Why Do Guys Like to Smell You: Explained

Strange, but often, people feel a strong attraction to someone’s smell. This isn’t just about personal preference—it’s often linked to a deeper, almost primal level. It’s more than just the scent of fragrance or some trendy deodorant; it’s about a person’s unique brand of smell. You might wonder why guys, in particular, are drawn to this. Part of the reason could be due to body-odor attraction, a phenomenon where a person’s natural scent, or musk, plays a big role in how appealing they seem.

From a personal experience, I remember being close to someone and realizing that the scent lingering after a hug wasn’t just fabric-softener sheets or a mix of shampoo and hair product. There was something deeper, something that felt intoxicating without being overwhelming. I didn’t hate the smell, even though it was far from the fresh, scented products we’re used to. That’s the thing—sometimes a mate’s scent can feel more inviting than any cologne or perfume. Their scent feels familiar, warm, and comforting, almost like a hidden connection between you two.

Some guys, whether they’re aware of it or not, are drawn to the natural musk of a potential partner. The attraction isn’t about them enjoying the smell of neck, underarms or someone skipping their shower routine. Rather, it’s the chemically compatible connection that happens when their bodies respond to a person’s immune system, subtly influencing the way that scent is perceived. I’ve heard people talk about this in a scientific context, like how pheromones might play a role, though human attraction is far more complex than that.

A dermatologist I once met, much like Lindsey Bordone, an expert in the field of dermatology, explained how humans don’t have the same vomeronasal organ as other animals do. That’s the organ animals use to detect pheromones from other species. Instead, we rely on the olfactory system to pick up on different smells, which in turn influence whether or not we feel attracted to someone. There’s something primal about it, a deep-rooted biological response that goes beyond just what our eyes see.

Dermatologists, or Dermos, are also quite familiar with hormones and endocrinology, both of which affect our perception of smell. The way our immune system interacts with someone else’s scent is a subtle part of this process. There’s even speculation that hormones contribute to the perception of a person’s unadulterated scent, which is the raw smell beneath all the personal-care products we use daily.

So, while animals may send out pheromonal signals to signal attraction, humans have evolved in a more complex way. Our evolutionary assets might not include an animal-like ability to detect such signals, but things like Tinder, Grindr, and even Instagram DMs have their own modern versions of attraction signals. But it’s not just about these digital connections—being near someone and catching a whiff of their natural musk can stir up feelings that you might not fully understand.

One of the most interesting things I’ve come across is how a person’s scent is influenced by their everyday life. Sure, part of it is shaped by the personal-care products they use, like body wash or the fragrance of their shampoo, but there’s something else—something that ties back to their natural scent that comes from their own immune system. Sometimes, I’ve noticed that certain smells linger, like the subtle moisturizer scent that hangs around after a kiss. It’s these little details that make someone’s smell distinct and, to some extent, irresistible.

There’s also the theory that women’s sense of smell changes during different periods in their ovulation cycle, or that they might give off a different smell during that time. It’s fascinating to think that our brains and olfactory systems are complex enough to handle all these changes, helping us in this silent selection process of attraction. It’s like a hidden layer of communication that we aren’t even aware of.

The things we notice most about someone’s scent are often influenced by the combination of products they use daily, from hair products to fabric-softener sheets. But underneath all of that, there’s the uniqueness of a person’s natural smell that can make a difference in how attracted you feel. Sometimes, the attraction isn’t to the odor itself but to the person behind it. And when it all comes together, you might find yourself forgiving—or even appreciating—what others might consider a flaw in their scent.

Primarily guys are drawn to the smell of women due to pheromones. These chemical signals are released from the scalp and play a crucial function in picking a mate. They help expose genetic markers linked to the immune system, allowing men to choose a partner for healthy children. Heterosexual men do not like the smell of another man’s hair, even if they use the same hair products.

But sometimes when a guy smells you, it can also be a sign of affection, showing his love and closeness. He may also feel appreciation and admiration for your unique scent. Sometimes, your boyfriend just enjoys the way you naturally smell, making him feel connected to you.