I’ve got naturally curly hair but get DOUBLE the number of Hinge matches when I straighten it – men are more likely to approach me when I style it one specific way too

Ever since she was a child, Abby has had a hunch people treat her differently based on her hair.

The 23-year-old, who lives in London, has naturally tight blonde ringlets, which are always being complimented by the women in her life.

But when it comes to men, the office admin assistant had a feeling her romantic interests preferred sleeker locks – and decided to conduct an experiment to test out her hypothesis earlier this year.

Speaking exclusively to Femail, Abby explained how she created two separate Hinge dating profiles – one with images of her with her hair straightened, and the other with photos of her curls.  

She said: ‘When I was out, I noticed the difference in the male attention I’d get when my hair was straight versus when it was curly. 

‘When I straighten my hair, I feel like it’s almost a guarantee that I’ll get more attention from men.

‘So, I was interested to find out if it would be the same on dating apps.’ 

Unsurprisingly for Abby, her theory was absolutely right – and her straight-haired profile received 142 per cent more likes than the one featuring her natural locks.

In recent years, Abby has been wearing her hair straight for dates because it makes her feel more confident going in – despite the fact she prefers her curls in day-to-day life.

She continued: ‘Even though I’ve been embracing my curls more recently, my straight hair is more manageable as there’s less frizz so it’s easier to try out different hairstyles for dates. 

‘Subconsciously, I feel like my straight hair looks more put-together so I’d say I do often feel more confident with straight hair.’

And Abby is far from alone in this – as a recent study by haircare brand Bellissima found almost 40 per cent of women with naturally curly hair prefer to have it straight on dates. 

What’s more, Abby says there is one specific hairstyle that tends to catch men’s eyes on a night out.

She added: ‘I definitely do get more attention when I’m out with straight hair, I’d say men are more likely to approach me, especially with a half up half down hairstyle.’ 

Although her sleek locks give her a boost at the beginning of a date, Abby says her hair – straight or curly – has no impact on whether she’ll get asked out again.

She added: ‘I don’t necessarily think that I get asked on a second date because of my hair being straightened, it’s more down to whether we felt a connection and had a spark. 

‘If my hair is the deciding factor, then he’s definitely not the right guy anyway!’

Growing up, Abby says she often resorted to straightening her hair because she didn’t know how to manage her curls.

She continued: ‘[I’ve been straightening my hair] since I was around 12 years old.

‘When I was younger, I didn’t really know how to style my natural hair. I didn’t even know my curl type, especially as most of my close family and friends had naturally straight hair. 

‘I’d get compliments every time I would straighten my hair, which I think subconsciously made me feel insecure and stopped me embracing my natural hair.

However, Abby says women will often compliment her on her curly hair these days – adding that it’s a great ‘conversation starter’. 

Although Abby has learned to love her curly hair, videos on TikTok for ‘how to straighten curly hair’ have amassed over 25m ‘likes’.

Celebrity hairstylist and Bellissima ambassador Alicia Dobson urged women to resist the urge to always straighten their hair and warned of the long-term damage repeated heat styling can have.

The expert said: ‘Constantly straightening your hair really takes its toll on its health. Heat damage weakens curls, making them more prone to frizz and breakage.

‘Embracing your curls not only protects them but also builds confidence in your own beauty. Curls are full of personality and so unique – they should be celebrated!’