Many people believe that hair color is related to intelligence and that certain hair colors are associated with higher IQ. Is there any truth to these stereotypes? Let’s examine what research says about any correlations between hair color and IQ.
Blondes
There is a prevalent stereotype that blondes are less intelligent than people with other hair colors. This belief likely stems from the “dumb blonde” trope that has appeared frequently in books, movies, and jokes. However, research does not back up this stereotype.
A major study published in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science in 1995 looked at hair color and IQ in over 10,000 participants. They found no significant difference in IQ between blondes, brunettes, redheads, and those with black hair. All hair colors had an average IQ around 100, which is considered normal intelligence.
Another study in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology in 2005 compared natural blondes to non-blondes in various cognitive tests and examinations in school. Again, researchers found no evidence that natural blondes performed worse than other hair colors.
In fact, many highly respected public figures and scientists have been natural blondes, including Marie Curie, Marilyn Monroe, and Albert Einstein. Clearly, blonde hair does not preclude someone from high intelligence and profound accomplishments.
Brunettes
Those with brown or black hair are often considered to be more serious, intellectual, and wise compared to blondes. But is there merit to the belief that brunettes are more intelligent?
Again, most studies find no significant correlation between dark brown or black hair and IQ. The large study in the 1990s referenced above found no difference in IQ between brunettes and other hair colors.
However, one interesting study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology in 2002 did find a small correlation between non-blonde hair color and higher IQ. Participants with brown and black hair scored slightly higher on IQ tests than blondes or redheads.
The researchers theorized this could be because the gene for lighter hair color is associated with youth, femininity, and less aggression. Darker hair may subconsciously suggest more wisdom and authority, leading to cultural assumptions of intelligence. However, the differences were quite small.
Redheads
Red hair is often seen as fiery and bold, but is there any truth to the belief that redheads are more intelligent than others? Let’s see what research has uncovered about links between red hair and IQ.
Most studies show that natural redheads have very similar IQ scores to the general population. The 1995 study found no difference in intelligence between redheads, blondes, brunettes, and those with black hair.
However, one interesting study published in The Journal of Human Biology in 2014 did find a slight correlation between red hair and higher IQ scores. Redheads scored about 3 points higher on IQ tests than those with black or blonde hair.
Researchers believe this could be because red hair correlates with mutation. Since intelligence is also associated with genetic mutations, this could explain the slight increase in IQ for redheads. However, more research is needed to confirm this link.
Hair Color and Intelligence
Overall, research does not show major differences in intelligence level based on hair color. Here is a summary of key findings:
| Hair Color | Key Research Findings on IQ |
|---|---|
| Blonde | No difference in IQ compared to general population |
| Brunette | Slightly higher IQ in one study, but no major differences |
| Redhead | Slightly higher IQ in one study, but no major differences |
While these studies are interesting, it’s important not to put too much stock in small correlations between IQ and hair color. Many factors play a role in determining intelligence and academic performance.
Other Factors Related to Intelligence
While hair color is not strongly linked to IQ, researchers have found connections between intelligence and other biological factors, such as:
- Brain size – Studies show a correlation between brain volume and IQ. Larger brain size is linked to higher intelligence.
- Genetics – Intelligence is highly influenced by genetics. However, researchers have not identified a specific “intelligence gene.”
- Physical attractiveness – People rated as more attractive tend to have slightly higher IQs.
- Left-handedness – Left-handed people often have slightly higher verbal IQ scores.
Environmental influences like education level, economic background, nutrition, and family environment also play significant roles in determining intelligence.
Study Limitations
When interpreting research around hair color and intelligence, it’s important to note the limitations of these studies:
- Self-reported data – Hair color classifications were self-reported in some studies.
- Small effect sizes – Differences in IQ between hair colors were quite small.
- Limited scope – Most studies relied on data from Europe and North America.
- Only natural hair color – Dyed hair colors were not evaluated.
- Limited age range – Most studies focused on young adults like university students.
Due to these limitations, large conclusions should not be drawn about links between hair color and intelligence based on this research alone.
Conclusion
Overall, the majority of research finds no significant correlation between hair color and IQ. While some studies suggest small differences in intelligence between blondes, brunettes, and redheads, these differences are minimal.
Hair color likely plays little to no role in determining someone’s intelligence or academic capabilities. There are many brilliant and accomplished people of all hair colors. Other biological and environmental factors appear to have much more influence on IQ.
So next time you hear stereotypes about hair color and intelligence, look to the scientific research that debunks these myths. A person’s hair color says little about how smart they are or what they can accomplish in life.
