerobic health."

The waist-to-shoulders ratio, on the other hand, compares the width of the waist to the width of the shoulders and is most commonly applied to the attractiveness of men. Research suggests that the most attractive waist-to-shoulders ratio is between 0.70 and 0.75 (312). A possible explanation for these preferences derived from the unconscious level includes that, again, a small waist indicates aerobic health, and broad shoulders indicate physical strength.

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When you look at the woman in this photo, what is the first thing that you notice? Is it her tattoos?

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Unlike symmetry, averaged faces, and waist-to-hips or waist-to-shoulders, tattoos are not considered universally attractive. The acceptance of tattoos depends on several factors, including the following:

Culture- Although tattoos are more generally accepted throughout our nation in the U.S., some areas, such as Japan, have negative cultural views towards them.

Personal Preference- One person may like a sleeve of tattoos on their significant other, while others may find it unattractive. Everyone has different opinions.

Professional Environment- Many professional settings do not allow visible tattoos while on the job. For example, some healthcare environments state that tattoos must be hidden in their dress code.

Quality- The meaning and job behind the tattoo may influence how others feel about it. For example, a dainty Bible verse may be more attractive to some than a bold skull head. Additionally, how well are the lines done? How neatly is the tattoo colored in?

Placement- Tattoos in less visible areas, such as the back, may be more accepted than tattoos in noticeable areas, such as on the hands or face.

Generations- In general, older generations may be less accepting of tattoos. For example, your 20-year-old sister may love your new tattoo, your 50-year-old mother may tolerate your new tattoo, and your 70-year-old grandmother may not approve of your new tattoo at all.

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This photo shows several different piercing types on the face and body of a woman. Some of these piercings are more accepted than others in society. What affects this?

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The attractiveness and acceptance of body piercings goes along with the explanations behind tattoos. Piercings are another "non-traditional" body modification that boil down to personal preference. Another factor that may impact the "attractiveness" of body piercings includes gender. Some may find it attractive for women to have their ears pierced but not men. Also, regarding piercings, some have become more socially accepted than others. For example, as mentioned above, it is very common for women to get their ears pierced. However, facial piercings are not as common or socially accepted.

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This photo is one of the countless examples of possible hair colors that can be done today. However, a bright color, like purple, is not always found attractive.

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In addition to tattoos and body piercings, unnatural hair color also acts as a non-traditional perspective of physical attraction. The same six factors priorly listed can be applied to the attractiveness of unnatural hair color. Take the professional environment, for example-- it may be considered unprofessional to have purple hair as a nurse, while it may be considered stylish to have purple hair as a hairdresser. Overall, body modifications, including tattoos, body piercings, and unnatural hair color, are subjective in appeal to individuals and societies.