Darker Hair May Make Skin Appear Smoother and Younger, Study Suggests
Research indicates a contrast effect where darker hair can enhance the perceived evenness of skin, influencing perceptions of age and health.
Darker hair may contribute to a perception of smoother, younger-looking skin, according to a study conducted by scientists at Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania. The research explored how hair color influences the visual assessment of skin evenness and smoothness.
In two experiments, researchers manipulated the hair color in photographs of women to observe the impact on perceived skin quality. In the first experiment, photos of 45 women aged 19 to 79 were presented with either a black or skin-colored oval surrounding their faces. Sixty-one participants rated the evenness of the skin in these images. The results showed that faces with a black background were perceived as having more even skin.
A subsequent experiment involved adjusting the hair color in images of 41 women. When 80 participants rated the skin in these modified photos, they consistently rated the skin as smoother when the hair appeared darker. This effect occurred even though the actual skin on the faces remained untouched.
"These results show that skin appearance is affected by contrast between the skin and surfaces that surround the face, whether it be background color or hair color," stated Dr. Carlota Batres, who led the study. Previous research has established that skin appearance plays a significant role in perceptions of age, health, and attractiveness. The current study suggests that hair color is a factor that can influence these perceptions.
The findings could be particularly relevant as more individuals embrace natural graying. The researchers noted, "This is an important finding given that skin smoothness influences evaluations of trustworthiness, competence, attractiveness, and health, and these evaluations influence various perceptions and real-world outcomes."
Separately, research from Nagoya University in Japan has explored methods to prevent hair graying. Scientists identified an antioxidant called luteolin, found in vegetables such as celery, broccoli, and carrots, which has shown potential in stopping the graying process in mice. While human trials have not yet been conducted, researchers believe luteolin could have a similar effect in preventing hair from turning gray.