Sexual dimorphism—the physical differences between males and females—extends to facial features. Understanding these patterns helps contextualize attractiveness research and explains why certain features are perceived differently across sexes.
What Dimorphism Means
At puberty, hormones drive different developmental patterns:
Testosterone effects (typically male):
- Larger jaw and chin
- More prominent brow ridge
- Wider face relative to height
- Thicker skin
- More prominent nose
Estrogen effects (typically female):
- Fuller lips
- Less prominent brow
- More gracile (delicate) bone structure
- Higher eyebrows
- Rounder facial contours
These are averages—significant overlap exists between individuals, and these features exist on continuums.
The Attractiveness Link
Research shows nuanced relationships between dimorphism and attractiveness:
For Male Faces
Moderate masculinity preferred: Studies consistently find that extremely masculine faces (very heavy brow, very angular jaw) are rated less attractive than moderately masculine faces. The "most attractive" male faces often have some feminine elements—fuller lips, less extreme brow ridge.
Context matters: Preferences shift based on context. During the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle, some studies show increased preference for more masculine faces—but these effects are inconsistent and debated.
Age trends: Very masculine features can age more noticeably, as the skin thins over prominent bones.
For Female Faces
Neotenous features valued: Feminine-dimorphic features (larger eyes relative to face, fuller lips, rounded contours) are generally associated with attractiveness across cultures. These are also features associated with youth.
Too much can seem immature: Extremely neotenous features (very large eyes, very small chin) can read as childlike rather than attractive.
The "Cute" vs. "Hot" Spectrum
Dimorphism creates a spectrum often described colloquially:
More neotenous/less dimorphic: "Cute," "pretty," "youthful appearance" More sexually dimorphic: "Hot," "sexy," "mature"
Neither end is universally "better"—both patterns can be attractive, and preferences vary by individual.
Can You Influence Your Dimorphism?
Some aspects are fixed; others can be modified:
Not Changeable Without Surgery
- Bone structure (brow ridge, jaw bone, orbital bones)
- Overall facial proportions
- Eye size relative to face
Modifiable Through Lifestyle
Body fat percentage: Lower body fat reveals more angular structure (increasing perceived masculinity in men, often); higher body fat softens features.
Muscle development: For men, neck and jaw muscle development can enhance masculine appearance. For women, these same muscles can be relaxed (with Botox) to soften jawline.
Grooming choices:
- Facial hair dramatically affects perceived masculinity
- Makeup can emphasize or de-emphasize dimorphic features
- Brow shaping affects perceived femininity/masculinity
Posture: How you hold your head affects how jaw and neck appear.
The Limits
You can shift presentation within your natural range, but you can't fundamentally change your bone structure. Someone with naturally gracile features trying to appear hyper-masculine will hit limits; someone with naturally strong features trying to appear extremely delicate will as well.
Work with what you have rather than against it.
The Balance Question
A key insight from research: balance often beats extremes.
Faces rated most attractive typically aren't the most extreme on any dimension. They're faces where features work together harmoniously:
- A strong jaw may work better with somewhat fuller lips
- Large eyes may pair better with moderate (not minimal) chin
- Very prominent cheekbones may need softer jawline for balance
This is why "enhancing" one feature to extreme levels often looks worse, not better—it throws off harmonies.
Cultural and Historical Variation
Dimorphism preferences aren't static:
Historical shifts: Ideal male faces have been leaner/more androgynous in some eras, more rugged in others. Female ideals have ranged from very round and soft to quite angular.
Cultural differences: Some cultures prefer stronger dimorphism; others prefer more androgynous aesthetics.
Individual preference: Within any population, preferences vary widely. Some people prefer more masculine faces; some prefer more feminine—regardless of their own gender.
This variation suggests dimorphism influences but doesn't determine attractiveness.
A Practical Approach
If you're thinking about dimorphism:
For Self-Understanding
Knowing where you fall on masculine-feminine dimensions helps you:
- Understand how you're likely perceived
- Make grooming/styling choices that work with your features
- Set realistic expectations for what modifications can achieve
For Optimization
If you want to shift presentation:
- Consider which direction suits your goals (more masculine, more feminine, more androgynous)
- Focus on modifiable elements (body composition, grooming, posture)
- Work with your natural structure rather than fighting it
For Peace of Mind
Remember:
- No level of dimorphism is objectively "best"
- Moderate levels are often most attractive in research
- Individual preferences vary enormously
- Many other factors affect attractiveness beyond dimorphism
Tracking your features over time with tools like Potential AI can help you understand your baseline and see how habit changes affect your presentation—without obsessing over fixed structural elements.
Conclusion
Sexual dimorphism refers to the masculine and feminine characteristics of faces, driven by hormonal differences in development. These features influence but don't determine attractiveness—moderate dimorphism and overall harmony often matter more than extremes.
You can influence your presentation through body composition, grooming, and styling, but bone structure is fixed. Understanding where you are on the spectrum helps you work with your features effectively.
Know your baseline. Optimize what you can. Accept what you can't.