National Blonde Day

A radiant blonde woman, with golden locks cascading down her shoulders, joyfully flipping her hair in the sunlight. She is wearing a flowing summer dress, exuding a playful and carefree spirit. The scene around her is vibrant, with bright flowers and a clear blue sky. The image captures the essence of National Blonde Day, celebrating the fun-loving nature and unique charm of blondes.. — National blonde day illustration

Calling all blondes, bottle or born, we're highlighting National Blonde Day today! Evidently, it seems, the internet can't get enough of the fair-haired phenomenon that crops up intermittently in online conversations. Our records show that the biggest chatter happened on an unsuspecting 31st of May, 2016. Why then, you wonder? Well, buckle up, as we take a roller-coaster ride through the fascinating strands of National Blonde Day's history.

When is Blonde Day?

It's national blonde day on the 31st May.

History of National Blonde Day

While the origins of National Blonde Day are a bit cloudy, we've unraveled 19 instances where the day has bathed in the spotlight. The golden crown goes to 31st May 2016, where it hogged the internet headlines. Blame it on a seemingly normal Tuesday going blonde, or the sun shining just that bit brighter, we'd guess there's a fair chance of both.

Why Celebrate?

No matter the roots, National Blonde Day symbolizes the fun and the unique charm of blondes. It's a fantastic excuse to show the world what being blonde is all about – a fun-loving nature, an endearing spirit of playfulness, and of course, an unapologetic ability to turn heads with a hair flip. So whether you're a natural blonde, or living it up with a bit of bottled magic, it’s a day to let your hair down, and shine it up.

How To Celebrate?

The most beautiful thing about this day? It's entirely up to you! You could soak in a sunny afternoon, star in your own version of a 'blondes have more fun' skit, or maybe even host a 'Blonde Parade'. What matters is celebrating oh-so-joyfully and loving every strand of your blonde hair!

History behind the term 'Blonde'

1400

Origins of the term

The term 'blonde' originates from the late 15th century French word 'blond', which means 'light-colored'. It was first used to describe a fair or light-colored hair color, particularly in reference to women. During this time, having blonde hair was highly prized and often associated with beauty and youth.

16th century

The emergence of the term

The term 'blonde' originated in the 16th century and comes from the Old French word 'blund', which means 'a color between golden and light chestnut'. It was initially used to describe various shades of fair or light-colored hair.

1481

Origins in the Early Modern Period

The term 'blonde' can be traced back to the early modern period in Europe. It derived from the Old French word 'blund', which referred to a color midway between gold and light chestnut. During this time, blonde hair was seen as a symbol of beauty and purity.

1250

The Origins

The term 'blonde' originated during the Middle Ages and was derived from the Old French word 'blund', meaning 'a color lighter than brown'. It was initially used to describe fair-haired men and women, specifically those with light yellow to golden hair.

13th century

Early origins in the Middle Ages

Blonde is a term that originated in the 13th century, during the Middle Ages. It comes from the Old French word 'blond', meaning 'fair' or 'light-colored'. At this time, the term was used to describe people with fair or light hair, particularly those with a pale yellowish color.

15th century

Origins in Old French

The term 'blonde' originated in the 15th century from the Old French word 'blund', which meant 'a color between golden and light chestnut'. It was primarily used to describe a light-colored hair or a fair complexion. During this time, blonde hair was associated with youth and beauty, and was considered highly desirable.

3000 BC

Ancient Hair Lightening

In ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Rome, people used various natural methods to lighten their hair. They would often apply mixtures of honey, lemon juice, and plant extracts to achieve a lighter shade. This early form of lightening the hair laid the foundation for the term 'blonde' to eventually emerge.

1481 AD

The Origin of the Term 'Blonde'

The term 'blonde' originates from the French word 'blond', which means 'light-colored' or 'fair-haired'. It was first attested in the English language around the year 1481 AD. Initially, the term referred specifically to a person, particularly a woman, having light-colored hair, usually ranging from pale gold to ashy or platinum blonde.

1510

Origins in Old French

The term 'blonde' originated in the 16th century from the Old French word 'blund', which meant fair-haired or golden. It described people with light-colored hair, particularly women.

