Blonde-haired women earn seven percent more than women with other hair colours researchers claim, suggesting looks are worth more than intelligence if stereotypes are correct.
The Telegraph reports that the study found that not only do blonde women earn more than darker haired counterparts in the workplace, that they also also marry wealthier men, who earn an average of six per cent more than the husbands of other women.
The study in the journal, Economics Letters reported that having blonde hair boosts pay by $3,000 a year for a woman earning the average salary.
Researchers at the University of Queensland, who surveyed 13,000 women, said that the difference in pay remained the same even when other factors such as height, weight and education were removed.
Researchers were unable to explain why why blonde-haired women were more financially successful, but said no other hair colour produced similar results.
Dr David Johnston, who led the study, said: “Blonde women are often depicted as being more attractive than other women, but also less intelligent.”
“But it seems the association between blondes and beauty dominates any perception that they have low intelligence.”
“This could explain why the ‘blondeness effect’ is evident in the marriage market.” Dr Johnston said.
In a comment to Mail on Sunday Olga Uskova, president of the International Blondes Association, did nothing to change the stereotype that blondes are ditzy and ‘dumb’.
“Blondes have wealthier husbands because we are more fun and outgoing, and men are more attracted to us.”
“We also do better in the workplace because when we make a mistake we can say, ‘Oh, sorry about that, it’s because I’m blonde’ and get away with it.” She said.
