Top 10 Appearance Turnoffs
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Mullets (like Joe Dirt's), ponytails and rattails are all turnoffs for most women. ('Joe Dirt' Copyright 2001 Columbia Pictures, Inc.)
There is huge individual variation in what women find appealing in a man, but there are some fashion and grooming mistakes so unappealing, they can automatically turn off virtually any woman from speaking to you. To find out what they are and make sure you aren’t committing any of these cardinal sins in the appearance department, read on.
1. Ponytails or Rattails
Longish hair has a certain rebellious sex appeal to it, but unless you’re Johnny Depp, don’t put it in a ponytail. Women view ponytails on men much the same way they view Speedos: At best, they’re cheesy, and at worst, they signal that you’re bad news.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fix the problem: Even disheveled long locks look better than a ponytail, so resist the urge to pull your mane into one. Alternatively, ask your barber to chop your hair to a point where you can keep the length but it’s impossible to tie up.
2. Gigantic Jewelry
When you sport gigantic jewelry, it brings out the green-eyed monster in women because they really don’t like it if your bling is bigger than theirs. What’s more, oversize jewelry is a look very few men can successfully pull off and still be taken seriously.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fix the problem: Understated, elegant jewelry is a better way to go, particularly for earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. If you really want to go all out on one piece, make it your watch.
3. Back Hair
Although plenty of women find chest hair sexy because it emphasizes your masculinity, this thinking doesn’t extend to back hair. Women spend countless hours throughout their lives removing hair from their bodies in an effort to appear more attractive to their partners, so most feel it’s only fair for you to put in a little effort in this area too.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fix the problem: By whatever means necessary, be it waxing, shaving or using a body grooming tool, get rid of as much back hair as you possibly can. In a pinch, shaving is the best way to go, but favor waxing for longer-lasting results.
4. Frosted Highlights
They didn’t exactly wow women when they were in style, and now that they’ve been out for a very long time, frosted highlights in men’s hair have become synonymous with the definition of a douchebag. A quick Google will show you exactly what this means.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fix the problem: Fortunately, help for your hair is as close as your nearest barber. Head to a salon immediately for a new cut and dye job, and watch as the female attention you get starts to skyrocket._________________________________________________________________________
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5. Poor Oral Hygiene
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Into this category fall bad breath, discolored teeth and missing or chipped teeth. We probably don’t need to elaborate on why women wouldn’t want to get up close and personal with you if you were suffering from one of these conditions — after all, you would be put off too were the situation reversed.
Fix the problem: Brush your teeth with whitening toothpaste after meals, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly to maintain the health of your teeth and keep halitosis at bay. Keep a pack of gum around too, for any moments when you might be caught off guard.
SLIDESHOW: 9 Ways to Banish Bad Breath
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}6. Too Much Cologne
The way a man smells is very important to women, as it helps them assess your potential as a mate. Covering up your natural smell by dousing yourself in cologne not only interferes with this process, it will actually repel her and anyone with whom you work.
Fix the problem: After selecting a juice that works best with your natural body chemistry, apply one squirt to your neck and another to your wrists. Refresh no more than once in the day or night for light scents that don’t have much staying power.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}7. Scraggly or Overly Bushy Beards
While women usually find less facial hair attractive on a man, they’re not necessarily opposed to beards, mustaches and the like. What no woman wants to see on her man or a prospective date, however, is a scraggly beard (the kind you get when you don’t grow much facial hair) or one that’s growing out of control.
Fix the problem: Get yourself some decent grooming gear and commit to shaving regularly if growing facial hair is difficult for you. If you are capable of growing a beard, make sure you keep everything looking neat.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}8. Speedos
Some things are best left to the imagination, and the dimensions of your package, particularly after a dip in cold water, are one of them. What’s more, women typically find Speedos pretty cheesy, and you don’t want that idea to become associated with her impression of your personality.
Fix the problem: While you should avoid short shorts on the street, feel free to try out a shorter style of swimming trunks on the beach if you’ve got a lean, toned physique. For guys on the heavier side, knee-length trunks will show off your body to its best advantage.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}9. Short Shorts
On the one hand, women like nice, muscular legs on a man. At the same time, this piece of information about you is one that most women would rather discover than be confronted with on your first meeting, making short shorts a definite turnoff — especially if she decides your legs are shapelier than hers.
Fix the problem: When the mercury rises, opt for knee-length shorts for casual events. At dressier functions, keep your cool and look like a class act by choosing lightweight linen pants in pale shades like white.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}10. Stained Clothing
Whether it’s mustard, beer or wine, clothing stained with any kind of food is, simply put, disgusting. Other unidentifiable stains are also major turnoffs to women, unless they’re the result of changing the oil in her car (in which case, it indicates you have a skill that impresses women). However, because women spend mind-boggling amounts of time primping for you, they appreciate it when you make some effort for them, meaning stained clothing sends her the message that you find her so unattractive, she’s not worth cleaning up for.
Fix the problem: If you’re a little clumsy or otherwise tend to get dirty a lot, keep a fresh shirt at your office or in your car. That way you can make a quick change if you’ve got a date or are headed someplace where you might meet a woman.