The internet is full of terrible relationship advice, but nothing stinks as much as the latest trend that encourages men to show up on dates in sweaty clothes or without showering.
This practice is called ‘pheromone maxxing’ and, like looksmaxxing, involves making yourself more attractive by increasing the level of pheromones to attract a sexual partner.
Proponents claim that there is nothing more intoxicating to the opposite sex than their “natural musk,” as it reportedly contains chemicals that trigger a mating reaction in some animals.
For best results, they recommend avoiding douches, deodorant, or perfume before the first date, wearing a sweat-soaked shirt, and — in very extreme cases — even drinking your own urine for a successful first date.
An alleged advocate said ‘pheromone maxxing is key’ as he filmed himself shirtless and putting his hair up TikTok.
The text on the video read: ‘I’ve completely stopped washing my hair and now unironically get more compliments on how it smells and looks (from women)’.
American creator Demir Basceri (“cookiekinggg”) stated that he doesn’t shower for “three days” before seeing a girl, takes a bath on the day of the date and then wears “the same shirt back on” to create a “halo effect of pheromones.”
But like most TikTok trends, health experts have said “there’s no research that says ‘don’t wash, it becomes irresistible'” and warned that “pheromone maxxing” can also cause skin conditions like severe acne, painful boils and fungal infections that require medical attention.
Proponents claim that there is nothing more intoxicating to the opposite sex than their ‘natural musk’, as it reportedly contains chemicals that trigger a mating reaction in some animals
“The idea behind pheromone maxxing is not scientifically credible,” says sexual health expert Sarah Mulindwa, who is also the wellness expert at Lovehoney, an adult toy company.
‘Pheromones are well established in many animals, but we have not yet identified a human sex pheromone that acts as an invisible aphrodisiac and automatically makes someone more sexually attractive.’
Instead, sexual attraction is “incredibly individual” and often the result of several factors such as appearance, personality, communication, emotional connection and personal preference.
‘What worries me most about these types of trends is the message underneath. Young men are essentially being told that they can perform a biological hack that will make women unable to resist. That’s simply not how attraction works.’
Not only is “pheromone maxxing” likely to decrease your chances of finding love, but experts say it can also cause serious skin conditions.
Sweat itself is relatively odorless, but the odor we associate with body odor occurs when it interacts with bacteria that live on the skin, especially in areas such as the armpits or groin.
“Armpits are warm, wet, and full of apocrine (or sweat) glands,” Dr. Bakhtiar explained. ‘Bacteria, especially corynebacteria and staphylococci, break down the secretions into acids and sulfur compounds. That’s the classic smell of musty gym bags.’
Proponents claim that there is nothing more intoxicating to the opposite sex than their ‘natural musk’, as it reportedly contains chemicals that trigger a mating response in some animals (Stock Image)
The longer you go without a shower and the more you wear sweaty clothes, the more bacteria multiply, he added.
“This is more likely to cause a rash than a second date.”
“Pheromone maxxers” will be prone to folliculitis, or the inflammation of the hair follicles, which causes small, red, itchy “pus-filled bumps,” warned Ana Carolina Goncalves, the chief pharmacist at online pharmacy Pharmica.
The men’s health expert added: ‘Warm and/or sweaty skin, friction and occlusion from damp or tight clothing can create conditions that make bacterial or yeast-related folliculitis more likely.’
A beautician told the Daily Mail that she has seen an increase in the number of parents booking treatments for ‘sebum build-up due to their children not showering’.
It can also lead to fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm, because fungi thrive in ‘warm, moist areas’ such as the feet, groin and skin folds.
Prolonged exposure to sweat, heat and friction can also worsen itching and inflammation in men with eczema, Ana added.
Drinking your own urine is where this trend moves from relatively harmless misinformation to behavior that I would actively discourage, Sarah added.
‘There is absolutely no evidence that drinking urine increases pheromones or makes someone more sexually attractive.
‘Urine contains concentrated salts and waste products, products that your kidneys have filtered from the blood, and consuming them can contribute to dehydration and put extra pressure on the kidneys, especially if repeated.’
One beautician reported that more and more parents are booking treatments for ‘sebum build-up’ because their children are not showering.
“Unfortunately, these young men are convinced that not bathing will attract women, but skipping showers causes excessive oil buildup in the skin, leading to breakouts, severe acne and wild body odor,” says Shantelle Clarke.
‘I have advised my patients to shower at least twice a day if they are looking for love.’
