Tattooed man: Could menstrual cycle phase and contraceptive use change female preferences towards bad boys?

Studies have reported that tattooing may increase women's ratings of masculinity and dominance of men. Simultaneously, women's preferences for men's masculinity may alter due to the hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycle phase and use of hormonal oral contraceptives (OC). Here we present the results of the first study exploring whether women's perceptions of tattooed men may be influenced by female reproductive state. Pictures of men with and without a tattoo were rated in seven categories by 2437 females divided into groups (1) in fertile and non-fertile cycle phase and (2) using and not using oral hormonal contraceptives. We failed to demonstrate any significant effect of fertility status of a woman on her assessment of tattooed men in any category (attractiveness, health, masculinization, dominance, aggressiveness, potential of being a good father and a good partner).