Hair has always been recognized as important: Sampson in the Bible, Cleopatra’s thick, black hair, the wigs worn by judges and others. It is one aspect of ourselves—our bodies—which we can control most, with relatively little effort, over decades. Much about hair is a choice. According to author and philosopher Alain de Botton, “We are using our hair to speak. We’re trying, through the syntax of colored protein filaments, to express key aspects of our soul—and to communicate some of the deepest truths about who we are.” So what do those choices say about a person—or character?
Of course, this is a topic that needs to be addressed separately for men and women, though there could be some overlap. Today, there is much more variety for women than for men.
What Women’s Hair Says
- Side parting: compassionate, caring listener, big heart, empathetic and patient, no ulterior motives, realistic and reliable
- Loose beach waves: embodiment of confidence, freedom lover, high energy, independent, comfortable around people but likes alone time
- Mid-length hair: practical, efficient, values common sense and committed to goals, work smart instead of hard
- Blonde hair: approachable, friendly, good conversationalist, sexy
- High ponytail: full of energy, sporty, problem solver, straightforward, good time manager, focused on things that truly matter, looks young
- Polished high ponytail: goal-oriented, athletic, logical
- Black hair: feminine, attractive, intelligent, confident, well-formed thoughts and convictions, classy, trustworthy
- Short bob: low maintenance, risk-taker, go-getter, professional looking, efficient and organized
- Brunette: intelligent, self-sufficient, often consulted for advice, makes sound decisions
- Red hair: fun, hate boredom, good sense of humor, ablaze with passion, temperamental and fiery, maybe fickle, or a drama queen
- Bouncy curls: fun-loving, warm-hearted, celebrate uniqueness, courageous and outspoken, resists conformity; for black women, value roots, proud of who they are naturally
- Curly hair that is straightened: life is chaotic, seeks calm
- Wavy hair: innovative and creative, high energy, strong willpower, emotional, easily gets hurt feelings, self-contained, monogamy might be a challenge
- Thick hair: strong willpower, high energy, maybe stubborn, probably thick eyebrows, maybe lower sex drive
- Thin hair: delicate, not into extreme sports, conserve energy
- Straight hair that’s always curled: craves more fun and attention
- Medium-length hair, wash-and-go-style: good thinker, values logic, impatient, easily frustrated, values common sense, maybe competitive
- Long hair, wash-and-go style: in touch with their feelings, romantic, creative, think hippies
- Super short wash-and-go hairstyle: don’t want to fuss over things in life, less in touch with your feelings
- High maintenance style: self-critical, anxious, worry about details, and/or drama queen who wants attention
- Mumsy braid: put their own needs last
- Blunt cut: go-getter, to the point, values logic, driven and goal oriented
- Layered cut: perfectionist
- Unconventional hairstyle: fun, full of surprises, likes getting out of the box, carefree, creative, highly emotional, maybe an artist
- Shaved head: super romantic, have a huge heart, sparkling personality
- Hairline goes straight across: rebel, rule breaker or at least challenger, wants to make a positive change in the world
- Irregular hairline: troubled adolescence, poor mothering
- Rounded hairline: good girl, rule follower, well-mannered
- Widow’s peak: sex appeal, mysterious charm, charismatic
What Men’s Hair Says
- Man bun: practical, someone trying to pretend to be carefree, even though the look is contrived
- Buzz cut: low maintenance
- All bald: confident, he knows who he is, not afraid to embrace it; maybe thinks bald looks younger than gray
- Same ol’ haircut forever: loves tradition, predictable, dependable, not going to change any time soon
- The fade (whatever the top, a haircut where the hair on the sides and back taper gradually until there is no hair left on the skin): likely active duty or retired military, high and tight, disciplined; with a funky, spunky top, a with-the-times kind of guy, trendy
- The pompadour: worn by both women and men; for men, often combined with the fade, meaning a bit full of yourself, pay attention to detail, want to do things right the first time
- Mr. Facial Hair: I’m a man’s man and I know it. Consider fancy mustache, tailored goatee, and full beard and the impression it makes
Note to writers: I found little on this topic relating actual hairstyles to personality tests. Virtually all of this is the impression these styles create. But for the writer, impressions are often what you are going for.
