To dye for: Blondes really do have more fun!!

To dye for: Blondes really do have more fun as study reveals women with lighter hair have more confidence

By Eleanor Glover

Last updated at 1:56 PM on 23rd September 2008

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It's a question that splits the female population, but according to new research blondes really do have more fun and those with fair hair also have greater self-confidence and are more likely to initiate sex.

University researchers discovered women who choose to colour their hair blonde experience an increase in feelings of attractiveness to the opposite sex and general confidence.

The results emerged following a study into the effect hair colouring has on a woman's mood and general well-being.

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Fun-loving blondes: Actress Scarlett Johansson and Girls Aloud Sarah Harding have lighter hair which is said to boost confidence

The study by Nottingham Trent University also revealed women with dyed blonde hair are more likely to sing and dance in front of strangers or ask someone out for a date.

Dr Mark Sergeant, who led the team of experts, said: 'Colouring your hair may seem like an art to most people, but there is actually a lot of science behind it. The changes we noted in the study in participants behaviour and psychology were significant.

'Not only were their confidence and mood levels elevated but also their inhibitions seemed to be mitigated with many reporting feeling more attractive and sexually exciting.

'Across the board participants viewed colouring their hair as something that raised their confidence. There was a marked improvement in the ability to express their opinions and ask for things that they may not ask for ordinarily in a work environment.

'In order of popularity, the top four replies were: Asking for a pay rise, asking for time off, raising a complaint, and saying no to a request from someone senior.

'They were prepared to ask for things they wouldn't normally be confident enough to ask for, such as pay rises or time off.'

The study of behavioural habits and attitudes, in conjunction with Clairol nice 'n easy, involved 205 female participants aged between 25 and 66.

Another trait that was identified was that women who dye their hair blonde are also more likely to question authority at work or raise complaints.

The original platinum blonde: Actress Marilyn Monroe began life as brunette. The research found those who dye their are more likely to sing and dance in front of an audience

Researchers found that ladies who choose to colour their hair blonde were also more likely to feel confident enough top put their foot down with friends or relatives and become assertive in romantic situations.

Over 50 per cent of the women studied said they coloured their hair purely to 'get attention' from strangers or 'be noticed' by friends and colleagues.

'Re-invention' also featured highly as a reason for a change in hair colour.

Around 40 per cent said they felt they had to keep changing their hair colour to keep their partner interested. And another 30 per cent said they only dyed their hair if they were going to a job interview.

Blonde was also the most popular colour with almost 80 per cent of the women polled revealing that they would choose to go blonde over any other colour.

Chestnut brown and dark brown followed. Black was the colour most women shied away from.

A spokeswoman for Clairol said: 'It just goes to show a lot of thought should go into dyeing your hair as it not only changes your look but can also result in some really colourful behaviour.

'It is natural for women to crave attention and want to feel important and noticed in front of our peers - the low maintenance or natural look we strive for is achievable and an exhilarating experience and if dyeing your hair can boost your confidence - then so be it.'

But it's not all doom and gloom for those with darker hair, a recent study of 3,000 women found that, on average, brunettes earn £4,250 more a year than blondes, and they are luckier in love.