Facial symmetry is often discussed as one component of perceived attractiveness. Research has also examined associations between appearance-based judgments and social outcomes, but those findings are correlational and context-dependent; they do not show that a more symmetric face causes success.

Why Does Facial Symmetry Matter?

Evolutionary researchers have proposed that fluctuating asymmetry may reflect developmental instability. Thornhill and Gangestad (1994), writing in Psychological Science, measured seven nonfacial body traits in a college sample and reported associations with self-reported sexual behavior. That study did not establish facial symmetry as a reliable measure of genetic fitness.

Preferences for facial symmetry have been observed in multiple populations, but their strength and interpretation vary with the sample and context. Symmetry is therefore better understood as one visual cue among many, not a universal measure of health or genetic quality.

Symmetry and Career Success

A study by Rule and Ambady (2008) published in Psychological Science found that observers' ratings of power and leadership from Fortune 500 CEO photographs correlated with company profits. The study did not establish that facial structure caused company performance.

Further research by Berggren, Jordahl, and Poutvaara (2010) in the Journal of Public Economics reported an association between candidates' attractiveness ratings and votes after accounting for several political variables. This is evidence about voter perception, not candidate ability.

Why Appearance Bias Can Affect Outcomes

The cited evidence does not establish facial symmetry as a predictor of competence or career performance. It points instead to broader appearance-based judgments and biases:

  • Competence impressions: Todorov et al. (2005) found that perceived competence from candidate faces predicted election outcomes; the study did not measure symmetry or actual competence.
  • Attractiveness bias: Langlois et al. (2000) reviewed social responses to attractiveness; the meta-analysis did not isolate facial symmetry as the cause.
  • Possible cumulative effects: Repeated appearance-based treatment could shape opportunities and confidence, but this is a proposed social pathway rather than proof that symmetry causes success.
  • Limits: Facial symmetry should not be used to infer a person's physical health, mental health, genetic quality, or ability.

How Symmetric Is the Average Face?

Perfect bilateral symmetry is extremely rare. Research reviewed by Little et al. (2011) notes that most faces show subtle asymmetries and that symmetry can affect ratings in some study designs:

  • Some studies report a preference for more symmetric faces, while the size of the effect varies with the sample and image-manipulation method.
  • Small asymmetries are normal and do not provide a diagnostic reading of an individual's health or developmental history.
  • Computer averaging changes several cues at once, including averageness, skin texture, and symmetry, so higher ratings cannot be attributed to symmetry alone.

Can You Improve Your Facial Symmetry?

While bone structure is largely fixed, several factors can enhance the appearance of symmetry:

  • Skincare: Even skin tone reduces the visual impact of asymmetries
  • Grooming: Balanced eyebrow shaping and hairstyling can create visual harmony
  • Photography angles: Understanding your "better side" for photos and professional headshots
  • Facial exercises: Evidence that exercises correct structural asymmetry or reliably change attractiveness is limited.
  • AI analysis: Face-analysis tools can estimate visible landmark differences in a standardized photo, but their output is model- and image-dependent.

Measuring Your Facial Symmetry

Modern AI face analysis technology can compare facial landmarks and estimate left-right differences under a consistent photo setup. Apps like FaceScore use this approach as structured feedback, but the result remains model-dependent and should not be treated as a medical or objective measure of a person.

Key Research References

  • Thornhill, R. & Gangestad, S.W. (1994). "Human fluctuating asymmetry and sexual behavior." Psychological Science, 5(5), 297–302.
  • Rule, N.O. & Ambady, N. (2008). "The Face of Success." Psychological Science, 19(2), 109–111.
  • Berggren, N., Jordahl, H., & Poutvaara, P. (2010). "The Looks of a Winner." Journal of Public Economics, 94(1–2), 8–15.
  • Little, A.C., Jones, B.C., & DeBruine, L.M. (2011). "Facial attractiveness: evolutionary based research." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 366, 1638–1659.
  • Todorov, A. et al. (2005). "Inferences of Competence from Faces Predict Election Outcomes." Science, 308(5728), 1623–1626.