SHARK TANK APPROVED 
By: Maddy Richards
Oh teen years, what a hot mess of hormones and emotions, the years of decision making and formative learning. Being a teenager is no walk in the park, but being a redhead teenager comes with it’s own unique set of challenges. As a former redhead teenager, here are the things I wish I had known about these crazy years, and how my hair of all things, would play into this emotional time of my life. And, if you’re a parent or best friend, here is what to expect:
1. People will most likely at some point, be rude to redheads.
They think the jokes are harmless, but most of the time they’re not. “Kick-A-Ginger Day” is a thing that people will bring up, the jokes about redheads having no souls happen frequently, and being called a “ginge” or worse is common. As a teenager or the parent of one, prepare for the appropriate responses, learn how to boost your self-esteem so those remarks aren’t as hurtful, and always be sure you reinforce how beautiful red hair is.
2. Makeup is different for redheads.
It’s hard when you have a parent or siblings who aren’t redheads, and who aren’t sure how makeup is different for you. My pale skin and the different colors that worked for me weren’t what worked for my mom or sisters. It’s important to learn about how makeup is different for redheads, and help teach your teenagers how to make it work for them.
3. Sometimes redhead teenagers will want to dye their hair. This is fairly common, they want to fit in more and be more “normal.”
While I personally never dyed my hair, some of my redhead friends did. This is something you and your teen should discuss, and something you should be open to. While we want our teenagers to rock their red hair, self confidence is so important especially at this time. Spend time discussing it, researching it, and while doing so make sure you work on making them feel confident with their red hair. Sometimes the time you spend helping them realize how beautiful they are will make them not want to dye their hair anymore, other times they will still want to change the color, and that’s ok too. Just be supportive and loving no matter what.
4. Finding a redhead role model is essential.
I rarely saw redheads on TV or in movies when I was younger – now it’s so easy to research people, and easy to find someone for your teenager to look up to. Find someone who not only rocks their red hair, but is a good person and someone they can really aspire to be. It’s not all about looks, but finding someone who they feel a connection to and can then look up to for all their positive personality traits. These 10 redheaded women might be a good start.
5. Cultivate an attitude of confidence.
Being a teenager is a rough time all around. It’s important to understand that differences are beautiful, and because they are unique, they are rare and precious. Helping cultivate an attitude of confidence not only based around their hair color, but all of their physical and personality traits, will help them to gain the trust in themselves they’ll need to face the difficult times of teenage existence.
6. No one is alone.
There are thousands of us who have been where you are, and others coming up behind you. Be an example of what beauty and poise exist within all of us redheads – we are all together in this and will help you navigate the halls of your middle school or high school with grace and ease.
7. They might have a feisty attitude.
And, that’s okay. It comes with the territory of adolescence, but it may be in a more intense form — or so they say (wink) — because of the fiery attitude.
READ: 10 Things To Know About Having a Redhead Baby
And.. at the end of the day, always Rock it like a Redhead!
Photo via Stocksy
