1:32pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Anna Mansell
IT has long been reckoned that blondes have more fun.
But now, according to a recent study, they also earn more money too.
Despite having an ‘airhead’ reputation, girls with sunny locks actually bring home higher wages than brunettes and redheads.
According to finance website The Motley Fool, fair-haired girls take home an average of £1,018.19 after tax and national insurance each month, compared to £937.19 for brunettes and £887.97 for redheads.
Dr Gayle Brewer, psychology lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, said the secret to success for blondes was down to their added confidence.
She said: “Blondes ooze more confidence, which enhances their attractiveness.
“There is an attractiveness ‘halo’ whereby we expect attractive people to possess a number of qualities, such as intelligence and social skills.
In that respect blondes may be favoured by employers or colleagues, leading to high-status jobs and promotion.
“Research also demonstrates that confident women are more likely to achieve success and even attract a higher-status and wealthier partner than less confident women.”
The poll, of 3,000 women, shows that girls with blonde hair should be good with their money — as more than half know exactly where their cash goes, right down to the last penny — with a third even investing their hard-earned cash in the stock market, shares or bonds.
But despite having a flair for finance, blondes are more frivolous with their cash, with 35 per cent going into their overdraft every single month.
The average fair-haired lovely overspends by £278.34 a month — giving in to ‘can’t resist’ purchases such as chocolate, shoes and handbags.
Other impulse buys — which 38 per cent of blondes would buy regardless of their bank balance — include clothes, cosmetics and magazines.
Blonde mother-of-two Carol Grant, 27, from Blackburn, says although she knows how much money she has, she can’t help but spend her hard-earned cash.
“The survey definitely describes me,” she said. “I know where every penny of my money goes. I have to, being a mum.
“But I spend money all the time on things like clothes, shoes and make-up.”
Pam Ireland, 55, from Whalley, said she thought her brighter hair made her more confident: “I dye my hair blonde because it makes it brighter.
Sunnier hair makes you more confident and this comes across to other people.
“I am careful and organised with my money but I do spend a lot.”
Blonde Angela Hodgkinson, 46, from Intack, Blackburn, said: “I think the study is right. I’m very organised with my money.
"I know everything I spend it on and I’m very good with figures.
“I do tend to go into my overdraft when I want to blow my money.”
Natural blonde Lesley Graham, from Hair Box in Morrisons, Blackburn. said: “Now and then do I make an impulse buy.
"My last one was back in June or July when I bought some clothes — but it was for a 50th wedding anniversary party. I can’t just splash out. There has to be a reason.”
Meegan O’Hara, 22, of Baxenden, said: “I have always been blonde and feel more confident that way, but I have been darker recently as I wanted a change.”
Rachel Simpson, of Jazzman Grooves Barbers, said the credit crunch held back her ‘blonde’ impulse buys.
“I’m practical with money and I think it’s because of the climate. There’s not so much money about,” she said. “I was more impulsive when I had more cash.”
But Alan Rene hair salon stylist Nicola McGlinn, 30, of Blackburn, said it was not just blondes who liked to spend.
She said: “The brunettes we have working here all spend even more than the blondes.”
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