The economic benefit of being blonde: A study of waitress tip earnings based on their hair color in a prominent restaurant chain

The effect of hair color alternation on tip earnings by restaurant waitresses working in a prominent restaurant chain was examined. Waitresses record various control variables and tip incomes for 60 days in which period they switch their hair colors between blonde and other ones. Various model analyses show an interaction between hair color and tip earnings. It is documented, both statistically and economically, that non-blonde Caucasian females earn significantly more tips after dying their hair blonde in a real world work setting. These results have clear and present implications for labor and behavior economics.