Blond

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Blond hair is a light hair color with little dark pigment. It can look very pale or have hints of gold, red, or sandy tones. Hair often darkens with age, so natural blondness is less common in adults.

Blond hair is most common among people with Northern European ancestry. It likely developed in regions with less sunlight, where lighter skin could help with vitamin D. Blond hair also appears in some other populations, such as parts of the Solomon Islands, Melanesia, North Africa, and parts of Asia, but it is much rarer there and usually comes from different genetic changes.

Genetics and origin are complex. The classic European blond trait comes from a gene variant that appeared long ago and spread through migrations from the Eurasian steppe. Scientists debate the exact history, but blond hair in Europe is thought to result from multiple ancient populations mixing over time. In Melanesians, a different gene (TYRP1) can cause lighter hair. So, “blond” outside Europe can have different genetic roots.

People can be naturally blond or dye their hair blond. Artificial blond hair is often called bleached blond, bottle blond, or peroxide blond.

Blond hair has a long cultural history. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was linked to beauty or certain groups. In the Middle Ages, long blond hair was highly praised for women. Norse myths feature blond figures like the goddess Sif. In modern Western culture, blond hair is often seen as beautiful, but it has also carried stereotypes, including the idea that blondes are less intelligent.

The words blond and blonde come from French and have been used in English for centuries. Blond is the masculine form and blonde the feminine form, but they are pronounced the same. The idea of a “dumb blonde” is a stereotype that isn’t supported by evidence and can hurt people.

How common is natural blond hair? About 5 percent of adults in Europe and North America are naturally blond, and about 4 percent in the United States. Many people who look blond have dyed their hair.

There are regional differences. Blond hair is more common in northern Europe and less common in southern Europe. Outside Europe, blond hair can occur but is much rarer and usually comes from different genetic changes.

In sum, blond hair is a natural variation tied to genetics and geography. It has a rich history in culture and art, and while it’s often admired, it’s also the source of stereotypes that don’t reflect a person’s intelligence or character.