Do blonds have more fun in l'age moyen too?

Research shows that blonds do have more fun in the early years what with our species (both men and women) predelection to be drawn to the halo of light that emanates from the angelic blond. Once the mousy brunette crosses the floor and douses herself with blondness it seems to be a rare gal who willingly retraces her steps back to the relative anonymity of brunettehood. In France it is said there are no brunettes over 40. "La blonde" is the term used to describe the girlfriend/boyfriend en francais. There the French go again calling la spade la spade.

But what happens when everything below the hairline says 40+ and everything above screams 18? Is it harder for blonds to approach l'age moyen?

In commercials for hair colour the brunette is battling to cover her greys while the blonde enjoys lasting, lustrous colour. Denial is ingrained in the blonde psyche. You will never grey, implies the advertising, as the chosen people you will enrich your colour forever.

I admit to a deep fascination with coloured, highlighted and highly styled hair. I love it. I yearn for it and yet have only dipped my toe in the colourist' s pool, so to speak. The little that I've done requires too much maintenance. And as much as I revel in the complexity of colour and product, I adore and am equally fascinated with a head chock full of grey. I love grainy grey with all the tones and variations and what's not to love about that real white hair that is brighter than any blonde.

On the subway one afternoon a woman of a certain age charged into the car with a head of thick hair that sprung from her scalp in a well-cut yet straw-like way. The greys ranged from medium to dark without being salt and pepper. It was gorgeous. It didn't hurt that she wore a beautiful grey coat and accessorized herself thematically from top to bottom. It was all grey but there was nothing 'gray' about her.

I suspect this lady in grey was having a pretty good time all around. Inspiration for blondes.

Hilary's hair

In the interests of presenting a balanced view, a word about Hilary and specifically her hair. Fabulous. Think lionness - thick, yellow, firmly in place - a modern hair helmet. So much better than the mixed messages she sent while first lady. As much as we try, can't forget the velvet hairband with the bangs. Non, non and no.


I love the colour and the fact that it is so deeply coloured with highlights and lowlights, the works. It is a bit Catherine Deneuve-ish which is a good thing. No one does it better than la belle du jour and it is the commitment to colour that I respect. If you're going to colour your hair then do it boldly, forget trying to look quasi natural. Who are you kidding? Go all the way or go grey.


A word on clothes: While she can't compete with Barack's elegance I am in full agreement that pants are the way to go and I like the jacket with matching jewellery combo. Totally works and provides a great set-up for the big yellow hair.