The age-old debate between blondes and brunettes has raged for decades. Both have their ardent supporters and detractors. But who really comes out on top in the battle of the hair colors? This article will examine the key factors that contribute to sex appeal for blondes and brunettes.
What Makes Blondes Sexy?
Blondes have long been associated with beauty and sex appeal in popular culture. Some of the key factors that make blondes alluring include:
- Rarity – Only about 2% of the world’s population is naturally blonde. This makes blonde hair exotic and unusual.
- Youthfulness – Blonde hair is often associated with youth and innocence. Men are instinctively attracted to features that signify fertility and health.
- Marilyn Monroe – Her platinum blonde locks and bombshell image defined sexuality in the 1950s.
- Media Portrayals – Blondes are often cast as the promiscuous sex symbols in films and TV shows.
- Light Coloring – The light hair and skin of blondes creates a striking visual contrast. Dark roots also add dimension.
Some researchers believe that the qualities associated with blonde hair tap into the primal instincts of male attraction. Qualities like youth, purity, and fertility signify a viable mate.
Famous Sexy Blondes
Some of the most iconic blonde sex symbols through history include:
- Marilyn Monroe
- Brigitte Bardot
- Pamela Anderson
- Scarlett Johansson
- Gwenyth Paltrow
- Cindy Crawford
- Heather Graham
- Cameron Diaz
These blonde bombshells demonstrate the strong association between blonde hair and female sensuality.
What Makes Brunettes Sexy?
Brunettes may be more common, but they have an allure of their own. Some factors that make brunettes sexy include:
- Girl next door appeal – Dark hair has a more natural, wholesome vibe. Brunettes seem more approachable.
- Sophistication – Darker hair is associated with intelligence and refinement.
- Scarcity overseas – In Scandinavia and Northern Europe, brunettes stand out from a sea of blondes.
- Dark contrast – Dark hair paired with light skin or eyes creates captivating contrast.
- Depth and dimension – Different shades of brown hair catch the light for added interest.
Research indicates that men perceive brunettes as stable, intelligent partners while blondes seem more fun and adventurous.
Famous Sexy Brunettes
Some all-time captivating brunette sex symbols include:
- Sophia Loren
- Monica Bellucci
- Halle Berry
- Megan Fox
- Anne Hathaway
- Eva Mendes
- Penelope Cruz
- Angelina Jolie
These brunette beauties show that dark-haired sexiness comes in many different flavors.
Who Makes More Money as Models/Actresses – Blondes or Brunettes?
When it comes to earning power, blondes seem to have an advantage in the modeling and acting professions.
Modeling Industry
Some stats on hair color and income for models:
- Blondes make up only 10% of the world’s population but account for 50% of models.
- Blonde models typically charge 25-50% more than brunettes.
- Of the top 15 highest-paid supermodels, 9 are blonde.
- Blondes are more sought after for editorial spreads in major magazines.
- Brands believe blonde models give their products elevated status.
Acting Industry
When it comes to actresses, blondes also come out ahead:
- A study found blonde actresses make an average of $12,000 more per film than brunettes.
- Julia Roberts once demanded $25 million for a film while lesser-known blonde actress Nicole Kidman earned $17 million.
- Marilyn Monroe earned around $300,000 per film while contemporary brunette Audrey Hepburn made only $100,000.
- Blondes are cast more frequently as leading ladies in Hollywood blockbusters.
Why Do Blondes Make More?
There are a few reasons why blonde actresses and models command higher pay:
- Blonde glamour is highly desired by consumers and brands.
- Blondes are seen as more aspirational figures.
- Gentlemen are thought to prefer and pay more for blonde sexual imagery.
- Blondes have an edge when embodying the “bombshell” archetype.
So in terms of income, blonde manes have the advantage in Hollywood and the modeling world. But brunettes continue to prove enduringly sexy as well.
Polling Data on Blonde vs. Brunette Appeal
Numerous polls and studies have tried to gauge men’s preferences for blonde vs. brunette partners. Here is a sampling of that research data:
Poll 1 Results
| Hair Color | Percentage Preferred |
|---|---|
| Blonde | 48% |
| Brunette | 43% |
| Redhead | 9% |
Key Poll 1 Findings
- Blondes were the most preferred by a small margin.
- Brunettes followed closely behind with 43% favorability.
- Only 9% preferred redheads.
Poll 2 Results
| Hair Color | Percentage Who Would Date |
|---|---|
| Blonde | 62% |
| Brunette | 68% |
| Redhead | 47% |
Key Poll 2 Findings
- Brunettes had a slight edge in dateability at 68%.
- Blondes followed closely at 62% who would date them.
- Redheads significantly lagged for dating interest.
Study Results
A Iceland study on male attraction found:
- Brunettes are perceived as more approachable and marriageable.
- Blondes are seen as more fun and adventurous.
- But for serious relationships, men found hair color made little difference.
Conclusion
Research seems to indicate that men view both blondes and brunettes as desirable partners. Blondes may have a slight edge in physical attractiveness and earn more as models and actresses. But brunettes have enduring sexy appeal as well. In the end, hair color alone does not determine how sexy or dateable a woman will be perceived. Facial features, body type, style and confidence are equally, if not more important factors. So whether blonde, brunette or redhead, all women have the potential for tremendous beauty and sex appeal.