Brunettes win in the end

by MARK PRIGG, Evening Standard

Blondes have more fun, it's said, because gentlemen prefer them. But it could be their brunette sisters who have the last laugh.

A study today reveals that, while women believe possessing a mane of platinum locks will ensure they enjoy an exciting sex life, in the long run the raven-haired are more likely to have strong relationships and marriages.

The survey also revealed they felt brunettes appeared more intelligent, trustworthy and sophisticated than blondes, and were therefore more likely to get top jobs.

This may be why one of the most famous blondes of all time, Madonna, ditched her trademark bottle blonde in favour of sober dark brown after marrying Guy Ritchie, moving to London and attempting to reinvent herself as a clean-living earth mother and children's author.

The survey found that:

  • More than six out of 10 women believe that blondes are more likely to get asked on a date.

  • Six out of 10 thought blondes were more likely to succeed in showbusiness.

  • More than four out of 10 thought blondes would have a great love life, whereas only one in five thought brunettes would.

  • When it comes to marrying a wealthy man, 61 per cent believed a blonde would be a more attractive trophy wife.

    However:

  • More than half believed that brunettes looked professional, clever and sophisticated.

  • Four out of 10 believed that in an interview brunettes would get top jobs - 26 per cent thought blondes would win through.

  • More than half thought brunette women were most trustworthy. Only seven per cent thought they could trust a blonde.

    Commenting on the findings, psychologist Linda Papadopoulos said: "We associate blondes with youth, and that's not always a good thing - they are often seen as naive, and less able to be taken seriously, or tell the truth.

    "Brunettes are the serious, career types who can be tough if they need to be. Even though we know that deep down, hair colour doesn't matter, it still plays a huge part in our lives."

    The poll of 1,000 women was conducted by Clairol Nice N Easy.