Most people are familiar with the phrases, “Blondes have more fun.” or “She is a fiery redhead.”, but is there any truth to them? Does your hair color influence your personality, or do you contribute to its reputation? In finding the answer to these questions, and ultimately determining which hair color best suits your personality, its important to examine the scientific and cultural aspects of hair color.

What does science say about hair color?

In one study in particular that was published in a Scandinavian journal of psychiatric medicine, it was found that hair color does affect how you are perceived by others. In general, of the three main types of hair color, blondes were perceived as needy, redheads were considered arrogant, and brunettes seemed the most approachable. While other studies, such as those done by magazine companies found other opinions. According to a Men’s Health study, blondes were thought of as being more sexy by both men and women, while brunettes and redheads were seen as strongly willed or strongly passionate, respectively.

The impact that your hair color has on how people perceive you goes beyond stereotypes set by society. Statistically, blondes and redheads are naturally less frequent then brunettes and this naturally low occurrence fosters a sense of desirous curiosity. Many other factors combine to give an overall impression, such as eye color and facial features, but the hair is often the first thing noticed about a person.

Associations with hair colors

Blondes: By far one of the longest standing shades associated with fun, blonde locks can bespeak of summer days and a carefree demeanor. The other connotation of blondes being less intelligent has been eradicated over the years, and our now viewed as just as intelligent as those of other shades.

Brunettes: One of the most common by nature, especially the darker tones of black, brunette shades are often associated with being reasonable and relaxed. They are also viewed clever and capable to the point of being synonymous with a businesswoman.

Redheads: A shade that cannot escape at least part of its stigma, they are viewed as passionate or fiery. Not always with a temper in regards to being angry, but they are considered spirited. Examples of such behavior include the meek character pushed to action, or the activist who is ever vocal about their cause.

Blended hair tones

Thanks to the arts of cosmetology, women have been able to change their hair color for centuries. As far back as 3400 B.C. people used different components to conceal gray or white hairs. The methods and materials have come a long way since then, even though there are some traces of ancient techniques still. Henna, as example, remains a component in different styles of coloring products, and it was used back in ancient Egypt and other countries.

Aside from coloring over unwanted signs of aging, hair dyes can completely transform your hair into another shade entirely. It can also be used to simply highlight, lighten, or darken your natural tone as well. One popular use for hair dye is to blend colors together into unique mixtures.

Strawberry blonde is a naturally occurring blend of red and blonde tones that is often copied with hair dyes. Ombre is another popular blend of tones that is a complex fade of colors from dark at the roots to blonde or lighter shades at the tips. These vibrant and complicated tones are desired because the striking color combinations can give impressive lift to one’s appearance. A subtle shift of colors from black to blonde give a sense of highlighting both a fun and serious attitude. Strawberry blonde blends however tend to strike a youthful mix of carefree and spirited tones.

What blends of tones say about you?

Overall depending on the mixture of colors, you can have the full on blend of themes that ombre and strawberry blonde shading gives, or you can highlight for subtle hints. Though when it comes to highlighting, keeping it within the same general color and just going lighter or darker is key to successful highlighting.

Blonde streaks in black hair does not particularly work well outside of, perhaps, a music video setting. A mix between blonde and brunette tones tends to be that common ground between playfulness and seriousness in hair color. In general, blonde is the shade of fun, which has been theorized and proven through study in a statistical sense. Sometimes you can find composite mixtures that blend strands of all three color groups for a beautiful auburn shade. Auburn is often used to describe a variety of red hair tones, but is not generally associated with the fiery disposition as much. It is seen as more of a refined mix between intelligent, passionate, and playful demeanor.

Finding a tone that matches your personality

When it comes to finding what works best for you, take into considering a few of these important points.

It’s not just about what people think of the tone in general. While there are some blanket notions about hair color, the average person is not that fixated on what to expect of you based solely on your hair color. You need to decide on something that you feel is right, often times after some good advice.

If you are not happy with your natural shade, or want to try something new, always do some research before heading to the store. Professional coloring services can be expensive, depending on how long and thick your hair is, but you can almost always be guaranteed it will be done properly. For the adventurous who prefer to do it on their own, you can still get some professional advice from your salon. Often times they won’t even charge for simple recommendation and opinion. It never hurts to ask someone who works with hair for a living if a shade you are considering will look good on you. Most stylist agree the key to a good hair color is one that looks like it could be perfectly natural on you.

Keep it in line with your skin tone, eye color, and age

Blue eyes with red hair can be breathtakingly striking, however if you have an uneven skin tone or darker skin tone, it can be tricky to keep that combination looking natural. Pairing dark tans with bleach blonde hair can also have rather unpleasant results. It is important to try and pair natural hair color shades to the skin tones. If you have your hair done professionally they will look at more than just your hair. A good stylist will look at your eyes and skin, as well as consider your age when selecting the possible dying options.

In general as we get older, what they call cooler tones look better. Hair naturally dulls as we age and trying to pull off younger and more vibrant shades is not advisable. You can still be blonde at 60, but the shade should not be as bright or loud as that of a 20 year old, or it will look completely fake.

Simple guidelines for selecting colors

Pale skin tones: Cooler colors tend to work best. Ash blonde, black, and auburn tones are good ranges to work with.

Darker skin tones: Warmer colors tend to work best. Blondes and honey brown mixtures of blonde and brunette tend to work really well.

Remember that your natural hair color is linked to the tones in your skin’s pigment as well. You will start off with a natural indication of what range works for you. Going too far from your natural range can be difficult. People born with darker hair tend to have earthy undertones to their skin while lighter haired people tend to have more blush shades.

Eye colors are a secondary aspect to age and and skin tone, they can be something that highlights the hair are accented by the hair. For hazel with green, brown, and gold flecks, straight green, or pure brown, choosing a shade that has a warm tone or depth of pigment tends to work better. Cooler, or lighter shades of hair pigment work well to compliment different depths of blue and darker brownish-black eyes.

Choosing colors that are not natural

Most people choose a new hair color based on shades found in nature. Even if the mixture isn’t entirely naturally occurring, such as ombre fades, it is still comprised of normal tones. There are however some that like to go beyond the normal palette. Vibrant, or even muted, shades of blue, green, pink, purple, and so forth can say a lot depending on the color and setting. They are expressions of extreme uniqueness and often embody a young and free spirited take on life. Some deem non conventional shades as rebellious, but that is not particularly the case. Using these unique colors gives a striking impression that the person sporting them doesn’t fit with convention and likes to enjoy life. While they are not suitable for professional settings, students and independent workers tend to favor the ability to use their hair as extension to their unique personality.

Though that is our take on the general sense of what your hair can say about you and which to choose for a particular expression. Do you have any thoughts or ideas you’d like to add? Or would you like to simply share your take on what colors work best for particular types of people? Please leave a comment below, we`d like to hear your thoughts.