12th Century AD

The Origin of 'Blond'

The term 'blond' originated in medieval France, derived from the Old French word 'blund', which meant 'a color midway between golden and light chestnut'. It was mainly used to describe hair color, particularly when it was fair or light in shade. The term gradually gained popularity and spread to other European languages.

19th century

Popularity in literature

In the 19th century, the term 'blonde' gained even more popularity through its frequent appearance in literature. Many renowned authors, such as Alexandre Dumas and Gustave Flaubert, used the term to describe their female characters with fair hair. As literature played a significant role in shaping society's perception, 'blonde' became synonymous with femininity and charm.

1665

Blonde as a symbol of beauty

During the late 17th century, blonde hair became associated with beauty and charm. The fashionable elite in France and England admired fair-haired women, considering them ideal representations of femininity.

1530

The Renaissance Influence

During the Renaissance period, blonde hair became highly desirable and was associated with beauty and purity. The term 'blonde' gained popularity as an adjective to describe those with light-colored hair, particularly women. This cultural perception played a significant role in shaping the importance of the term in society.

1775

Blonde as a symbol of innocence

In the late 18th century, the term 'blonde' expanded its meaning to refer to a woman or girl with fair hair, specifically emphasizing a sense of innocence and purity. Blonde hair became strongly associated with youthfulness and delicate femininity, making it an idealized physical attribute.

17th Century

Blonde as a Symbol of Beauty and Elegance

In the seventeenth century, blonde hair became highly associated with beauty and elegance. This association can be traced back to the portrayal of fair-haired women in famous artworks of the time, such as the paintings of the Dutch Masters. The popularity of blonde hair increased, with many women attempting to lighten their hair color using natural remedies like lemon juice or chamomile tea.

18th century

Blonde becomes associated with feminine charm

In the 18th century, the term 'blonde' started to become associated with feminine charm and attractiveness. It was often used to describe women with fair or light hair, and was considered a desirable trait. Women with naturally blonde hair were seen as delicate, beautiful, and often associated with youth and purity.

1775

Rise in Popularity

Blonde hair gained immense popularity in the late 18th century. This was partly due to the influence of French culture, where blonde hair was highly admired. The fashion for blonde wigs and hairpieces became widespread, and women would often use powder to achieve a lighter hair color.

18th century

Blonde as a descriptor for women

During the 18th century, the term 'blonde' began to be predominantly used to describe women with fair hair. It became associated with beauty and femininity, often portraying a certain ideal of attractiveness.

1925

Rising popularity in cinema

During the 1920s, Hollywood cinema began to rise in popularity, and blonde actresses took center stage. This era saw figures like Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe, who were praised for their blonde hair and often portrayed as glamorous and seductive. The association of blondness with beauty and sensuality grew stronger during this time.

19th Century

Blonde as a Stereotype

By the nineteenth century, the term 'blonde' started to take on additional connotations beyond hair color. It began to be associated with stereotypes and clichés, often portraying blondes as naive, unintelligent, or overly glamorous. This stereotype became especially prevalent in popular culture, with blonde characters being depicted as the 'dumb blonde' archetype. This portrayal, in turn, influenced societal perceptions and had a lasting impact on the blonde stereotype.

15th Century AD

Blonde as an Attribute

By the 15th century, 'blonde' began to be associated with certain personality traits and characteristics. It was often used to describe a fair and pure individual, particularly women. The term became closely linked with ideals of beauty and innocence, further solidifying its cultural significance.

19th century

Blonde hair symbolizes innocence

In the 19th century, blonde hair came to symbolize innocence and purity. This notion was reinforced through various works of art, literature, and poetry, where blonde-haired characters were often portrayed as virtuous and angelic.

1848

Blonde Stereotypes

In the late 19th century, the term 'blonde' started to become associated with certain stereotypes. Blonde women were often depicted as being more attractive but less intelligent or naive. These stereotypes persisted in various forms throughout the 20th century and became ingrained in popular culture.

1775

Blonde in literature

Blondes gained even more popularity through works of literature. In 1775, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's novel 'Julie, or the New Heloise' depicted the protagonist as a beautiful and virtuous blonde. This portrayal reinforced the perception of blondes as desirable and pure.

