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, or chocolate curls can breathe a sigh of relief: today, there's no need to dye your hair blonde. Today is our time. 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 bit of healthy sexism towards light-haired people.

Who Invented Brunette Day

The history is blurred. It's likely that 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 offended: are we not as good? 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. A third version is mystical: on May 28th, the sun enters the sign of Gemini, and brunettes are considered as changeable as Geminis.

The day has no official status, but on Instagram and TikTok, May 28th is a flashmob. Thousands of brunettes post their photos with the hashtag #BrunetteDay.

Brunette vs Blonde: Myths and Truth

Myth: Blondes are funnier, brunettes are intellectuals. In reality, research does not confirm a connection between hair color and personality. But! Research shows 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 "Cinderella". Blondes are attributed light-heartedness and naivety (Marilyn Monroe). In reality, 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. There are about 75-80% of brunettes and black-haired people in the world, while blondes make up only 2-5% (the rest are redheads, 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 films, she was a light brunette in real life), Angelina Jolie, Monica Bellucci, Eva Green, Penelope Cruz, Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Milla Jovovich. Russian: Chulpan Hamatova, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Anna Mikhailova, Vera Brezhneva (natural brunette, dyes her hair).

Singers: Shakira (a brunette, although she sometimes dyes her hair blonde), Beyoncé (a natural brunette), Rihanna (a light brunette), Lana Del Rey. Russian: Zemfira, Valeria, Anna Sedokova.

Politicians, activists: Angela Merkel (a brunette, then gray), Hillary Clinton (a light brunette). Models: Naomi Campbell (african brunette), Claudia Schiffer (a light brunette).

These women have proven that hair color does not hinder success.

How to Celebrate Brunette Day

Primarily — 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 dyeing hair chocolate and black colors (irony: on Brunette Day, they dye their hair brunette).

In clubs, sometimes they hold "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 leading 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 shiner than dyed blonde straw (it's true). Gray hair on brunettes is more noticeable, but it can also be played — "salt and pepper" strands are in style now.

Brunettes look great 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.

Brunettes are harder to imitate (light hair is easier to dye, and natural dark color is hard to replicate perfectly). And finally, brunettes are not driven crazy by silly 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 Girls, Aguilera). The 2000s — brunette (Jolie, Becksinsale). The 2010s — everything at once. The 2020s — natural colors. Now, chestnut, chocolate, honey are in style. Brunettes are on top now.

By the way, the most frequent customers 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 yourself in all your glory on Blonde Day, 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 a blonde, give her chocolate wrapped in a brunette wrapper on May 28th and say, "You can be a brunette at will today." She will appreciate it.

Psychology of Color: Why Brunettes Seem Smarter

Research: 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, women are advised to dye their hair in dark tones to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, but it's true.

In the movies, villains are often brunettes (Cruella De Vil, the Queen in "Snow White"), while 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 "femme fatale."

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 wine-colored 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 (a hint?), lightening hair spray (why?), blonde dolls.

You can simply invite her to a restaurant and order 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 tell 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 do want to, tomorrow, May 29th. But today is Brunette Day. Go out into the sun, show your hair. Let them shine.

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

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