Women change 104 hairstyles during lifetime

Researchers found the typical female will have her hair layered, shortened or coloured twice a year between the ages of 13 and 65 – or 104 times in her life.

The main reasons for a shift in style are "boredom'" with their current look or the end of a relationship.

It also emerged the average female tries out three different colours over the years, while one in four experiments with up to five shades.

The statistics were uncovered in a report commissioned by award-winning hairdresser Andrew Collinge.

He said: "Women have always used their hair as a way of altering their appearance as it often has the greatest impact visually.

"My feeling is that women are changing their looks little and often rather than dramatic changes.

"For example, you can add modern texture without altering the length just by adding some layers or by drying and styling differently – think Jennifer Aniston.

"Hopefully, with the help and advice of their hairdresser they are making these smaller changes to a style which already suits them – hence reaching almost 100 styles.

"This could also be the impact of trends from the catwalk or celebrities, inspiring women to change their hair in the same way they may adopt a fashion trend.

"In my salons we certainly see women bringing in pictures of the latest look which inspires them."

The study of 3,000 women revealed 44 per cent changed their hair style or colour simply because they were bored, while 61 per cent admit they 'just wanted a change'.

Another 25 per cent did it to "reinvent" themselves while 38 per cent did it to feel more confident.

Sixteen per cent opted for a new cut or colour to mark a milestone birthday while 15 per cent treated themselves to a new look before or after giving birth.

Almost a third of women change styles or dye their hair following a relationship break-up or divorce, while 17 per cent did it to conceal grey hairs.

But the change is not always for the better, with almost three quarters of women admitting they regretted at least one of their hairstyles in the past.

Twelve per cent said they changed styles because they were getting too old to carry off their old look.

The study also found long hair with a fringe is the most popular hairstyle with 69 per cent adopting this look at some point in their lives.

Two thirds have styled their hair into a bob while 61 per cent have gone with long layers.

Short hair with a fringe, long curls and a perm are also popular choice of cuts over the years.

Dark brown is the colour of choice for 56 per cent of women who have modelled this tint, followed by a dark honey blonde hue.

Fifty-eight per cent also admitted they were planning to change their current style in the near future while 56 per cent said they would seek the advice of their hairdresser before taking the plunge.

The study also found one in ten women have even sported ten or more hues over their adult life.

Andrew Collinge added: "With our modern, everyday stresses and hectic lifestyles, often a restyle or a new colour is an effective and easy way to boost a woman's confidence.

"Also a new hair style can help a woman through a life-changing event, either by making them feel better about themselves after breaking up with a partner, or to celebrate reaching a big birthday."