Ever notice how much better you feel after a mani-pedi, a new haircut, or a trip to the spa? On the flip side, have you ever felt self-conscious about the blemish on your forehead during a conversation? Seen your friends drastically change their hair color or get a tattoo following a bad breakup? It’s funny how our emotions are so closely linked to our outward appearance. Not surprising though; there is strong scientific evidence of the beauty-confidence connection.

The Science of Beauty

While it doesn’t take a scientist to tell you that there is a connection between a bad hair day and your bah-humbug mood, there is a plethora of research to back up this correlation. One study conducted by the Nottingham Trent University in England found that after having their hair dyed, women felt not only significantly more confident but more impulsive, sexually exciting, rebellious, creative, attractive and able to deal with criticism. Furthermore, this study concluded that the added confidence from rocking a new hue benefited women at the workplace by bolstering their ability to ask for a raise, promotion or vacation time. Having their hair dyed also gave the women more confidence in social situations and in communication with romantic partners, family and friends. So it’s no wonder you feel like a million bucks when you walk out of the salon! Not only do you look hot but you have the confidence to conquer the world! This probably also explains why we love our hairdressers so much…. They are magical, powerful artists that have the ability to transform your appearance and self-image with a mixing bowl, a brush and some shears (and some really great products never hurt). Similarly, a swipe of lipstick and blush or a spritz of perfume is a go-to mood lifter for many women. According to About.com’s 2010 Beauty Study, beauty products are part of how participants present themselves.

Even in extreme situations, it seems there really is nothing a little beauty boost can’t do. For example, consider the “Lipstick Effect,” the theory that in tough economic times, women will still purchase obtainable luxuries such as lipstick. Basically, if you can’t buy your vacation home in Maui or a new Porsche, you can still invest in a little TLC to make you feel better about what you see in the mirror. Mulling over the evidence behind the mood-enhancing benefits of feeling beautiful, there is good reason to validate this phenomenon.

Bold-i-locks
Be bold and beautiful with these confidence-boosting hair strategies:

Add Some Sunshine
Subtle highlights are an easy way to add warmth and definition to Plain Jane hair color. The trick is to stay within 2-3 shades of your natural hue. For example, if you have jet-black hair, some smooth, mahogany strands will complement you better than platinum pinstripes.

Make a Smooth Move
Coarse, frizzy and out of control hair making you want to scream? Smooth things out! A manetaming keratin treatment (hello, new ENJOY Keratin Smoothing Treatment) is just the fix for unruly locks.

Accessorize
A sparkly clip, a flirty feather headband or other hair bling is a zero-commitment way to change up your look and have some fun.

Rid Yourself of Excess
Lose those dead ends! Frequent trims = Frequent good hair days.

Be Adventurous
Follow in the footsteps of fun and funky celebs like Rihanna and Pink and rock an outrageous ‘do!

Have some fun with color
If blondes have more fun than brunettes, how much more fun does a girl with pink hair have? There is no need to save colored tresses just for Halloween (depending on your place of work).

Say Buh-Bye to Grey
Exude youthful confidence by banishing grey days. Covering grey hair is the easiest way to say hello to a newer, more confident you!\

Add Some Oomph
Fine, thinning hair bringing you down? Breathe new life into your hair with volumizing products that won’t leave you lying flat. Style bouncy tresses with ENJOY Volumizing Mousse. Or, try ENJOY Stimulator, a daily leave-in scalp treatment with topical ingredients that help deliver important nutrients which are vital in improving the appearance of fine and thinning hair.

Say No to Roots
It’s impossible to feel confident when you are faking it visibly with a different hair color from your natural hue. Maintain regular color appointments to keep dark roots your little secret.

If all else fails pull on your favorite hat
Pick a cute cap that shows your unique sense of style and feel better sans-blow dryer.

Get Physical.

One of the most well known ways to feel good about yourself is to break a serious sweat. Active individuals that engage in regular heart-pumping sweat sessions are significantly more self-assured than their couch potato counterparts. According to Dr. Amy Wechsler, author of The Mind-Beauty Connection, “If there’s one magic bullet for enhancing the quality of your looks, and your life in general, it’s exercise.” In other words, your morning jog is a confidence-boosting double whammy: you can fit in your skinny jeans and those mood-boosting endorphins leave you feeling more alert, focused and, of course, more confident. So next time you are in need of a feel-good pick-me-up, head to the gym. Your mind and body will thank you.

Practice Perfect Posture.

Turns out your mom was right: slouching is very unbecoming. Standing tall with your chin held high and a look that exudes confidence, even if you are faking it, is a sure-fire way to find your poise and boost self esteem. Research suggests that individuals that smile and make eye contact are seen as more confident. Even the Director of Human Resources at ENJOY, Sally Stevenson, agrees that during an interview “The candidates that sit up straight and look me in the eye are viewed as not only more self-assured, but honest and competent.” Bottom line: Present yourself how you would like to be perceived.

Do Something You Love.

Although we have discussed the huge role that appearance plays in self esteem, there is more to confidence than meets the eye. One of the best ways to boost your mojo is to do something you love. Paint, dance, bake cookies, practice underwater basketweaving…. whatever your passion might be, do something that makes you feel good and that you are good at it. Flaunting your skills and immersing yourself in something you love is a great way to squeeze extra happiness into your day and boost your spirits. And the better you get at your hobbies, the more confident you become. Even better when you can turn your hobby into a career. Love helping others? Consider working for a non-profit organization whose mission you connect with. Technology geek? Try a gig as an I.T. specialist. Obsessed with hair (holler!)? Become a hairdresser! The point is, pursue what you love and confidence comes naturally and abundantly.