Hair preference

[arcticpenguin]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid=751&e=1&u=/nm/20030627/hl_nm/men_hair_dc

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Halle Berry aside, most American men show an "overwhelming" preference for women sporting long, luscious hair compared to shorter cuts, researchers report.

Oh, and sorry, Madonna (news - web sites): men also seem to prefer brunettes over blondes, by a wide margin.

The findings are based on interviews with 50 men conducted by psychology researcher Dr. Kelley Kline, of Florida State University in Panama City, Florida. She and co-authors Dr. Colin Peeler and undergraduate student Kim Fazzone presented their findings earlier this month at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Society, in Atlanta.
...
On the other hand, when Kline's group asked women about hair-length preferences for men, the vast majority chose short or very short cuts. Since long hair is so closely linked to femininity, Fabio-like locks might signal to women that a man is somehow less virile or capable than his buzz-cut brethren, Kline theorized.


They're presenting this report based on the preferences of only 50 men? I think wider sampling would make the result more believable.

[TLN]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
They're presenting this report based on the preferences of only 50 men? I think wider sampling would make the result more believable.

Agreed, however, long hair is certainly what I prefer.

And the rest of you?

[AmateurScientist]

Originally posted by TLN


Agreed, however, long hair is certainly what I prefer.

And the rest of you?

Yes, on all but a certain select few women who can wear short hair and still look sexy and terrific.

Halle Berry is one. Demi Moore in "Ghost" would be another. Winona Ryder used to look great in short, pixy hair. Goldie Hawn in her "Laugh In" days was incredibly hot.

They are plenty of others. Even so, most women just can't pull it off. They end up looking mannish or just plain not sexy.

The worst is after some women have a child, cut her hair off, stop wearing makeup, and generally give up looking attractive. They become matronly and just don't care. I've seen this too much and it disturbs me.

I hope my eventual wife never goes through that stage.

AS

[TLN]

Originally posted by AmateurScientist
Yes, on all but a certain select few women who can wear short hair and still look sexy and terrific.

Halle Berry is one. Demi Moore in "Ghost" would be another. Winona Ryder used to look great in short, pixy hair. Goldie Hawn in her "Laugh In" days was incredibly hot.

I agree, all these examples look very hot in short hair.

But would they look hotter in long hair?

[RichardR]

Originally posted by TLN
Agreed, however, long hair is certainly what I prefer.

And the rest of you? Yes, I prefer women with hair. On their heads, anyway.

And brunette is more attractive.

[arcticpenguin]

I prefer long hair and brunettes.

That bald chick on Star Trek was pretty hot, though.

[SquishyDave]

Yes, most men do prefer long hair, that's why we are so reluctant to get married, we're scared that once we marry them, they will cut their hair short and then we're stuck with them. :)

Seriously long hair does seem to be a trend for men, just a pity they didn't ask more than a few dozen men to verify it.

I am not sure hair colour makes enough difference for me, it depends on the lady, some look better with certain hair colours.

[Cleopatra]

Originally posted by arcticpenguin
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid=751&e=1&u=/nm/20030627/hl_nm/men_hair_dc



They're presenting this report based on the preferences of only 50 men? I think wider sampling would make the result more believable.

I would be very interested to know what forms these tastes. For example, the most brave and fierce warriors of Classical Antiquity, ancient Spartans, were considering part of their strength, their very long hair :)

Ancient authors, especially Xenophon and Herodotus, describe the endless hours ancient Spartans spent taking care of their long hair. Before the battle, they were applying perfumed oil, so as they shine under the sun during the battle!!

The most fascinating though, was their attitude towards the hair of women...

When a woman in Sparta got married, the older women cut her hair in a way that made her look almost like a man!! Why? Because by loosing her hair, a woman was losing her power too, so, she became an obedient servant of her husband.

Times change :)

I don't know if I am right but I have observed that every time a woman with long hair lets her hair down on her shoulders in the business environment, she doesn't receive very... professional behavior by male colleagues.

Even the most severe judge doesn't look at you straight in the eyes when you leave your hair down...

[Number Six]

I like long hair on women too. I didn't realize that preference was so common amongst men. I feel like less of a freak now.

But over the years I've come to realize that it's not so simple as just growing hair long. Nice looking long hair is great but that doesn't mean any woman can grow her hair long and have it look great because not all women have the same kind of hair. I've known women that had long hair and cut it short and they actually looked better (IMO) after the cut.

Here's my hypothesis:

1. Women that have hair that looks good long are more likely to grow it long while women that don't are more likely to keep it short.

2. As a result of #1, the percentage of women with long hair that looks good is high. (The same could be said about women with short hair, but good looking long hair is a lot more memorable than good looking short hair.).

