How to Wear Series for Redheads: Green

We get a lot of questions on what colors redheads can rock, and what the best ‘Redhead-Friendly’ colors are. The truth is, that redheads can rock anything, but we know finding the right shade and the right confidence to rock a certain color can be tricky. We’re starting a series called “How Redheads Can Wear…” where we break down colors and styles and show you how redheads can rock certain colors. This time we’re talking about the fan favorite color of all time for redheads: green.

All About Green

We wanted to start this series off with the color green because it’s insanely flattering on redheads, but it’s also a color a lot of redheads shy away from. One reason redheads might shy away from green is the attention it causes. Green is red’s complementary color, which means the two pair perfectly together and enhance one another.

For many redheads, they’ve spent their lives “trying to fit in” and bringing more attention to their red hair is the last thing they want to do. Other reasons redheads might avoid green is being called a “leprechaun” or looking “Christmasy.” Those are all valid feelings to have but today we’re going to show you how you can rock green and make it work for your red hair.

Finding the Shade

Colors come in different shades (hues) and saturations (intensities), and finding the right ones for your red hair is key to loving any color. Green can also be more blue-toned, or more yellow-toned and it can be “true” green in the middle. This is the shade. Green can also be dark and rich like a jewel tone, or light and airy like a pastel. It can also be every color in between. This is the saturation of the color. If you don’t like a certain color, try going for a different shade, or even a different saturation of the color.

If you already know which shade of green you like, you’re well on your way. If not, here are a few things to consider.

1. Your shade of red hair – If your hair is a “true red” you may want to opt for rich “true” green” colors. If your hair runs more orange to strawberry blond, you may want to opt for more of a blue-green. If your hair is a darker red, or perhaps a faux cherry cola red you may want to opt for more yellow-greens.
2. Your complexion – Most redheads have fair to medium skin, but redheads can have any complexion. Consider your complexion when it comes to choosing how dark or light you want your green to be. Fairer-skinned redheads may want to opt for a darker green, while redheads with a more medium skin may choose to go lighter. Of course, you can go either way, but lighter colors may wash out a lighter complexion. Choose a saturation that contrasts your skin a bit. You can also consider if you are high, medium, or low contrast.
3. Your undertones – Similarly to the shade of your red hair, you want to consider your undertones. If you have cool undertones, you may want to opt for a more blue-green, warm undertones a more yellow-green, and neutral undertones, a more “true” green.

Pairing Green with Other Colors

We already know that red is green’s complementary color, but what other colors go well with green? In fashion, there are a couple of colors we consider neutral. This includes black, white, off-white/tan, and denim. So denim isn’t one specific color, but blue jeans go with every color so they are considered a “fashion neutral”. You can pair any shade of green with any of these colors. Monochromatic looks are also a great option. Pairing shades of green together can help create a cohesive look that still feels dimensional.

Other colors that look amazing with green include the colors found in green’s color family which are shades of blue and shades of yellow. These are called analogous colors. Secondary complimentary colors for green are the ones found on either side of red. This includes orange and pink/purple.

Different shades of green will pair better with different colors. For example, if you want to pair green with purple, opt for a more yellow-green. If you want to pair green with orange, opt for a more blue-green.

Now these rules aren’t hard and fast, but they are a good jumping-off point if you’re trying to create a cohesive look. You can easily find any colors complementary colors by going across the color wheel from it, and you can find the analogous colors or the colors in the same color scheme, on either side of any given color.