Members of Generation Z are adopting an unusual strategy to attract women: skipping showers on some days to display their natural odor. The trend, nicknamed "pheromone-maxxing" on TikTok, involves men born between 1995 and 2010 who believe that natural body odor can increase their attractiveness.
Pheromones are chemical signals released between individuals of the same species that can trigger behavioral or physiological responses. Body odor can transmit information about emotional states, health, age, and genetic diversity. However, although these chemical compounds are linked to mating in animal species, a relationship between pheromones and romantic attraction in humans has not been scientifically established.
Other young people are adopting a less radical tactic: they shower but do not wash their hair, and stop using deodorant or perfume. One young man interviewed by the publication stated that he has completely stopped washing his hair and, without irony, claims to receive more attention since then.
