I have had many colours on my hair, and yes, life is different when blonde, no doubt about it (The blond advantage: fair hair completely changed my life – but is it time to give it up?, 18 March). It’s the same for my 21-year-old daughter. But I didn’t find the real reason for this in Elle Hunt’s article.
The reason we are treated so differently as blondes is because we live in a patriarchal society. Systems set up by men for men. The male gaze. It runs so deep that many levels are invisible until you see it. Yes, it’s a woman’s choice to wear and do whatever she wants, and yes, I absolutely fully applaud women who own their looks and themselves despite the male gaze. It’s a powerful thing.
This is what it is. Yes, you will get a lot more attention when you are blonde – from both men and women. When you return to any other colour, men – or at least old-fashioned “masculine” men – aren’t as interested. Also, many people can be wary of a woman with non-blonde hair – they don’t have to impress, they don’t have to be noticed, they could even be intelligent! Scary stuff.
Claire Williams
Sandown, Isle of Wight
As a once-only blonde-streaked woman (who is that in the mirror?), now in my mid-70s, I decided that a reddish colour was for me. I go dancing and watch the floor – the blondes are rarely without a dance partner. Maybe it’s time I ditched the dye and went platinum?
Pauline Nahapiet
Bramhall, Greater Manchester
It was a bit of a shock for me, as a dark-haired brunette, to see the silver threads arrive in my 40s, but I eventually decided to use them as a colour along with blonde streaks. Then a kind hairdresser said “just let yourself be grey”, and I ended up with long, grey locks. Nature’s highlighter? I recommend it.
Kath Richmond
Norwich
