Learn About Hollywood’s Iconic Blonde Actresses and the Popularity of Blonde Hair

Whether they be projected as “dumb blondes,” “blonde bombshells,” bubbly blondes, cool blondes or ditzy blondes — there’s no denying that blondes do really have fun especially in Hollywood. Contrary to popular belief there is more than just one shade of blonde — it actually ranges from golden to platinum and a diverse range of shades, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the different types of blonde hair:

  1. Platinum Blonde: Also known as bleach blonde, this is the lightest shade of blonde. Platinum blonde is almost white in color and often requires significant bleaching, especially for those with naturally darker hair.
  2. Ash Blonde: Ash blonde is a cooler, more muted shade of blonde with grayish undertones. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a more subdued, sophisticated blonde look.
  3. Golden Blonde: This shade is characterized by its warm, sunny tones that resemble the color of honey or gold. Golden blonde hair can range from light to dark and often has a luminous quality.
  4. Strawberry Blonde: A blend of blonde and red hair, strawberry blonde has warm reddish undertones. It’s a rare natural color but can be achieved with hair dye.
  5. Dirty Blonde: Dirty blonde hair is a darker shade of blonde with a mix of lighter blonde and brown hues. It’s often what many natural blondes have, where the color isn’t purely blonde but has a more “mousy” or “sandy” look.
  6. Copper Blonde: This shade combines blonde with a light copper or light reddish tint. It’s a warm color, similar to strawberry blonde but typically a bit more on the blonde side.
  7. Beige Blonde: Beige blonde has neutral or slightly ashy undertones, making it a more subdued version of golden blonde. It often looks best on individuals with cooler skin tones.
  8. Silver Blonde: Silver blonde, or icy blonde, has become increasingly popular. It’s a platinum blonde with a silver, almost metallic shine. This shade requires regular maintenance to avoid brassiness.
  9. Caramel Blonde: This warm, rich shade is a mix of blonde and light brown, similar to the color of caramel. It often includes highlights or balayage techniques to add dimension.
  10. Bronde: A portmanteau of “brown” and “blonde,” bronde is a perfect blend of the two colors. It’s not quite blonde and not quite brunette, offering a natural, sun-kissed look.

These various shades offer a wide range of options for those interested in blonde hair, whether they’re looking for something natural, dramatic, warm, or cool. The right shade for an individual often depends on their skin tone, natural hair color, and personal style preferences.

The List of Famous Blonde Actresses

Here is a list of iconic actresses old and new.  Some are always natuarlly blonde but many have certainly worn those golden locks through out their careers:

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson – Known for her versatility and powerful performances, Johansson has been a leading actress in modern Hollywood, starring in films like “Lost in Translation,” “Lucy,” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Jane Mansfield

Jane Mansfield – Platinum blonde Mansfield also rose to fame around the same time as her rival Marilyn Monroe so people couldn’t help comparing these two blonde bombshells. But more than her silvery curls, Mansfield is also known for her whistle-bait figure, an apparent genius-level IQ (that really stamps out the notion of “dumb blondes”) and a predilection for anything pink. Not to mention that she also had a highly-publicized personal and love life which even grabbed more attention than her movies.

Jean Harlow – She tragically died at the age of 26 in 1937, was one of Hollywood’s earliest sex symbols and one of the first “blonde bombshells.” This platinum blonde became one of MGM’s most bankable leading ladies, starring opposite William Powell, Spencer Tracy, and Clark Gable.

Madonna – Although Madonna first made her mark as one of the 80s pop icons, she has also branched her talents into acting as well, starring in films like Evita and A League of Their Own. She has kept on evolving in terms of her career and style, and even the color of her hair (she’s actually a natural brunette, by the way). But she has often kept her signature blonde look, and we like it that way.

Marilyn Monroe – No doubt Marilyn is possibly the most famous blonde bombshell ever. She starred in a lot of films including the aptly titled Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Her legend, legacy to pop culture and iconic status have even grown bigger since after her death in 1962, and she inspired future generations of artists including Madonna.

Pamela Anderson – You cannot recognize actress and former Playboy Playmate Pamela Anderson without her signature blonde locks, and her hot one-piece Baywatch red swimsuit.

Twiggy – English model Twiggy started the “pixie cut” rage during the Swinging Sixties. Her boyish/elfin haircut has never gone out of style, and otherwise continues to inspire those who want that fabulous light blonde, cropped hair like hers.

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake – Her deep-parted, wavy hair accidentally fell over her one eye, and that unintentionally seductive hairstyle became Lake’s trademark. A lot of women, even today, have tried to copy Lake’s come-hither “peek-a-boo” hair.

Bette Midler – Her bubbly blonde image may lack grace, but that’s how she became famous for. Of course, like many of starts, the singer/actress also changed her look from time to time, but has returned to the blonde hair she is most known for having.  She is immensely talented and funny, too.

Brigitte Bardot

Brigette Bardot – The iconic signature tousled blonde locks and oozing sensual appeal made her one of the major sex symbols of the 1960s.

Debbie Harry – Blonde hair can also rock, as proven by singer Debbie Harry. She’s the lead singer of well, Blondie, which became one of the most popular punk/new wave acts during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In fact, Harry is sometimes erroneously referred to as “Blondie” and we can’t blame them since she had platinum blonde hair.

