If you are like me, you expect science is for brainy people in white lab coats that think really big thoughts and set out to change the course of the world by proving them. Not so much. I do not think I have ever found more conflicting “scientific” studies and results than I have in researching blondes. I threw in a great little experiment on the color pink at the end too. Hope you enjoy!
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Many studies suggest a stronger sexual attraction to blondes for men seeking to find a mate. Most suggest something along the lines of being subconsciously drawn to a youthful and healthy appearance. But the truth is there are just as many studies suggesting the attraction to blondes versus brunettes is 100% a matter of personal preference.
Do Blonde’s have a Higher Earning Potential?
David W. Johnston published research in Economic Letters 108 (1), 10-12 investigating the influence of hair color on women’s wages and also their spouse’s wages. He not only found that blonde women receive higher wages, but they tend to attract wealthier husbands. Hmm … maybe highlights?
Baker Miller Pink
Two U.S. Navy officers names Baker and Miller were encouraged to test the theory of a researcher by the name of Alexander Schauss on the effects of the color pink in a Naval Correctional Facility. So they mix a gallon of white latex paint with one pint of red semi-gloss outdoor trim paint. The actual code for this color is R:255, G:145, B: 175 —sounds much more scientific than “we had a gallon of this here white and decided to mix it with one of these little cans of red …” And yet now, no kidding, it’s referred to as Baker Miller Pink or sometimes drunk-tank pink.
In 1979, Schauss managed to convince Baker and Miller to paint some of the prison confinement cells in the Seattle WA facility pink in order to determine the effects this might have on prisoners. The results showed that 15 minutes of exposure to the pink cells was enough to reduce aggression and violent behavior. Later studies have suggested that being exposed for a longer period of time may reverse that calming effect. For more visit www.colormatters.com/color-and-the-body/drunk-tank-pink
How about a new shade of blonde for your summer hairdo? Maybe a few pink extensions to give it an unexpected pop of color (one that perhaps has a calming effect?)? Call Indulge Salons at 717.846.4424 to explore colorful options!.
Red heads have a reputation for being temperamental, passionate, and wild! But the diverse shades of red, running from the deepest auburn to the brightest carrot top, show that no two are alike — in looks or personality! Let’s explore some other “red myths” and look at the benefits of red.
Does it cost more to insure a red car?
It probably costs a good bit to insure this sweet ride, but no, it’s a myth that insurance premiums are higher for red cars.
Are Redheads More Sensitive to Pain?
It seems that red hair is attributed in part to a gene mutation called melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) which also influences a group of receptors in the brain regarding sensitivity to pain. A 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that redheads were indeed more sensitive to pain and needed more anesthesia for dental procedures. “We have different receptors for pain in our body, and those receptors respond differently, whether you’re taking aspirin or acetaminophen,” Stelian Serban, MD, director of acute and chronic inpatient pain service and an assistant professor of anesthesiology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, as quoted in WebMD.
Healthy Red Foods
An apple a day …? Apparently apples aid in digestion, helping to keep you regular. Strawberries help lower cholesterol, and cherries can lower your blood pressure. Beets are touted as one of the newest “super foods.” My personal favorite on a weekend morning? A spicy Bloody Mary.
Ready to try a new shade of red? If not on your hair, how about on your nails or lips? Call Indulge Salons at 717.846.4424 to see how we can spice up your looks with RED!
I am so excited about the upcoming Colour Explosion Partyat Indulge Salons that I am going to focus my blog entries for the next few weeks on color—just color. Color is perceived differently by each person, has an enormous impact in how it affects our attitude, and how it generally makes us feel. Color Theory is the actual study of how color affects people, as individuals and in a group. The science of it all is fascinating.
Over the next few weeks I will share little snippets of color facts like whether or not it is true that it costs more to insure a red car, how a pink drunk tank effects it’s “visitors,” and how color affects the taste of food.
But let’s not lose sight of how color plays such an important role in our looks. Is it true that blondes have more fun? I’m not sure, but there is a study that suggests they are paid more and marry wealthier men! Did you know that redheads are more sensitive to pain? And how do we perceive greying on men differently than on women?
I’d love to get you involved in this conversation about color—whether you have questions about how to keep your color from fading so quickly, or stories about color choices gone bad—I really want to hear from you. I might even be willing to put up with a dumb blonde joke or two.