A new Irish documentary and academic research has revealed that redheads are less likely to be chatted up in bars than blondes and brunettes. Even in Ireland.
Even though we possess, according to
The Irish Examiner, the second highest percentage of redheads in the world (the US tops the list), it seems that when it comes to being chatted up in bars, our strawberry blonde ladies lose out to their blonde and brunette counterparts.
Despite the likes of Isla Fisher, Rihanna and Christina Hendricks (main picture) within the ranks, research carried by the University of Westminster revealed redheads are six times less likely to be chatted up by men in bars and clubs. And a documentary to be aired tomorrow night on RTE,
Oi Ginger, would back this up in an Irish context.
Fashion stylist Angela Scanlon donned a blond wig for a night out and later went into the same bar with her own titan-coloured hair. While she was inundated with male attention in the bar with a blond head of hair, she was left virtually alone when she arrived back shortly afterwards sporting her own natural, coppery colour.
And Dr Viren Swami (male, black hair), who carried out the research for the University of Westminster, said the reason is quite simple and basic.
“The difference is the stereotypes we associate with those particular hair colours. Blondes are rare but they are also associated with sexuality or promiscuity, with being funny. Redheads don’t have those associations.”
The plight of the redhead is nothing new, as the documentary also reveals how it is the last acceptable basis for discrimination.
The documentary airs tomorrow night at 9.55pm on RTE Two
