Whilst there’s only so much you can do to change your looks, there are ways you can instantly increase your attractiveness to others.

Studies show that changes to your body language, your actions and even what you wear can boost your appeal.

So don’t overhaul your looks by dying your hair, embarking on a fad diet or getting a spray tan, embrace who you are but make yourself more attractive with these scientifically proven methods.

How to tell if someone finds you attractive

Here are seven simple things you can do that instantly make you more attractive:

1. Be altruistic

Helping others with no thought for yourself has been shown to be more attractive than good looks when it comes to those looking for a long-term relationship.

A study found that average-looking men who gave money to a homeless person were deemed more attractive to women than better looking men who walked straight past. This wasn’t the case for women looking for short-term flings though.

2. Use metaphorical compliments

According to Chinese researchers, women prefer men who use metaphorical language to compliment them.

They claim that compliments like “Your eyes are morning dew” or “Your smile is a naughty goblin” are better received than literal expressions like “Your lips are so sexy.” The theory is that using metaphorical language requires more intelligence than more obvious compliments.

3. Look directly at someone and smile

It’s no secret that maintaining eye contact is an effective flirting technique, but according to scientific research, it actually makes you seem more attractive too.

To boost your appeal the most, simply look directly at the target of your affections and smile at them.

4. Wear red

Donning a frock or T-shirt in the colour of confidence really can make both men and women more attractive to the opposite sex, research has found.

Wearing red makes men seem more dominant and successful, and when women wear red, they tap into men’s primitive desires and thus seem more sexually desirable.

However when we put this theory to the test we had mixed results.

5. Modify your walk

Swaying your hips or adopting a swagger when you walk can make women and men more attractive respectively, according to research.

In fact, you could double your allure simply by walking in a different way. For women, it’s a case of swinging your hips from side to side, whereas men should walk with swagger in their shoulders.

6. Nod your head

People appear up to 40 per cent more attractive to others simply by nodding their head.

In fact, a study found that doing so makes someone seem more approachable and likeable, and thus more attractive.

7. Adopt an expansive posture

Whether in a picture on your dating app profile or just the way you look across the bar, adopting an expansive posture can make someone seem more attractive, a study found.