Why men with tattoos are a turn-off to some women

Some women considered tattooed men to be more masculine, dominant and aggressive. Photo / Getty Images

Women have long been wary of dating bulky men with tattoos.

But new research has confirmed their suspicions and found those with body art are more likely to cheat.

A study asked 2,500 heterosexual men and women to give their thoughts on pictures of topless men.

Some of the images had been edited to display a small piece of body art on their arms.

Men considered those who had tattoos as more attractive than their counterparts who didn't have one, the study found.

But tattooed men were considered less attractive by some women, the Polish study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences found.

Despite linking the tattooed men with being healthier - a common scientific finding - they also considered them to be more masculine, dominant and aggressive.

Masculinity is linked to having high testosterone levels, the hormone responsible for sex drive and muscle growth.

Previous research has found that a surge in the hormone encourages men to seek an affair.

The Polish researchers said: "The dark side of testosterone-related features perfectly explains why women assessed tattooed men as worse potential partners and parents."

Scientists from the University of New Mexico previously found men in committed relationships have lower testosterone levels.

While cheating men have much higher levels.

It is believed that the hormone aids men in their efforts to attract mates by increasing their confidence.