Backcombing in sight! While curls and textured hair seem to be at the forefront of the trend today, a study goes against the grain: women with straight, shiny hair are perceived as the most attractive. A result that Kim Kardashian or Jennifer Aniston would undoubtedly not have denied.
When science validates the perfect blow-dry
For decades, researchers in psychology and anthropology have been interested in the criteria of beauty. But until then, hair was often left aside. The team of Professor Bernhard Fink, from the University of Vienna, wanted to fill this void. Its researchers therefore conducted two experiments to dissect the impact of shine, volume and alignment of hair on the perception of age, health and attractiveness. Their mission? Determine what our hair says about us, before we even open our mouths.
Experience #1: the revenge of shiny hair
First step: 1,500 women from the United States, Germany and Spain observed photos of models wearing natural hair wigs. For each pair, an ultra-shiny version, the other duller, treated with dry shampoo.
The result is unequivocal (but is it really a surprise?): shiny hair wins every time. They evoke a younger, healthier, more attractive appearance than normal hair. And no matter the color, length or texture: the light gliding over a smooth strand seems to send a universal message of vitality and care.
In short, hair “glow” acts as a natural beauty filter, and science confirms it.
Experience no. 2: the era (or hair?) of “lined” hair returns
The second phase took the analysis further. The researchers tested the combined effect of three variables: alignment, shine and volume.
And this time, the sample of 2,000 American women spoke with one voice:
- Perfectly straight and well-aligned hair wins the prize for attractiveness;
- The shine reinforces this impression;
- On the other hand, too much volume seems to harm the “care and health” effect.
You will have understood, the most attractive hair displays smooth, shiny and rather flat hair. An equation that immediately brings to mind the Kardashian effect: this aesthetic of ultra-glossy, impeccable, disciplined hair, a symbol of youth, control and glamorous power.
But a capillary limit to take into account
The study, however, remains cautious: all the wigs tested were made from natural Caucasian hair. The researchers now plan to extend their work to other hair types, including African and Asian, to find out whether this preference for shine and straightness is cultural or universal.
Because if straight hair dominates Western standards, other traditions value density, curls or volume as signs of vitality. The Kardashian effect is perhaps just one contemporary and media reading among others. Not enough to give you (smooth) hair though!