WASHINGTON, DC—A joint study between the American Psychological Association and L'Oreal Paris sought to shed some light on how individuals can change qualities in themselves they find undesirable.
The researchers looked at hundreds of factors that influence people's lives, including diet, hydration, income, skincare regimen, drug use, exercise, radiation exposure, meditation, and amount of sleep. Of all the aspects explored in the study, the most consistently effective way for a subject to turn over a new leaf and make real change was to alter his or her hair color.
"We didn't expect something so physical to have this big of a psychological impact," offered lead researcher Helen Bradford. "When someone's looking to make a fresh start, you'd think repairing damaged relationships or taking time to find one's true passion would be most effective, but the data suggest otherwise." The graying spinster continued, "It turns out that the single most dependable way to rid yourself of the demons of your past is to dye your hair. We found that less drastic methods such as highlights or balayage work well on a smaller scale."
"It makes sense when you think about it," explained Bradford, 46. "What's the first thing you do in witness protection or when you get out of prison? Change your hair color! New school or calendar year? Dye it! Hurting from a bad breakup? Bleach away the pain!"
Bradford and her colleagues found that this principle holds true for others' perception of an individual and not just view of self. "We may think a new job or more education will lead others to see us as a changed person, but seriously, none of that holds a candle to dyeing your hair."
If there's anything you want to change about yourself, this study recommends a different hair color. Go ahead. You're worth it.