Almost one in five say blonds are sexier than other girls, with just under half saying they had more outgoing personalities.

In total, 52 per cent of men said they would rather marry a dark haired woman because blonds brunettes they are more dependable and sensible – whereas only 18 per cent think blonds would make good wives.

Hairdresser Andrew Collinge, whose brand carried out the poll, said: ‘Our research shows just how much men judge a woman by their hair color.

‘It’s always been said that blonds have more fun and men obviously enjoy going out for dates with blonds as well as upgrading them to girlfriend status.

‘But when it comes to marriage, men seem to opt for brunettes as they see them as more dependable and down to earth.

‘This is really surprising when you think we’re in 2008 and the blond vs brunette debate is still rumbling on – I’m surprised as I thought men were more modern than this.’

Pollsters quizzed 3,000 men, of whom 36% said blonds were sexier against 31% for brunettes.

Nearly 37% thought blondes were more fun, compared with just 32% preferring the company of brunettes.

But 53 per cent thought brunettes more reliable and 49% said they were the most loving.

Also in the brunettes’ favor are their abilities as home organizers and mothers, according to 51% of men questioned; and as cooks, according to 48%.

Fifty per cent of men also admitted their wife’s hair color was different to that of most of their girlfriends.

The risk of premature death is reduced by 11 per cent if men marry a woman seven to nine years younger.

The study at Germany’s Max Planck institute also found that men marrying older women are more likely to die early.

The results suggest that women do not experience the same benefits of marrying a boy toy or a sugar daddy.

Women with husbands older or younger by between seven and nine years increase their chances of dying early by 20 per cent.

This rises to 30 per cent if the age difference is close to 15 and 17 years.

Scientists say the figures for men may be the result of natural selection – that only the healthiest, most successful older men are able to attract younger mates.

“Another theory is that a younger woman will care for a man better and therefore he will live longer,” said institute spokesman Sven Drefahl.

The study examined deaths between 1990 and 2005 for the entire population of Denmark.

On average in Europe, most men marry women around three years younger.