3. Because of #2 people think "Long hair looks good on women, more of the ought to wear it that way."

There, now fire away at my Nobel Prize-worthy theory.


As far as the woman that gets married, has a kid and stops caring how she looks, I think that fits into the broader category of people getting complacent and taking things for granted. When people court they want to impress the other person but after they feel they've "got" them they may start to take it for granted..."what are they gonna do, leave?...after all this time and investment in the relationship?...I doubt it." I think that can go both ways...the female version is to stop caring about how they look and the male version is to come home each night and just stare at the TV or work in the workshop, interacting little with his wife. People should try to not take each other for granted but I suppose that's easier said than done.

[AmateurScientist]

Originally posted by Number Six

As far as the woman that gets married, has a kid and stops caring how she looks, I think that fits into the broader category of people getting complacent and taking things for granted. When people court they want to impress the other person but after they feel they've "got" them they may start to take it for granted..."what are they gonna do, leave?...after all this time and investment in the relationship?...I doubt it." I think that can go both ways...the female version is to stop caring about how they look and the male version is to come home each night and just stare at the TV or work in the workshop, interacting little with his wife. People should try to not take each other for granted but I suppose that's easier said than done.

I agree. I suppose my remarks about this issue could be seen as sexist. That's OK. Still, I have seen quite a few formerly attractive women just let themselves go after having a child. I realize caring for a young baby takes an enormous toll on one's time and energy. Nevertheless, it's unbecoming to almost take pains to look matronly, as some apparently do.

You're right. Men do it too. It can be in the looks department, or it can be in the form of various time sinks. I have seen plenty of men suddenly become devoted to the office and start arriving at 6:30 a.m. and staying until 8:30 p.m. after the kids were born. Other men live on the golf course, the pool hall, the bar, or the gym. In many cases, I believe they are doing it to avoid being around and having to share in unpleasant home duties.

In both cases it is neglect and taking the marriage for granted.

AS

[kittynh]

well, my husband cries if my hair gets shorter than my shoulders.

It hasn't been long long for awhile (it's hot and heavy). But I always want to keep at least shoulder lenght. It does look better, and since I work in Vermont, sorry, but it's a real sign of being a lesbian. I'm hit on less by women that way.

However, the more blond I go, the more attention I get. The produce guy at Price Chopper likes it at least!

Also, the older you get, the drier your hair gets. It's harder to keep long hair healthy the older you get.

However, I do find long hair on men attractive. My little brother has the Fabio look going, and he's always getting hit on by women.

Pool Boy doesn't have long hair. I'm really upset that the older he gets the LESS hair he has!!! So guys, before you complain about older women with short hair, think about all the older men with NO hair!

[Yahweh]

My wife has long black hair.
Her sister is a brunette with very very long hair (she's also a hairstylist).
Her other sister is has very dark brown hair (with red streaks).
Her other other sister has black hair and a Shannon Doherty haircut.

They are all very pretty.

[BillyJoe]

Hey, guess what? It all goes grey eventually. And long hair on an older women doesn't look half as good.

regards,
BillyJoe
(Long haired brunettes ;) )

[tamiO]

Originally posted by Cleopatra




I don't know if I am right but I have observed that every time a woman with long hair lets her hair down on her shoulders in the business environment, she doesn't receive very... professional behavior by male colleagues.

Even the most severe judge doesn't look at you straight in the eyes when you leave your hair down...

That has been my experience, also. I don't get the same respect when I wear my hair long as I do when it is up.

I wear my hair up and I wear glasses when I am out working. It is a real head turner when I take off my glasses and let down my hair. I guess this is why strippers use the character in their acts. Or maybe the fact that strippers use this in their act makes heads turn.

At any rate, I am glad to see all the support for long haired brunettes! I have had my hair every way and every style. When I was blonde, I got a lot more attention, but not the sort of attention that commands respect in the business world.

[tygirwulf]

I have long naturally curly brown hair, myself. I did just get three inches cut off about a month ago, but it's still reaches halfway down my back. Now with my curly hair, I think I'd look pretty ridiculous if my hair was short. I have no desire to look as I did when I was a kid and my mother kept my hair short. I have noticed that long hair does not look good on everyone, I think mostly because some people have no idea how to take care of their hair in the first place. They're so fixated on using as many styling products as possible that they quickly destroy their hair. Also, many people don't have the patience needed to take care of hair as long or longer than mine, I guess especially if they already take 2 hours to get ready to go anywhere. heh.

As for men, they mostly like my hair, but I have come across a rare few who don't. That's of no consequence to me either way, since I love my hair and will keep it this way as long as I can. I think I have a picture of my hair in the JREF posters picture thread, if anyone wants to see.

