Men prefer women with long wavy hair such as Kelly Brook

 

The feminine look, also worn by X-Factor and singer judge Cheryl Cole, came top with 43 per cent of men voting it their favourite style.

Actress Jennifer Aniston's long straight locks came second followed by the classic short bob, seen on Umbrella singer Rihanna and Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh.

Straight mid-length styles, similar to Radio One host Fearne Cotton and actress Gwyneth Paltrow came fourth while the pixie crop, famously sported by Victoria Beckham finished the top five.

Karen Moore, of TRESemme Philips hair appliances, said: "Hair is such a defining part of a woman's appearance.

"Long hair is traditionally strongly linked to femininity which we're sure is the reason that almost half of men have singled out this long, thick, wavy hair as their number one sexiest style.

"Despite men choosing long, natural looking wavy hair as their top style, most women would have to create this style using styling tools as not many are naturally blessed with these lovely locks.

"It's interesting to see that men still favour the traditional stereotypical looks for women, with long hair coming out on top despite the massive popularity of shorter styles like 'the Pob' and Agyness Deyn style crops with women."

Surprisingly though, men claim to prefer the natural look when it comes to styling, with more than a third saying they hate it when women have perfectly groomed hair.

Men also appeared to have a strong preference for shiny hair – with 72 per cent billing it as attractive over hair without gloss.

Karen Moore added: "While men strongly favour the soft, natural, touchable styles over smarter, groomed looks, little do they know that these long luscious curls and straight sleek styles are often the ones which take the most effort to achieve.

"Women everywhere rely on the innovation of hair dryers, straighteners and tongs as well as styling products to get these effects.

"Men should be grateful that new technology means creating these styles is easier than ever compared to years gone by – otherwise they could be waiting much longer for their other halves to get ready."

Half of the men questioned also said they like girls who wear their hair down rather than in a smart up-do.

Other styles to feature in the poll, of 3,000 men, was the bowl cut, recently worn by Katie Holmes, and the 1960s beehive, seen on actress and model Brigitte Bardot.

Sexiest hair styles:

1 – Long and wavy (Cheryl Cole)

2 – Long and straight (Jennifer Aniston)

3 – Classic bob (Kym Marsh)

4 – Mid-length straight (Gwyneth Paltrow)

5 – Pixie Crop (Agyness Deyn)

6 – Long bob (Chanelle)

7 – Bowl cut (Katie Holmes)

8 – Beehive (Brigitte Bardot)

9 – Mid-length waved/curled (Halle Berry)

| More