Six Physical Traits Men Notice First on Dating Apps

What men notice about women's appearance
Badoo identified six physical traits that tend to get women more messages and replies from men. Those traits are height, eye color, hair color, body type, nail condition, and a smile.

Preferred height

Badoo found that nearly half of men, 46%, prefer women who are 160–168 cm tall. That doesn’t mean women outside that range are less attractive; on dating platforms, profiles in that middle range simply attract more reactions.

Brown eyes

Blue eyes get a lot of attention in songs and movies, but Badoo’s data show brown eyes draw the most messages. About 60% of men in the sample preferred brown eyes. The warmth and engagement in someone’s gaze often matter more than the specific color.
brown eyes

Brunettes get more messages than blondes

Badoo reports that 40% of messages went to women with brown hair, while blondes received about 15%. Other surveys, including a study by hair-care brand Pantene, add that hair often catches attention: 74% of men notice hair, and 44% said it’s the first thing they see.

An average build

One standout finding: body types respondents described as average got more attention than athletic builds. The term is vague, but the study’s authors stress that beauty standards vary and don’t just mirror what we see on social media.
woman in a swimsuit on a beach

Well-groomed nails matter

It might seem minor, but Badoo noticed that clean, well-kept nails raise the odds of getting a message. Relationship experts say grooming sends subtle signals about self-care and confidence. The current trend toward a natural, no-polish look can also work in some women’s favor.

A genuine smile

Earlier research from Match Group confirms that a smile and teeth are key first-date details. Their data show 60% of men and 71% of women pay attention to a potential partner’s smile. A warm, open smile makes someone seem more approachable and pleasant, which matters when profiles stack up.
Experts caution these figures aren’t a universal guide to attractiveness and don’t guarantee relationship success. The data only help explain why some profiles get more messages on dating sites; personal chemistry and compatibility remain unpredictable.
This is based on reporting from the Daily Mail