I like long hair on certain men. I find a lot of men with long hair don't take care of it right, either, and it looks very dry and ratty, so that is definitely out. But a rare few do take care of it, and it looks clean, shiny, and healthy, and I want to run my hands through it. :D I prefer dark hair, too, black is best. :)

[Badger]

My wife used to have hair like Dyan Cannon. Long, blonde and curly.

She asked the inevitable question, "Do you think I should get a haircut?" I, of course, said "No, darling! I love your hair!"

Now she looks like she's wearing a poodle as a hat. (why do women even ask questions like that? Maybe that's the subject of another thread for another time.)

I still love her. She's still a good cook.:p

That said, Ruby's hair does it for me too. Long, and auburn.

(Ruby, I don't mean to offend)

[RichardR]

Originally posted by Yahweh
My wife has long black hair.
Her sister is a brunette with very very long hair (she's also a hairstylist).
Her other sister is has very dark brown hair (with red streaks).
Her other other sister has black hair and a Shannon Doherty haircut.

They are all very pretty. Sorry, we need evidence of this. This is a skeptic board, you know. ;)

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by BillyJoe
Hey, guess what? It all goes grey eventually. And long hair on an older women doesn't look half as good.

regards,
BillyJoe
(Long haired brunettes ;) )

Gotta disagree...I just love those few streaks of grey...and on many women, a full head of grey hair. (not all, but then I don't like all blonde, brunette, or red hair either) So, women, please don't think you have to hide the grey!

AP--50 men? You wouldn't happen to have checked the original paper, or have a reference for it? I gotta think this is a typo...

[BillyJoe]

You are definitely wierd, Mercutio.

[Cleopatra]

Originally posted by tamiO

I guess this is why strippers use the character in their acts. Or maybe the fact that strippers use this in their act makes heads turn.



I thought that Virgin Mary had them on her shoulders too...

I don't care that much anymore, I mean whoever tries to underestimate me just because I have very long hair that I enjoy them on my shoulders... then... he finds out -the hard way-what a "stripper" can do in her morning job ;)

Also, I am proud for some grey hair I have.They are few and I haven't started colouring them. I love them. They make my twin sister -who colours hers- furious, something that doubles the excitement for having them! :p

[BillyJoe]

.....ah...yes well...some...a few...grey hairs...well that is...different...um...lovely cleopatra.....

[LuxFerum]

Originally posted by Cleopatra


I thought that Virgin Mary had them on her shoulders too...

I don't care that much anymore, I mean whoever tries to underestimate me just because I have very long hair that I enjoy them on my shoulders... then... he finds out -the hard way-what a "stripper" can do in her morning job ;)

Also, I am proud for some grey hair I have.They are few and I haven't started colouring them. I love them. They make my twin sister -who colours hers- furious, something that doubles the excitement for having them! :p
twin sister!?
That picture is you or your sister?

[Diamond]

Long hair, at least to the shoulders, is a female sexual display. It's associated in lots of cultures with sexual availibility, which is why religions spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with how women dress or look.

When women get married or feel secure in a long term relationship, the first thing they do is have it cut for various BS reasons like "its too messy" "it takes too long" "my hair is really too thick/too thin/too greasy/too dry to be long" but really its about not showing a sexual display of availibility. Those women who keep their long hair, will often braid it or put it up so that it no longer looks long.

Its often possible to tell when a woman is sexually available at certain times of the month depending on whether the hair is worn up or down.

Let the protestations of stereotyping begin here....---->

[tamiO]

Originally posted by Cleopatra


I thought that Virgin Mary had them on her shoulders too...

I don't care that much anymore, I mean whoever tries to underestimate me just because I have very long hair that I enjoy them on my shoulders... then... he finds out -the hard way-what a "stripper" can do in her morning job ;)


I think you misunderstood my post. :)
I was referring to the hair-up, glasses, business dress character that whips off her glasses and let's down her hair. Under her dress is sexy underwear, garters and stockings. It's a fetish for many men.

It sounds like you have already established yourself among your peers. I do not have a set group of people I work with, I have to pay attention to impressions I create. They make or break a sale.

In your case, maybe it's good to have people underestimate you :D
I can see that advantage in some professions.

[Cleopatra]

Originally posted by Diamond

Its often possible to tell when a woman is sexually available at certain times of the month depending on whether the hair is worn up or down.

Let the protestations of stereotyping begin here....---->

Hmmm..... So, if somebody reads this and believes it and then visits for example Greece during the summer -especially when the summer is particularly hot like this year- he will think that every woman in the country is unavailable...and he will not think that they might wear their hair up because of the extreme heat...

Right!

Well... tell me, do you think that you have the right to ruin other people's vacations by spreading such theories? :D

So, is it right for women to presume that every man with the slightest indication of a...pot-belly is .... married? ;)

These are fields to show how skeptical we are...or better to practice with critical thinking :)

[Cleopatra]

Originally posted by tamiO


I think you misunderstood my post. :)
I was referring to the hair-up, glasses, business dress character that whips off her glasses and let's down her hair. Under her dress is sexy underwear, garters and stockings. It's a fetish for many men.


