Holidays (26%), weddings (20%), and even a break-up or divorce (17%), are some of the top occasions – for which women would get a new hairstyle, research has revealed.

Some of the most popular style choices for ladies when it comes to making a change to their locks include getting highlights (45%), short layers cut in (35%) – or even getting a perm (38%).

And the study, of 2,000 females, found that, over the last 10 years, 56% have gone through as many as eight new looks – with 51% changing their colour up to six times.

Some of the bolder shades they have gone for include red, grey, black, and purple – but the more traditional brown (28%) and blonde (17%) still top the list of most popular colours, while 15% opt for a blend of the two, known as “bronde”.

It also emerged that women are more likely to try out different hairstyles as they age (67%) – with 39% saying these transformations help them to shape their identity later in life.

The research was commissioned by haircare brand, OGX, and found that women typically feel confident three times a week – with freshly washed and styled hair, or having a “good hair day”, among the top things that help them feel this way.

Other confidence boosters include getting praised at work, making someone laugh, or finding a bargain while food shopping.

And nearly half of those polled (46%) say their confidence grows as they get older, due to becoming more comfortable in their own skin, and having more life experience – with 68% feeling emboldened to experiment with their outfits later in life.

A spokesman for haircare brand, OGX, 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 OnePoll.com study found magazines have been the biggest influence for 23% when trying out new trends – but 22% become inspired by friends, while 19% turn to celebrities.

And prior to getting a new look, 47% feel nervous, but 24% 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 spokesman 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.”

TOP 10 CONFIDENCE BOOSTERS FOR WOMEN:

1. Making someone laugh
2. Getting praised at work
3. Having freshly washed and styled hair
4. Having a good hair day
5. Ticking off everything on their to-do list for work
6. Getting a compliment from another woman
7. Getting a successful new hairstyle or colour
8. Finding a bargain when doing the food shopping
9. Finishing a workout
10. Finding a parking space on a busy street

TOP 10 HAIR COLOURS FOR WOMEN:

1. Brown
2. Blonde
3. Bronde (a blend between blonde and brown)
4. Red
5. Grey
6. Black
7. Silver
8. White
9. Purple
10. Multi-coloured