Doris Day – Her talent and bubbly, wholesome image catapulted her into a box-office queen and a successful singer especially during the 1950s.

Drew Barrymore – Former child star/actress/producer Drew Barrymore is another girl who has switched different hair colors. But we agree that blonde hair has always looked great on her.

Elizabeth Montgomery – She proves that not all witches have dark hair. In this case, she played a blonde, wide-eyed housewitch on the popular sitcom Bewitched, which entranced viewers from the early 60s to the early 70s.

Farrah Fawcett – She became a 1970s blonde icon thanks to the popular TV series Charlie’s Angels. She embodied the wholesome, all-American beauty. Who could ever forget that classic photo of her in a red bathing suit?

Grace Kelly – We cannot complete this gallery without including the venerable Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress-turned-Princess of Monaco. In stark contrast to other “blonde bombshells” during her prime, Kelly personified the cool, classy, refined blonde. No wonder Hitchcock favored her the most among all other actresses who starred in his films.

Gisele Bundchen – Internationally-famous Brazilian fashion model Gisele Bundchen has features that a lot of women would love to have. Aside from her gorgeous face and body, it’s also her wavy beach blonde hair that many girls have tried to copy.

Cameron Diaz – Rising to fame in the 1990s, Diaz was known for her roles in “There’s Something About Mary,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “The Mask.” She brought a combination of comedic talent and charm to her roles.

Reese Witherspoon – Witherspoon is known for her roles in “Legally Blonde,” “Walk the Line,” and “Big Little Lies.” She combines Southern charm with strong character portrayals.

Sharon Stone = Best known for her role in “Basic Instinct,” Stone has been a prominent actress in Hollywood, known for her bold performances and striking looks.

Gwyneth Paltrow – An Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in “Shakespeare in Love,” “Iron Man,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” Paltrow has been a consistent presence in Hollywood for decades.

Mae West – One of the early sex symbols of the silver screen, West was known for her witty one-liners, sultry persona, and roles in films like “She Done Him Wrong” and “I’m No Angel.”

Another blond actress in Hollywood was Julie London. Learn more about her acting career in our post, What Made Julie London a Memorable Figure in Hollywood’s Acting Scene?

The Appeal and Blonde Hair and Some Interesting Facts

The appeal of blonde hair, which has been a fascination in various cultures for centuries, is multifaceted and can be attributed to several factors, both historical and contemporary:

  1. Scarcity and Uniqueness: Natural blonde hair is relatively rare, especially in adults. This rarity can make it stand out and be perceived as unique or exotic, particularly in regions where darker hair is more common.
  2. Cultural and Media Influence: Cultural depictions and media portrayals have long associated blonde hair with beauty, youth, and desirability. Icons like Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot have contributed to the glamourization of blonde hair. Hollywood and the fashion industry often highlight blonde celebrities and models, reinforcing its appeal.
  3. Historical Perceptions: Historically, in some cultures, blonde hair has been idealized. In ancient Greece and Rome, blonde hair was admired, and even in the Norse mythology, gods and goddesses with blonde hair were often depicted as beautiful and heroic.
  4. Associations with Youth: Blonde hair is more common in children than in adults, as hair tends to darken with age. This association with youth can make blonde hair symbolically linked to youthfulness and vitality.
  5. Versatility in Styling: Blonde hair offers a wide range of shades and can be dyed various colors more easily than darker hair. This versatility makes it appealing for those who enjoy experimenting with different hairstyles and colors.

Some Interesting Facts About Blonde Hair

  1. Genetic Rarity: Natural blonde hair is relatively rare. It occurs in only about 2% of the world’s population, primarily in European countries. The highest concentration of natural blondes is in Northern Europe.
  2. Genetic Mutation: The blonde hair color is the result of a genetic mutation. It’s caused by a small change in a gene that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair, skin, and eye color.
  3. Melanin Levels: Blonde hair has lower levels of melanin than darker hair colors. The specific type of melanin in blonde hair is called pheomelanin, which produces lighter colors.
  4. Childhood Changes: Many children born with blonde hair develop darker hair as they age. This change is due to the increased production of melanin that often occurs during puberty.
  5. Historical Perceptions: In ancient Greece and Rome, blond hair was associated with goddesses and was seen as a symbol of beauty and status. Noblewomen often lightened their hair using plant extracts.
  6. Sun Sensitivity: People with blonde hair and fair skin are often more sensitive to the effects of the sun’s UV rays. They have a higher risk of skin damage and skin cancer, necessitating careful sun protection.
  7. Cultural and Fashion Impact: Blonde hair has had a significant impact on fashion and culture. Icons like Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot have contributed to the glamourization of blonde hair, and it continues to be a popular hair color in fashion and media.

So there you have it – do blonde’s indeed have more fun? Did you know that in the Solomon Islands, many Melanesians naturally have blonde hair? It is quite interesting because the region is predominantly characterized by dark-haired people, making the distinct blonde hair stand out. Find out more about it in our article, Why Do Melanesians in the Solomon Islands Have Blonde Hair?