Redhead Meets World

Redhead Meets World

You might remember her as Rachel McGuire, the redhead on “Boy Meets World” or as a blonde in the comedy,“White Chicks. Actress Maitland Ward Baxter talks to How to Be a Redhead about career, “Boy Meets World”, and of course the beauty of having red hair!

H2BAR: What is the Maitland Ward Baxter story?

MB: I was born in Long Beach, CA (with Auburn hair-that later changed to a golden blonde). I am an only child who grew up performing and wanting to be an actress. My parents wouldn’t let me do it until age 16. I got my first job on The Bold and the Beautiful while still in high school. I did that for three years (as a blonde).

When I left the show I needed a change and after experimenting with colors I found red. It changed the direction of my career completely! I got cast in Boy Meets World and my short, sassy red hair helped landed me the job. It set me apart from everyone.

Years later, I went back to blonde for White Chicks, but after awhile I found I was being type cast as a ditzy blonde. I went back to my red hair and have found that people take you more seriously and find you more unique. I love how sassy and sexy it makes me feel and my husband absolutely loves it! (and professionally I still use Maitland Ward as my name). I come from redheads, though. My grandpa (nicknamed Red) and Aunt are red. And my mom is auburn.

H2BAR: Has having red hair inspired your career as an actress?

MB: Not many people can truly wear red, so I’m lucky it goes perfect with my paler skin tone. That being said, it has set me apart from all the blondes in Hollywood and made me unique. Plus, I get to be sexier and have more fun with my roles without the blonde stereotypes. I really feel comfortable with my color. It showcases my personality.

H2BAR: What does 2011/2012 have in store for Maitland?

MB: My husband and I split our time between NYC and LA so we’ll be back east this summer and then we’ll be taking a trip to Europe in the fall. As far as acting, I’m looking forward to working on a few comedic tv projects in the fall and hoping to do more theatre in NYC.

H2BAR: We believe being a redhead is more than just a hair color, but a lifestyle! What does being a redhead mean to you?

MB: It’s definitely a lifestyle. Even though I color my hair I feel a kinship with all the other redheads I meet. It’s like a secret club. The confidence and uniqueness it gives me is a huge part of my daily life.  I get a lot of compliments on it, too.  Everyone thinks it’s my natural color and I don’t usually correct them!

H2BAR: We love your hair! What is your secret for keeping it so beautiful?

MB: Neign Zand of The Sally Hershberger Salon in LA has done my hair for 10 years. She was instrumental in swaying me to go back to red after my blonde again period. She is amazing!  Red is such a hard color to make natural looking and she does it perfect. I would be lost without my chemist!  She actually told me last visit she wouldn’t allow me to change it (chuckles). She always puts a gloss over my color to make it fresh and shiny. And I just got a few golden highlights that really make it pop.

H2BAR: All of our redheaded readers want to know, what is your number 1 beauty secret? Are there some essential “redhead friendly” products you can’t live without?

MB: I like Kerastase color care shampoo (in a pink bottle). I also use their leave in conditioner that has a sunscreen which is very important to prevent fading- especially in summer.  And make sure to always put a little shine serum in-it will make your hair pop!

H2BAR: You are a strong woman who has worked hard to succeed. If you can give any advice to our redheaded readers, what would it be?

Be proud of your hair and wear it with confidence. It really is something unique and beautiful!  I can’t understand why natural redheads would change their color- they are so lucky to be born with it!  And freckles are sexy.

Photo Credit: © Property of Maitland Ward Baxter

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