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Every week, we put out a call for your redhead questions. This gives you a chance to get advice or input from our team of redheads. From beauty and fashion to lifestyle, redheads are in a unique boat, and we want to help make this community a place where you can turn for all your redhead needs.
This week, we’re covering a topic we’ve been asked extensively over the years. Someone recently wrote on social media, saying, “My daughter is a redhead, and I’m not. HELP!!” Having a redhead child when you’re not a redhead can feel like being in the Wild, Wild West, but we’re here to help! Are you wondering what top tips you need to know? Here is the ultimate guide if you’re a non-redhead with redhead kids:
1. Learn all about redhead skin
Having a redheaded child isn’t as simple as them just having a different hair color than you. Red hair comes from a mutation in the MC1R gene, which leads to other genetic differences in redheads. Be sure to study up on redhead skin. Redheads generally have more sensitive skin, so you must use products suited for sensitive skin on your child’s skin and in your household. Avoid things like fragrance, alcohol, drying agents, and harsh chemicals. Learning how to help your child create a skincare routine as they age is essential. This will help them avoid skin irritation and too much trial and error with their skin.
2. Teach your redhead sun safety
Speaking of skin, keeping your redhead skin safe from the sun is a huge priority. People with red hair are far more likely to sunburn and develop skin cancer than people with any other hair color. Teaching them about sun safety from a young age will help them develop good habits and hopefully reduce their risk of skin cancer. Apply SPF whenever outdoors starting at six months of age. Re-apply every 60-90 minutes and teach your child proper application once they are old enough. You should also utilize shade, teach them how to dress for sunny days, and promote wearing hats and sunglasses.
3. Understand the redhead pain experience
Redheads are impacted by pain differently than people with other hair colors. Redheads often have a higher threshold for pain but require more anesthesia. These are two things to speak with your doctor about to ensure your child’s pain is being taken seriously and that they aren’t in any discomfort during a procedure.
4. Help your redhead find a community
Being a redhead can feel isolating, especially if you’re the only red-haired family member. Helping your child find other redhead playmates can help them feel more included. You can also read books and show them movies featuring redhead characters, and when they get older, encourage them to find their place in a redhead community online, like How to be a Redhead!
5. Work on boosting confidence
The sad truth is that many redheads get bullied or teased when they are in school. This is the last thing you want to happen as a parent, but you can’t control how other children speak. You can control how your child feels about themselves. Building confidence from a young age will help them to brush off comments more quickly and even learn to stand up for themselves. Every redhead’s journey to self-love is different, but as a parent, you can help them get there faster and with more support.
Boosting confidence is all about embracing who you are and celebrating your unique traits. Here are five tailored tips for redheads:
- Celebrate Your Hair: Find a hairstyle or color you love. Experimenting with styles or even temporary dyes can make you feel more vibrant.
- Fashion Choices: Wear colors that complement your hair—greens, earthy tones, and jewel tones often look stunning on redheads. Find styles that make you feel great!
- Positive Affirmations: Practice daily affirmations that celebrate your uniqueness. Remind yourself of what you love about being a redhead.
- Educate Others: Embrace the quirks and myths about redheads. Educating others can turn ignorance into understanding, and you’ll feel proud of your identity.
- Photography: Take photos that highlight your features. Experiment with angles and lighting to find what best showcases your beauty.
Remember, confidence comes from within, so focus on embracing all the beautiful things that make you you!
Do you want your redhead question answered? Find us @howtobearedhead on Instagram and Facebook, and look for the Ask a Redhead question box!
Rock it like a Redhead!
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READ: 7 Confidence Tips If You’re the Only Redhead in Your Class or Group of Friends
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