4 Most Common Hair Colours: Truths, Myths And Perceptions
This article was originally on GET.com at: 4 Most Common Hair Colours: Truths, Myths And Perceptions
Most people in Singapore have dyed light hair, though most of us are born with naturally dark hair. Whether we like it or not, other people's first impression of us often rely on how we carry ourselves and how we look, and that's where our hair colour comes in. Discrimination based on a person's appearance is a reality in today's world. Research scientist Jay L. Zagorsky from the Ohio State University recently crunched data from a 37-year-long study that debunked the myth of the dumb blonde (he has brown hair by the way).
Zagorsky's research that blonde women have a higher mean IQ than women with brown, red and black hair will make people sit up and rethink traditional stereotypes. Stereotypes based on hair colour have a real impact on people's lives, affecting their social lives and also chances of being hired or promoted. Previous studies showed that more attractive people received larger financial benefits than those who are less attractive.
Here at GET.com, we dig deeper into the 4 most common hair colours, along with their corresponding truths, myths and perceptions. Of course, we're not judging if you've recently dyed your tresses an oh-so-high fashion icy grey. We're only basing it on au naturel hair colours, okay?
4 Most Common Hair Colours: Truths, Myths And Perceptions
1. Blonde Hair
We've all heard our fair share of sarcastic dumb blonde jokes throughout our lives whether it be from peers who have nothing better to say at lunch breaks or the multitude of Hollywood flicks that have vehemently sought to socialise us into accepting the careless notion that blondes are dull-witted.
Be that as it may, Zagorsky's research has shown that blondes aren't any dumber than their counterparts who sport other hair colours. In fact, blondes might be smarter than all others and they might even make more money than you and I.
Those of you who are more visual may want to check this video out to get a sense of the study on what blondes' IQ levels are and how the test was actually carried out.
As difficult as it may be for you to stomach the fact that blondes might be smarter than their peers in real life in addition to the fact they do have more fun in life, they're more feminine, sociable and happy-go-lucky, they're often slapped with negative perceptions that describe them as party animals, stupid, high maintenance, vain, promiscuous and even naive.
If the study on blondes being smarter and having the ability to command higher salaries is statistically significant, blondes may very well be closet savers who know how to save money the right way and have fat bank balances while not having to compromise on splashing out money for their daily dose of fun.
If you are blond, you may already be familiarised with some, or most of these 16 smart money-saving tips.
2. Brown Hair
In Zagorsky's research project, median values of IQ suggest that blonde women have roughly equal intelligence to brown haired women.
Did you know that majority of the Nobel Prize Laureates are brunettes? Now, that should be sufficiently telling of how intelligent, sophisticated, mature and hardworking brunettes are if you haven't already made a wild guess.
Often perceived to be incredibly industrious, responsible, grounded, serious, faithful and exotic, brunettes are also frequently labelled as boring and plain compared to their fellow homo sapien counterparts with other hair colours. Perhaps, their way of having fun leans towards the unorthodox, plus they favour something more predictable, safe.
I was born with naturally dark brown hair though I'm 100% Chinese and I can attest to the fact that I am pretty hardworking...when I want or choose to be. It boils down to my interests and what keeps my mind and heart engaged, really.
In addition, brunettes are thought to be more down-to-earth and capable. With the perception of brunettes' heightened earning power combined with their tendency to be smart, brunettes should be able to save and plan for their future without blowing their paychecks away on a whim.
3. Black Hair
Black is hands down, the most common hair colour across the globe especially in Asia and Africa. People with black hair are supposedly glamorous, deep, exotic, dramatic, artistic, mysterious, serious, reserved, calm, meditative, introspective and confident.
However, characters with black hair are frequently cast as evil, shady, untrustworthy, ruthless and cold, especially in Disney cartoons.
Those with naturally black mane are also perceived to be extremely good with their finances, so it shouldn't come as a surprise for these hard workers to accumulate wealth through their shrewdness when it comes to money.
4. Red Hair
Only a tiny percentage of the world's population are natural redheads if you haven't already noticed.
People generally perceive redheads to be the life of the party, creative, mysterious, very competent, self-motivated, passionate, sincere, sensitive, powerful, alluring, opinionated, more sensitive to pain though I'm not sure why they get a bad rap for being bad-tempered and sexually promiscuous just because their hair colour is fiery?
Well, I hate to say this but yes, I am terribly envious of you if you're a natural redhead. I loved all the times when I flounced about with a head full of flaming red tinted hair - it made me feel extra confident, a little flirtier, more excitable, and fun!
Redheads will always be remembered in the workplace (or interview or anywhere else, really) because they stand out without meaning to. They just do.
What do you think? Share your comments with us below!
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