Hairstylists have long been aware of the benefits of wearing black – it’s classic, a little mysterious and, perhaps most important, slimming. A recent study offers further proof that rocking a black wardrobe is even more powerful than you think; wearing black can make you appear more sexy, intelligent and confident, the Independent reports.

The study surveyed 1,000 people to find which colors they most associated with certain traits. Black came first or second in all positive attributes, including confidence, intelligence and sexiness, and was hardly thought of in terms of negative qualities. Sixty-six percent of women thought black was the most attractive color on a man. Men agreed when it came to their color preference on women, with forty-six percent of men (the largest majority out of any of the colors) considering it the most attractive color.

graph courtesy of http://www.buytshirtsonline.co.uk/colour-perception/

Red was the second color most associated with confidence, however it was also the color most tied to arrogance and only twelve percent of responders related it to intelligence. Brown, orange and pink get even less love, with pink being the color least associated with intelligence. 

graph courtesy of http://www.buytshirtsonline.co.uk/colour-perception/

Of course, none of this is all that surprising, is it, hairstylists? Salon professionals excel at wearing black, taking it's appeal to the next level with a keen eye for style. Here are a few of our favorite stylists making black look better than ever.