Are Dimples Considered Attractive? Everything You Need to Know

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Licensed cosmetologist Charlie Jeske explains why dimples are considered attractive

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Charlie Jeske

Last Updated: April 5, 2026 Fact Checked

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Are dimples attractive?

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Why They’re Attractive

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What causes dimples?

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Cosmetic Procedures to Get Dimples

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Back Dimples

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Chin Dimples

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Video

Dimples are a unique and eye-catching trait. But do people usually consider them to be attractive? If you’re looking for the answers to this question, you’ve landed in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore whether or not dimples are attractive (spoiler alert, they definitely are!), what makes them desirable, what causes them, and more. We’ll also go over procedures that are available to create dimples, and whether or not back or chin dimples are attractive. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Are cheek dimples attractive? An Overview

Licensed cosmetologist Charlie Jeske says cheek dimples are considered attractive and can give someone a charming and unique look. There isn’t definitive research on why dimples are attractive, but here are a few possible reasons why people find them so desirable:

They draw attention to your smile.
They give you a friendly, approachable look.
They’re associated with a youthful appearance.
They’re associated with luck, beauty, or heroism in some cultures.
They’re considered rare and unique.

Section 1 of 6:

Are dimples attractive?

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Yes, many people consider dimples to be attractive. Attraction is subjective, which means that different people are attracted to different things.^{[1]
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Research source} In general, however, dimples are considered to be very attractive. In fact, there are even cosmetic procedures available to create dimples if you weren’t born with them, which is a pretty surefire sign that they’re a desirable trait!^{[2]
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- There are also tons of celebrities with this facial trait who are considered to be incredibly attractive. Celebrities with dimples include:
  - Ariana Grande, Michael B. Jordan, Gabrielle Union, Jenna Ortega, David Corenswet, Miranda Kerr, Rachel McAdams, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jonathan Bailey
- We’ll go into more detail about possible reasons why dimples are so attractive below!

Section 2 of 6:

What makes cheek dimples attractive?

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The act of smiling itself increases your attractiveness to others, and it also signals trustworthiness and intelligence.^{[3]
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Research source} Now throw dimples into the mix—they’re most visible when you’re smiling, so they naturally draw attention to your smile and make it more memorable.^{[4]
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Research source} In other words, dimples make an attractive trait even more attractive, which could be one reason why they’re so desirable!
Dimples can give your smile an even more cheerful look, which is largely considered attractive.^{[5]
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Research source} People are naturally drawn toward those who are upbeat, friendly, and warm, and dimples definitely convey this energy. With this in mind, it makes sense that dimples are seen as such an attractive trait.
Dimples are also associated with youthfulness and innocence, and these traits are often considered to be attractive.^{[6]
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Research source} This association might be due to the fact that many infants are born with dimples due to their “baby fat,” but these dimples disappear as they grow older.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source

MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine

Go to source} As a result, people who keep their dimples their whole lives are likely to be described as “cute” or “adorable.”
In Chinese culture, dimples are seen as a symbol of good luck, and in Arabian society, they’re seen as a sign of physical beauty.^{[8]
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Research source} In other cultures, dimples are thought to represent heroes (take Superman, for example—he’s depicted with distinct dimples in the comics!).^{[9]
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Research source} All of these positive associations naturally contribute to the perceived attractiveness of dimples.
It’s estimated that only 20 to 30 percent of the world’s population has dimples. This is a fair number of people, but it’s far less than the majority. Rare traits tend to be considered attractive because they set people apart and make them memorable, and dimples are no exception! They give your smile character and make it unique, and there’s nothing more attractive than that.

Section 3 of 6:

What causes dimples?

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Dimples are inherited, and they’re caused by an anomaly in the cheek. Dimples tend to be passed down in families, so it’s largely assumed that they’re genetic (although this hasn’t been definitively). Dimples themselves are caused by an anomaly of the muscle in the cheek, causing a dent to appear, especially when the person smiles.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source

MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine

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- Some infants appear to have dimples in their cheeks caused by “baby fat,” but their dimples disappear as they grow older and lose this facial fat. Other children don’t have dimples at birth, but they develop them late in childhood.
- Some people have dimples that last during adolescence, but disappear in adulthood, while still others have dimples their whole lives.^{[11]
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  MedlinePlus
  Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
  
  Go to source}

Section 4 of 6:

Are there cosmetic procedures to get dimples?

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Yes, there is such a thing as a “dimpleplasty.” Since dimples are considered to be such a desirable trait, a demand naturally arose for cosmetic surgery to create dimples. The process usually involves making a cut from the inside of the mouth at the Khoo Boo-Chai point. This point is located at the intersection between a horizontal line drawn from the corner of the mouth and a vertical line drawn down from the outer corner of the eye (though this may be adjusted to accommodate the person’s unique face shape).^{[12]
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- Dermal fillers may then be added to create more plumpness in the cheek, and thereby enhance the appearance of the dimple.
- Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with a dimpleplasty, so be sure to discuss your options thoroughly with your doctor beforehand if you’re interested in getting this procedure!^{[13]
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Section 5 of 6:

Are back dimples attractive?

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Back dimples are two slight indentations over the joints where your pelvis and spine meet at the bottom of your back, and many people consider them to be an attractive trait. This is no surprise, considering that they’re also known as “Dimples of Venus,” who was the Roman goddess of love and beauty!^{[14]
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Section 6 of 6:

Are chin dimples attractive?

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Also called a “cleft chin,” chin dimples are considered to be a desirable trait, and they can be seen on several celebrities who are considered to be very attractive. This includes Henry Cavill, Lana Del Rey, Matt Damon, Demi Lovato, Vanessa Hudgens, Sandra Bullock, Patrick Dempsey, Emily Blunt, and Blake Lively.^{[15]
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