20th century

Hollywood's influence

During the 20th century, the term 'blonde' became even more ingrained in popular culture, thanks to the rise of Hollywood cinema. Numerous iconic actresses, like Marilyn Monroe and Jean Harlow, had blonde hair, which further perpetuated the association between blondeness and beauty. This contributed to the cultural impact of the term, making blonde hair a symbol of glamour and allure.

1665

Blonde Stereotypes Emerge

In the 17th century, various stereotypes surrounding blondes started to emerge. The term 'blonde' became associated with shallow or unintelligent behavior, perpetuating the notion of 'dumb blondes'. These stereotypes were fueled by works of literature and art, further embedding the term in cultural conversations.

1930s

Hollywood popularizes the blonde bombshell

During the 1930s, Hollywood played a significant role in popularizing the term 'blonde'. Actresses such as Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe, known as 'blonde bombshells', captivated audiences with their stunning looks and became synonymous with beauty, glamour, and sex appeal. The image of the blonde bombshell became a cultural icon, and the term 'blonde' gained even more popularity.

1775

Blonde as a Symbol of Femininity

Blonde hair continued to be viewed as an iconic symbol of femininity in the late 18th century. It was often depicted in paintings and literature as a mark of attractiveness, elegance, and innocence. The term 'blonde' gained further significance in describing the idealized female appearance.

1930

Blonde Bombshell Era

The 1930s witnessed the rise of the 'Blonde Bombshell' era in Hollywood, with actresses like Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Grable captivating audiences with their blonde locks. This further solidified the association between blonde hair and female allure, leading to the term 'blonde' becoming synonymous with sex appeal.

1930s

Blondes in Hollywood

In the 1930s, Hollywood played a significant role in perpetuating the blonde stereotype. Actresses like Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe became iconic symbols of allure and beauty. The blonde bombshell image became synonymous with glamour and sex appeal.

1953

The blonde bombshell

Marilyn Monroe's starring role in the film 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' solidified the concept of the 'blonde bombshell'. The phrase became synonymous with a curvaceous and attractive blonde woman who exudes sex appeal. Monroe's iconic status further popularized the idea that blondes were inherently desirable.

1990s

Blonde as a symbol of empowerment and rebellion

In the 1990s, the term 'blonde' took on new meanings and became a symbol of empowerment and rebellion. Musicians such as Madonna and Gwen Stefani embraced their blonde hair as a way to challenge traditional beauty standards and express their individuality. Blondes were no longer just seen as delicate and passive, but as strong, independent women.

21st century

Exploring diverse interpretations

In the 21st century, the term 'blonde' has evolved to encompass a broader range of interpretations. While it still holds its conventional associations with fair hair, it is now also used to describe someone who is carefree, naive, or lacking intelligence. The term has found its way into various forms of media, including music and comedy, often serving as a trope or stereotype. However, it's important to recognize that these modern interpretations can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

20th century

Blonde bombshell era

The 20th century witnessed the rise of the 'blonde bombshell' phenomenon, popularized by iconic actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Jean Harlow. Blonde hair became associated with glamour, seduction, and a certain Hollywood allure.

20th Century

The Rise of the 'Blonde Bombshell'

In the early twentieth century, a new blonde archetype emerged: the 'blonde bombshell'. This term referred to women with platinum blonde hair and glamorous, seductive personas. From actresses like Marilyn Monroe and Jean Harlow to pin-up models and Hollywood icons, blonde bombshells became synonymous with sex appeal and beauty. The term 'blonde' was increasingly associated with confidence, allure, and femininity.

18th Century AD

The Rise of Blonde Stereotypes

During the 18th century, 'blonde' started to develop both positive and negative stereotypes. In Western societies, blonde hair became associated with notions of beauty, desirability, and femininity. However, there was also a rise in stereotypes portraying blondes as naive or unintelligent. These stereotypes persisted for centuries and influenced popular culture.

