A quick trip to the salon can entirely change how you feel about yourself, and how other people view you. As it turns out, hair might really be the window to our souls.

Whether you’ve got a cropped cut or an extra-long mane, not only does your style reflect your personality and taste, but it may also unintentionally give off certain (true or untrue) messages about who you are.

So, what does your hair say about you? From ultra-curly to pin-straight, and from blonde to brunette, we have the inside scoop.

Straight Hair vs. Curly Hair

When it comes to hair texture, straight hair is generally seen as more professional and conservative, whereas curls can be perceived as a more casual style. If you have curly hair and want to keep your style sleek, focus on making your curls smooth and frizz free. If you’re not loving how they look, there’s always the option to pull your curls back into a trendy topknot.

Long vs. Short

Length can give off one of the strongest impressions to those you first meet. For example, long hair is typically seen as more attractive, but not necessarily professional. On the other hand, short hair is a symbol of confidence and power. A dramatic chop exudes an air of self-assurance, and since it fits into a man’s “norm” (sexism is real, people) it can end up being beneficial when working in a male-dominated workplace.

If you have long hair and a serious haircut is just not in the cards for you, don’t fret! Pulling hair away from your face, into a sleek ponytail can give you that sophisticated look without the permanency.

Blonde vs. Brunette vs. Redhead

We’ve all heard those annoying phrases such as “dumb blonde” and “blondes have more fun,” but do people actually believe them? Unfortunately, yes. It turns out, blondes tend to attract more attention but are not taken as seriously as their darker-haired counterparts. On the contrary, brunettes are considered sexy and mysterious, and although they do not attract as much attention as blondes, they’re taken more seriously in their day-to-day lives. And for all my redheads out there, you’re stereotyped as fiery and confident (gingers rejoice!).

Traditional vs. Pastels

The pastel hair trend has swept through Hollywood like wildfire, and even though all our favorite celebs look fabulous with their wild ‘dos, it might not work well for the rest of us. Bright hair colors come across as rebellious, creative and youthful, but generally don’t do well in a corporate environment that’s a bit more conservative. If you’re sporting a pastel color but have an interview or important meeting coming up, take the rest of your look down a notch. Skip the bright makeup and wear a more conventional outfit so that you’ll be taken as seriously as those with more traditional hair shades.

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