May 28th. The day when dark-haired people celebrate victory. Brunette Day — unofficial, but beloved by millions of women around the world. Those with naturally black, chestnut, chocolate curls can breathe a sigh of relief: today there's no need to dye your hair blonde. Today is our power. But where did this day come from? And what is there for brunettes to be proud of? We tell you with humor, facts, and a healthy dose of chauvinism towards light-haired people.

Who Invented Brunette Day

The history is blurred. Most likely, the celebration originated on social media in the early 2010s. Bloggers and communities of women with dark hair decided to create a counterpoint to Blonde Day (which is celebrated on May 31st). Blonde Day is more popular, even with a monument. Brunettes were upset: are we worse? And so Brunette Day was born on May 28th.

According to another version, the initiative came from beauty salons to boost sales of tonics and masks for dark hair. The third version is mystical: May 28th, the sun enters the sign of Gemini, and brunettes are considered as changeable as Geminis.

There is no official status for the day, but on Instagram and TikTok, May 28th is a flash mob. Thousands of brunettes post their photos with the hashtag #BrunetteDay.

Brunette vs Blonde: Myths and Truth

Myth: Blondes are funnier, brunettes are intellectuals. In fact, studies do not confirm a connection between hair color and personality. But! Studies show that brunettes seem more mysterious and serious to men, while blondes seem more open and accessible. This is a sociocultural myth that affects perception.

Brunettes are often attributed passion, jealousy, and a tendency to drama. Think of Carmen or Cassandra from "The Beauty Queen of Lebanon." Blondes are attributed to light-heartedness and naivety (Marilyn Monroe). In fact, hair color does not determine personality. But people love to believe in stereotypes.

Why are there fewer brunettes? Because the gene for dark hair is dominant. About 75-80% of the world's population has chestnut or black hair, while blondes account for 2-5% (the rest are redheads and gray-haired). So brunettes are the majority. And their day is the day of the majority.

Famous Brunettes We Are Proud Of

Actresses: Audrey Hepburn (although often blonde in movies, she was a light chestnut in real life), Angelina Jolie, Monica Bellucci, Eva Green, Penelope Cruz, Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Milla Jovovich. Russian: Chulpan Hamatova, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Anna Khilkevich, Vera Brezhneva (natural brunette, dyes her hair). Singers: Shakira (brunette, although she sometimes dyes her hair blonde), Beyoncé (natural brunette), Rihanna (light chestnut), Lana Del Rey. Russian: Zemfira, Valeria, Anna Sedokova. Politicians, activists: Angela Merkel (brunette, then gray), Hillary Clinton (light chestnut). Models: Naomi Campbell (afrobrunette), Claudia Schiffer (light chestnut).

These women have proven that hair color does not prevent you from achieving success.

How to Celebrate Brunette Day

Mostly on social media. Girls post selfies with the caption: "Today is my day. Brunettes rule." They give each other toning shampoos, masks for dark hair, combs. In beauty salons, there are discounts on coloring hair in chocolate and black colors (irony: on Brunette Day, people dye their hair brunette).

Occasionally, clubs host "Madame Noir" parties — dress code black, black food (octopus ink pasta), black cocktails (absinthe, cherry liqueur). Entry is only for brunettes, permanent and temporary.

There is a tradition: on this day, brunettes go to the movies with brunettes in the lead role. For example, "Maleficent" (Angelina Jolie) or "Black Swan" (Natalie Portman).

Men give brunettes flowers, chocolate, compliments on this day. But don't overdo it, or they might think you've done something wrong.

Advantages of Brunettes

Dark hair looks healthier and shinier than dyed blonde straw (this is true). Gray hair on brunettes is more noticeable, but this can also be played — "salt and pepper" strands are in style now.

Brunettes look good with bold makeup: red lipstick, black eyeliner. The contrast is higher than with blondes. Brunettes rarely suffer from sunburned hair (pigment protects). Brunettes don't need to lighten their eyebrows — they are noticeable enough. They are also harder to imitate (light hair is easier to dye, and a natural dark color is hard to replicate perfectly). And finally, brunettes are not driven crazy by stupid jokes about dumb blondes.

Why Brunettes Want to Be Blondes and Vice Versa

Paradox: On May 28th, they celebrate, and on May 29th, they run to the salon to dye their hair. Because the eternal search for oneself. Blondes want to feel mysterious, brunettes want to feel light. It's like with curly and straight hair.

Moreover, there has been a fashion trend in different eras. The 1990s — blonde (Spice, Aguilera). The 2000s — brunette (Jolie, Beckinsale). The 2010s — everything in a row. The 2020s — natural colors. Currently, chestnut, chocolate, and honey are in style. Brunettes are on the rise.

Incidentally, the most frequent clients of hairdressers are girls who dye their hair from brunette to blonde and vice versa every six months. Perhaps they want to celebrate both holidays.

How to Celebrate Brunette Day If You're a Blonde

Compliment your brunette friend: "Your hair is like chocolate, and mine is like Vermicelli." Don't envy. Don't dye your hair brunette on this day — it would be disrespectful to the natural color. Better show off on Blonde Day on May 31st.

You can wear a brunette wig to the party — but warn that it's a game. Or draw yourself a pair of black mustaches with lipstick — a symbol of "I'm with you." If you're a brunette and your girlfriend/wife/mother is blonde, give her not flowers but chocolate wrapped as a brunette on May 28th. And say, "You can be a brunette at will today." She will appreciate it.

Psychology of Color: Why Brunettes Seem Smarter

Studies: people with dark hair are perceived as more competent, serious, and trustworthy. Blondes are perceived as more cheerful and friendly, but less intelligent (a stereotype). Therefore, in business, it is recommended for women to dye their hair in dark tones so that they are taken seriously. Unfortunately, but it's true.

In movies, villains are often brunettes (Cruella De Vil, the Queen in "Snow White"), and heroines are blondes. This reinforces the image. But there are exceptions: Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) — a brunette and a heroine.

It's important not to go overboard. Hair color does not determine your value. But on Brunette Day, you can play the role of a "seductive woman".

Ideas for Gifts for a Brunette on May 28th

Care for dark hair: shampoo for brunettes (with cocoa, squalene), mask with black pearl, macadamia oil. Red or burgundy lipstick is ideal. Accessory: a comb made of horn (black). Perfume: with notes of chocolate, cherry, patchouli (dark scents). Book: "Brunette in the Law" (detective), "Confession of a Brunette" (collection of stories). WhatsApp sticker pack "Brunettes Rule." Don't give: whitening toothpaste (hint?), hair lightening spray (why?), blonde dolls.

You can simply invite her to a restaurant and order a dark beer (black) and a chocolate cake. Brunettes love chocolate, right?

Conclusion: Being a Brunette Is Cool

May 28th is not a national holiday, not a day off. But it's a reason to smile and say to yourself: "My dark hair is my superpower." They are beautiful, healthy, mysterious. And you don't have to dye them blonde if you don't want to. If you want to, tomorrow, May 29th. But today is Brunette Day. Go out into the sun, show off your hair. Let them shine.

And blondes should envy silently. Their day is May 31st.

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