Modern Era

Blonde as a Versatile and Empowering Identity

In the modern era, the meaning of 'blonde' has become more versatile. It encompasses a wide range of hair colors, from natural shades to vibrant hues achieved through hair dye. Blonde hair is no longer seen as solely a symbol of beauty but is celebrated as a personal choice and expression. People of various ethnicities and backgrounds embrace the blonde identity, showcasing diversity and challenging outdated stereotypes associated with hair color.

1960s

The rise of the blonde stereotype

The 1960s witnessed the strengthening of the blonde stereotype, often portraying blondes as ditzy or intellectually inferior. This portrayal can be seen in popular culture through characters like Marilyn Monroe's iconic 'dumb blonde' persona.

1960s

Cultural icon and stereotypes

Blonde hair continued to be a cultural symbol throughout the 1960s, often representing femininity, allure, and glamour. However, this era also perpetuated negative stereotypes, portraying blondes as less intelligent or ditzy. Such stereotypes influenced popular culture, including films, literature, and jokes.

Present day

Blonde as a versatile and diverse term

In the present day, the term 'blonde' has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings and interpretations. It can refer to hair color, but it can also represent a state of mind, a sense of humor, and a form of self-expression. Blonde is no longer limited to a specific gender or stereotype, and people from all backgrounds can identify with and embrace the term.

21st century

Blonde as a cultural archetype

In the 21st century, the term 'blonde' remains a cultural archetype associated with various stereotypes and perceptions. It is often used to depict stereotypes like the 'dumb blonde', although these caricatures are largely outdated and not representative of reality.

20th Century AD

Blonde in Film and Entertainment

The 20th century witnessed a significant cultural impact of the term 'blonde' in the world of film and entertainment. Blonde actresses, such as Marilyn Monroe, became iconic symbols of beauty and sensuality. The blonde bombshell archetype emerged, solidifying the association between blonde hair and sex appeal in popular culture.

1920s

Hollywood's Blonde Bombshells

The 1920s brought the rise of Hollywood and the era of 'blonde bombshells'. Actresses such as Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe became cultural icons, showcasing the allure and glamour associated with blonde hair. The term 'blonde' became synonymous with seductiveness and timeless beauty.

1979

The Blonde Joke Craze

The late 20th century saw a surge in the popularity of 'blonde jokes'. These jokes often portrayed blondes as dumb or ditzy. While intended as lighthearted humor, they perpetuated stereotypes and sparked debates about sexism and discrimination. Many individuals and organizations advocated for the elimination of these jokes.

2000s

Changing perceptions and diversity

In recent years, perceptions around blonde hair have shifted. There is now greater appreciation for diverse hair colors, including various shades of blonde. The emphasis on individuality and breaking beauty standards has led to a celebration of all hair colors and challenged the once-exclusive notion that blonde is the epitome of beauty.

1964

The Blonde Invasion

The British rock band The Beatles arrived in the United States in 1964 and ushered in the 'British Invasion'. Among them, Paul McCartney and drummer Ringo Starr both had blonde hair. This brought a renewed fascination with blonde hair and the term 'blonde' as a desirable trait.

Present Day

Blonde as a Versatile Term

Today, the term 'blonde' has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings and interpretations. It is no longer solely associated with hair color but has become a versatile term used in various contexts. 'Blonde' can describe a light shade of color, a type of beer, a person regardless of gender or hair color, and even represents a distinct character trait or personality.

2001

Legally Blonde's impact

The release of the movie 'Legally Blonde' in 2001 challenged the stereotype by showcasing a determined and intelligent blonde protagonist. The film brought attention to the unfair bias faced by blondes and reaffirmed that hair color does not define intelligence or success.

Present

Blonde as a Symbol of Empowerment

In recent years, the perception of blondes has evolved. Blonde is now seen as a symbol of empowerment and individuality. People of all hair colors embrace blonde shades as a fashion statement, breaking the traditional stereotypes. Additionally, diverse representations of blondes in media have contributed to a more inclusive understanding of the term.

2001

Legally Blonde

In 2001, the film 'Legally Blonde' starring Reese Witherspoon portrayed a smart, competent, and blonde leading character, challenging the prevailing stereotypes of blondes. This marked a turning point in pop culture, encouraging the reevaluation of the term 'blonde' and highlighting the complexities of societal perceptions.