Blondes and Brunettes

A blonde and a brunette with long hair
Image: AI illustration
Q: Are brunettes smarter than blondes? And what about other hair colors? Is there a link between a woman's hair color and her IQ, and does the myth of dumb blondes have any truth?
 
A: The claim that brunettes and women with other dark hair colors are smarter than blondes is a long-standing myth. Blondes are often characterized as less intelligent compared to women with darker hair, but it is important to view such assertions with a critical eye. The idea that a woman's hair color might correlate with her intelligence level is a topic that has intrigued both the public and some scientists for quite some time.
 
One of the most interesting studies in this field was conducted by Jay Zagorsky at Ohio State University in 2016. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hair color and intelligence. By analyzing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, which included IQ scores and self-reported hair color of the participants, the researcher attempted to identify any correlations between a person's intelligence and their hair color.
 
The findings of this study debunk a long-standing myth. Contrary to common beliefs and stereotypes, the research found no evidence that hair color is an indication of a woman's intelligence. This means that blondes are not found to be less intelligent than brunettes, redheads, or people with black hair. The research emphasizes that intelligence is not dependent on physical features such as hair color but is influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, education, and personal experiences.
 
Surprisingly, the study indicates that women who claim to have blonde hair are actually slightly smarter than those with other hair colors. However, it is important to note that while this study exists, it does not definitively establish a causal link between hair color and intelligence. The researcher himself acknowledges the limitations of the study, including the reliance on self-reported hair color and the inability to consider potential confounding variables. Additionally, intelligence is a multifaceted trait that cannot be accurately measured by a single metric.
 
A blonde and a brunette wearing glasses and with their hair in a bob
Image: AI illustration
Understanding the implications of such findings is crucial. Intelligence is a complex trait that encompasses various cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory, and cannot be accurately assessed based solely on one superficial characteristic like hair color. By perpetuating stereotypes that link hair color to intelligence, society misjudges people by letting the perception of their capabilities be influenced by unfounded biases.
 
Stereotypes associating intelligence with specific physical features, including hair color, can lead to unfair judgments. The study serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching stereotypes with skepticism and the need for empirical evidence before making general statements about a particular group of people.
 
So the short answer to your question is: no, it has not been proven that brunettes are smarter than blondes.
 
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See also: Psychology of hair colors