Signals Your Hair Sends To A Guy
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Sponsored by Pantene
In a recent study by Pantene, 87% of men said that a woman’s hair is important when evaluating her overall appearance. But is your hairstyle sending the right signals to guys? We asked Steve Ward, a professional matchmaker and host of VH1′s Tough Love, to give us the scoop on what different hairstyles say about the woman wearing them. Find out which styles make guys come hither and which ones send them running for the hills.
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Photo: © Donna Ward/Retna Ltd.
Diane Kruger’s loose, messy braid is actually a turn-on for guys. “This style looks like she wants to go out and have fun,” says Ward. “It gives the sense that she’s easy-going and can roll with the punches, instead of playing things tight to the vest. She looks like she’d take chances.”
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Photo: © Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Bad news Nina Dobrev: Your half-up hairstyle is not scoring you any points with the boys. “This is an attempt to try to do something cool with her hair, but it’s a half-hearted effort,” says Ward. It sends mixed signals to guys–you care about looking cool, but have no idea how to pull it off.
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Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage
As far as guys are concerned, wild-woman curls like AnnaLynne McCord’s are the ultimate sexy hairstyle, because it makes guys think of their favorite bedroom activity. “The whole look screams sexy. She’s showing off her neck and collarbone, and the texture makes me think I can run my hands through her hair and it won’t make her mad,” says Ward.
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Photo: © John Shearer/WireImage
Lucy Hale’s glamourous waves are another winner with the gents. “This look conveys that she can look glamorous and casual at the same time,” says Ward. “It’s an invitation to guys that says, ‘Come sweep me away.’ Think about all those vampire movies; she’s teasing you by showing off her neck.”
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Photo: © David Livingston/WireImage
If you’re trying to snag a guy’s attention, a ponytail is apparently not the way to do it: A look like Aimee Teegarden’s just gives the appearance that you can’t be bothered with your hair. Conversely, a really tight, slicked-back ponytail “makes you look like you are making a power play,” says Ward, which, while great at the office, might send the wrong message to your date–he’ll feel threatened, not smitten.
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Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage
Surprisingly, the two-toned hair color trend, as seen here on Drew Barrymore, is a total dude magnet. “People are used to judging a book by it’s cover, but this hairstyle makes me think there’s more to her than you would think,” says Ward. “It’s an expression of her personality.” It’s also a look that appeals to a variety of men. “Some guys like brunettes, some prefer blondes–this appeals to both. It’s a spectrum of hair color,” he says.
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Photo: © Dave Hogan/Getty Images
While Jessica Alba’s intricate updo does make her look a little high-maintenance, it also gives the impression of total confidence, which many guys find attractive. “This look says ‘I know I’m hot–I can do whatever I want with my hair and still look good,’” says Ward. “It conveys a little bit of an attitude. For the purposes of dating, it’s a little counter-productive, but other women will respect you.”
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Photo: © Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Sorry Michelle Monaghan, but unless you want guys to look at you and think of their kid sister, the bangs have got to go. “I hate the bangs. They make you look like a 6-year-old kid who took her own childproof scissors and chopped it,” says Ward. “She’s hiding her neck, her collarbone, her forehead, her ears–even her eyebrows! It’s just so plain and boring looking. I would think she’s a plain, boring person who thinks it’s cool to look retro. Total hipster doofus.”
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Photo: © Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Think men only like long hair? Think again. While 46% of the men in the Pantene survey said they preferred a woman with long hair, 78% indicated that healthy hair is their biggest turn-on. So instead of clinging to damaged hair, chop those frazzled locks into a chic bob like Marley Shelton to show off how healthy your hair is. “It’s important to look sexy no matter how long or short your hair is. She’s working with what she’s got and it looks classy and sophisticated,” says Ward.
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Photo: © Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
We were totally expecting Lauren Conrad’s undone bun to be a fail for the guys, but Ward says it’s actually a very appealing look. “This is an inviting style. She looks approachable and not high-maintenance,” says Ward. “Her hair is up and back, so you can see her face, neck and collarbone. It’s a great look, especially for an event.”
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