Want a pay rise? Brush your hair: Workers who make an effort with their appearance and clothes earn up to £11,000 a year more than those judged to be scruffy 

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If you want to get ahead, get a hairbrush. 

Conventional wisdom has it that those blessed with a pretty face are more likely to be a shoo-in for top jobs.

But now a new study suggests that even those not so lucky in life’s lottery have the power to turn the head of an employer.

The secret to a successful job interview is probably more down to locks and socks than looks and sex-appeal, according to researchers.

The secret to a successful job interview is probably more down to locks and socks than looks and sex-appeal, according to researchers

They found that those who make the effort to appear neat and tidy - from their hair to their clothes and their make-up – typically earn around £11,000 a year more by the end of their twenties.

Chicago and California Universities followed the career paths of 14,600 men and women over 13 years, starting when they were still at school.

In that time, the participants were interviewed four times face-to-face and on each adult occasion were rated by those quizzing them for physical attractiveness and standard of personal grooming.

The study – published in the journal Research in Social Stratification and Mobility - found that being well turned-out was the key factor in predicting a person’s salary, regardless of looks, education, family background, weight or race.

Those judged to be best groomed earned around 70 per cent more than the scruffiest – an average of $35,500 (£27,100) compared with $21,000 (£16,000).

A smart appearance wiped out the advantage that naturally attractive men enjoyed over their peers with those taking care to look their best averaging $40,000 (£30,500) no matter their physical appeal.

Meanwhile, the effect was even stronger for women with the highest earners being those who were well-groomed yet unattractive on $36,000 (£27,500) compared with poorly-groomed/unattractive on $14,000 (£10,700) and well-groomed/attractive on $32,000 (£24,400).

Those judged to be best groomed earned around 70 per cent more than the scruffiest – an average of $35,500 (£27,100) compared with $21,000 (£16,000)

The study states: ‘We find that attractive individuals earn roughly 20 percent more than people of average attractiveness, but this gap is reduced when controlling for grooming, suggesting that the beauty premium can be actively cultivated.

‘Grooming – a social activity that requires attention to social cues, investment of resources and conformity to desired social identities – is the key that provides women access to the premia associated with attractiveness.

‘While good grooming is beneficial for men, it is imperative for women, and allows women to access labour market rewards regardless of how physically attractive they are rated.’

Naomi Isted, editor of the online magazine Ultimate Lifestylist, said: ‘Making an effort shows you take care and have pride in how you look and want to be perceived. I always notice if someone takes care of themselves.

‘Dressing appropriately for occasions is key. If you are going for a work-related meeting then make the effort to follow the dress code for your industry.

‘I think we should all push ourselves to be the best version we can be in all areas of our life.

‘It may be a pressure on women today but I think we should all embrace our inner goddess.

‘Celebrity culture means women will invest in their appearance a lot more than they used to, but it’s great to try and make the most of what we have - though as naturally as possible.’

Previous research has claimed that attractive people get hired more quickly and are rewarded with promotion sooner.