Well, no my mind didn't get that far ,indeed... let's pretend that I am slow because of the heat. Ok? :D

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Mercutio


AP--50 men? You wouldn't happen to have checked the original paper, or have a reference for it? I gotta think this is a typo...
According to the article I linked above, it is not (yet) published in a paper, but was presented at a meeting. It is possible that the meeting abstracts might be available somewhere online, I haven't found them yet.

I also like grey hair on women. I think it shows self-confidence and a rejection of the male-created barbie doll image of what women 'should' look like.

Has Mattell ever come out with an elderly grey-haired Barbie doll? They could be missing a big market. "Senior Barbie" or some such.

[^evane$cent^]

My preference is for a man to have grey hair not short, shoulder length is short enough. Matching Goatee beard is an added welcome bonus.

On women I prefer the natural hair as they were gene given at birth. No artificial enhancements certainly no beards and or moustaches sorry ladies they do not do it for me.:p

[Larspeart]

Both me and my gf prefer hair that is both long and blond.

oddly enough, neither of us is long-locked, nor blond, LOL!

[kittynh]

'three women I know have cut their beautiful long hair and then within months had a divorce! It wasn't the hair though, that was just their way of showing they were sick of their husbands!

I get nervous now when someone I know makes a big change to her hair...

[kittynh]

Here is a picture of ME the first year I taught! Ignore the 80's clothes. THAT HAIR!!!

What was I thinking????

[tygirwulf]

lol, I know! Nice hair! :) But I'm gonna guess you got a bit older and decided that that hair was getting in the way, or something like that. :) My mother decided the same thing when I was little. I wasn't a hair-pulling child, either. :(

My hair is at about mid-back now, but it used to be all the way down to my tailbone. One day, I handed my mother a pair of scissors and said "Cut it." She cut it off just below my shoulder blades, and with the curl, it dried much shorter. I was horrified. That was 2 years ago. I'm just waiting for it to grow back. :) With my recent trim it's now about as long as yours is in that pic. I guess I wasn't thinking at all that day. lol. But it is just hair, it will (and does) grow back. I've read messages of women on long-haired forums describing how they cried when some stylist cut their hair a couple of inches. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[RSLancastr]

I once dated a girl who had hair that went all the way down her back.

Unfortunately, she didn't have any on her head.

Try the veal! I'll be here all week!!

Seriously though, I prefer longer hair on a woman. Laying back, looking up at a woman, with her hair falling down around your face is... very sensual.

However, most women seem to prefer to have short hair, as it is much easier to deal with. :(

[RSLancastr]

Originally posted by kittynh
What was I thinking???? Not sure, but I bet I know what Pool Boy was thinking! :D :D :D :D

[UnrepentantSinner]

Long.

Straight.

Red.

Period.

And no dye jobs... only the real stuff will do. O.k... I give in... dye jobs are fine, just get your eyebrows done too. Nothing turns me off more than flaming locks paired with Brooke Shieldseque eyestaches.

And other thing, please don't the "Post-Menapausal". You know... frosted, light perm, high and tight. It might work for butchy lesbians, but it does not look attractive even with a pretty face.

[Julia]

It would be interesting to know where these preferences stem from. I have a friend who actually prefers bald men. I have never been attracted to men with long hair.

Mine is past my waist. I'm afraid I'm going to be sitting on it soon. It is already getting caught in doors once in awhile. But I'm lazy and don't like hair salons - or what ever they are called. It just seems easier to let it grow and let it curl any crazy way it decides, I'm done fighting with it. Another advantage of it being this long is that on 'bad hair days' I just pull it back or put it into one long braid. Anything not to fuss with it.

[Diamond]

Originally posted by Julia
It would be interesting to know where these preferences stem from. I have a friend who actually prefers bald men. I have never been attracted to men with long hair.

Baldness is caused by over-production of testosterone, which would therefore imply greater virility. Naturally I'm balding :D although I wish I wasn't :(

Mine is past my waist. I'm afraid I'm going to be sitting on it soon. It is already getting caught in doors once in awhile. But I'm lazy and don't like hair salons - or what ever they are called. It just seems easier to let it grow and let it curl any crazy way it decides, I'm done fighting with it. Another advantage of it being this long is that on 'bad hair days' I just pull it back or put it into one long braid. Anything not to fuss with it.

It looks athough quite a few people were caught out. Long hair in women is a sexual signal, as blatent in its own way as figure hugging clothing and visible cleavage. It may not have occurred to you before, but they're all non-verbal messages of sexual availability.