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Hair Color Stereotypes and Their Associated Perceptions in Relationships and the Workplace
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by Michelle Beddow - University of Michigan–Dearborn
Previous research has shown that people associate
positive and negative personality traits with certain hair colors.
Participants view blondes as attractive but dumb, brunettes as
studious and competent, and redheads as smart but temperamental.
The present study examined the effects of stereotypes with respect
to hair color, setting, and gender. Participants rated a male or female
model on several personal characteristics (e.g., attractiveness,
intelligence) based on a description and photo of the model. The
model was depicted in both a work setting and a dating setting and
was shown in the photo with 1 of 3 hair colors: blonde, brown, or
red. Results indicated that hair color stereotypes are not only linked
to various personal traits, but are affected by the setting as well.
When placed in a setting with certain stereotypes, the stereotypes
associated with that hair color are augmented.
Spring 2011 | Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research (Vol. 16, No. 1, p. 12), published by Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology (Chattanooga, TN). Copyright, 2011, Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. All rights reserved.