Women’s top confidence boosters include making someone laugh, getting praised at work – and having a “good hair day”, a study has found. The poll, of 2,000 females, revealed freshly washed and styled hair, reaching a new personal best at the gym, and finding a bargain during a food shop, also featured high on the top 10 list.
The average woman feels confident three times a week, with 46 percent claiming this has increased with age – due to becoming more comfortable in their own skin, and having more life experience.
And 68 percent have experimented with their outfits, while 67 percent have trialled different hair styles.
A spokesman for haircare brand, OGX, which commissioned the research, said: “Many different things boost a woman’s confidence – from appearance, to receiving a compliment from a complete stranger, to making someone laugh.
“It’s important to encourage our inner certainty, and that of others, especially as we get older – as we can reclaim our sense of self, celebrate more who we are, our identity, and what we look like.”
The study also found that within the last decade, 56 percent have changed their hair up to eight times, while 51 percent have had up to six different colours.
Highlights (45 percent), perming (38 percent), and short layers (35 percent) are the most popular trend choices.
And when it comes to colours, brown is the go-to shade for 28 percent, while 17 percent typically opt for blonde, and 15 percent prefer to sport a “bronde” look – a brown and blonde blend.
These transformations seem to have been key for later life, as 39 percent said they have helped them shaped their identity.
The OnePoll.com study found magazines have been the biggest influence for 23 percent when trying out new trends – but 22 percent become inspired by friends, while 19 percent turn to celebrities.
And 26 percent would use a holiday as an excuse to change their hair style, while 20 percent would do so for a wedding. Inspiringly, 17 percent have even done this after breaking up with a partner, or going through a divorce.
Prior to getting a new look, 47 percent feel nervous, but 24 percent get excited – with a quarter admitting they are always glad when they change their hair style.
However, a fifth have previously been reduced to tears due to being so unhappy with their new “do” – highlighting the importance of having a good hair day.
The spokesman for OGX added: “Hair is an integral part of our identity, and being happy with it is hugely important, as it can give us confidence and self-assurance.
“Helping hair be as strong and resilient as it can be is something we’re passionate about, so that everyone has confidence they can wear their it however they want.”
