Hair Color 1 Running head: EFFECTS OF HAIR COLOR The Effect of Women's Hair Color and GPA on Perceptions of Competence and Attractiveness XXXXXXXX

Prior research has shown that stereotypes regarding women's hair color have very real effects. The purpose of the present research was to examine the pervasiveness of stereotypes regarding women's competence and attractiveness in relation to hair color and GPA. Hair color, blond or brunette, and grade point average, high or low, was manipulated. Participants were asked to rate a female graduate school applicant on the basis of perceived competence and attractiveness. Based on prior research and current stereotypes, it was hypothesized that blond women with a high GPA would be evaluated as most attractive and that brunettes with a high GPA would be evaluated as most competent and thus stereotypes would dominate decisions. Results indicated that brunettes are perceived as most attractive, as are women of either hair color with low GPAs. Ability ratings were also higher for women with high GPAs.