SHARK TANK APPROVED 
Embrace your red hair. NEVER try to go blonde.
..Words to live by from Angela Scanlon. The TV presenter, fashion writer and stylist appears regularly on Irish channels RTE and TV3 presenting strands on shows such as Four Live, Xpose, Off The Rails and Two Tube. She has also interviewed a long list of celebrities and legends including Christian Louboutin, Bob Geldof, Roisin Murphy, Mary Katrantzou and Kanye West.
Having lived in New York, Asia and Australia, Scanlon now splits her time between Dublin and London. One the freshest faces in fashion, Angela is always seeking out the latest underground bands, brands and artists to interview or write about on her blog.
Scanlon is a contributing editor for Grazia Daily, Tatler, The Sunday Times Style magazine, The Sunday Independent and Ireland’s U Magazine, who named her in the top 10 best dressed Irish women.
She is currently working on her first book ‘The Secret Stylist’ and it’s due for release in 2012.
How to be a Redhead had the distinct pleasure to interview Scanlon about being a redhead, stylist and her top beauty secrets:
H2BAR: How to be a Redhead moto is ‘Being a redhead is more than a hair color, it is a lifestyle!’ What does being a redhead mean to you?
AS: I love being a redhead. I think there’s a ballsiness that comes with it and it allows you to say things that others might not. I’m very direct and often feisty, I ask for what I want and I don’t ‘run around the bush.’ What you see is what you get and I think that’s refreshing in the fashion industry.
A guy once said to me, “Redheads get a bad name for not being as beautiful as their blonde/brunette counterparts, but there is nothing or no one more powerful than a beautiful redhead!” I loved that. And I believe it. There’s a strength and mystery about us that often goes undetected. Red hair rocks!
H2BAR: What are your favorite “redhead friendly” colors?
AS: I never really think of colors in terms of my hair! I remember being told as a kid that pink and red don’t work on redheads and I still think that’s nuts. I was always pointed towards greens, blues and purples which were supposedly much better. To this day, I detest purple and own nothing in this color. Everything else in fair game.
H2BAR: How would you describe your own personal redhead style?
AS: My style is casual, a little androgynous and mismatched. I like to add an element of surprise to my outfits and have some fun with it , but there’s always an underlying move toward minimalism. I don’t like anything fussy or frilly or overtly girly.
H2BAR: What are your top 3 favorite pieces in your closet that you cannot live without?
AS: My vintage sheepskin coat, Acne ‘Pistol’ boots and Pauric Sweeney handbag.
H2BAR: Redheads look great in lipstick! Do you have a favorite?
AS: I adore Topshop ‘Brighton Rock’ but I do love red too. Anything with a blueish tone works well. I always think you can get away with murder if you’re wearing a really ‘done’ lip. It doesn’t matter if your hairs not perfect or you haven’t had time to choose a great outfit, if you’ve got the perfect pout you look polished.
H2BAR: What are your favorite spring trends?
AS: I’m loving the new take on florals; especially Mary Katrantzou. Totally excessive and beyond perfect. This is about head to toe, tailored florals rather than the subtle, floaty prints of old. I’m also just a bit in love with Prada’s car prints on everything; I’m buying into this look more and more everyday..
H2BAR: Who is your fashion inspiration?
AS: I adore Charlotte Gainsbourogh and Alison Mosshart.
H2BAR: Who is your favorite redhead celebrity?
AS: Florence Welch!
H2BAR: What are you currently reading?
AS: Actually, I just finished writing my first book, due out later this year, so I’m all booked out of it for the moment. Instead, I’m watching back-to-back episodes of Entourage to relax.
H2BAR: How to be a Redhead readers are dying to know your number one beauty secret?
AS: I don’t use anything specifically for redheads, but I do think getting the right foundation is vital. It should blend in with your skin, not cover it. A good tip to know: If you want your skin to have a tannish tone, after you apply foundation, work with a light bronzer. The trick is to always match your base to your exact skin shade and your skin will always look flawless.
H2BAR: What quote do you live by?
AS: “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
H2BAR: Do you have any advice for our readers?
AS: Embrace your red hair. NEVER try to go blonde. Red roots and blonde tips are just ugly. Being a redhead makes you unique, so play to that strength and don’t forget to wear mascara.
