The top 10 confidence boosters for women revealed – including having a ‘good hair day’ and being funny

New data has revealed women’s top confidence boosters include making someone laugh, getting praised at work, and having a ‘good hair day’.

A study of 2,000 females revealed freshly washed and styled hair, reaching a new personal best at the gym, and finding a bargain during a food shop also featured high on the top 10 list.

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The average woman feels confident three times a week, with 46 per cent claiming this has increased with age – due to becoming more comfortable in their own skin and having more life experience.

And 68 per cent have experimented with their outfits, while 67 per cent have trialled different hair styles.

A spokesperson for haircare brand, OGX, which commissioned the research, said: “Many different things boost a woman’s confidence – from appearance to receiving a compliment from a complete stranger, to making someone laugh.

“It’s important to encourage our inner certainty and that of others, especially as we get older as we can reclaim our sense of self, celebrate more who we are, our identity, and what we look like.”

The study also found that within the last decade, 56 per cent have changed their hair up to eight times, while 51 per cent have had up to six different colours.

Highlights (45 per cent), perming (38 per cent) and short layers (35 per cent) are the most popular trend choices.

And when it comes to colours, brown is the go-to shade for 28 per cent, while 17 per cent typically opt for blonde, and 15 per cent prefer to sport a bronde look – a brown and blonde blend.

These transformations seem to have been key for later life as 39 per cent said they have helped them shaped their identity.

The OnePoll.com study found magazines have been the biggest influence for 23 per cent when trying out new trends, but 22 per cent become inspired by friends and 19 per cent turn to celebrities.

While a holiday is an occasion 26 per cent would change their hair style for, while 20 per cent would do so for a wedding.

And inspiringly, 17 per cent have done this after breaking up with a partner or going through a divorce.

Prior to getting a new look, 47 per cent feel nervous but 24 per cent get excited, with a quarter admitting they are always glad when they change their hair style.

However, a fifth have previously been reduced to tears due to being so unhappy with their new ’do’ – highlighting the importance of having a good hair day.

The spokesperson for OGX added: “Hair is an integral part of our identity and being happy with it is hugely important as it can give us confidence and self-assurance.

“Helping hair be as strong and resilient as it can be is something we’re passionate about so that everyone has confidence they can wear their it however they want.”