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Hair + Beauty

How to Donate Your Red Hair

Give Someone Else the Joy of Being a Redhead

If you’re thinking of chopping your red hair, consider donating it! Hair donations are used to make wigs for those with cancer and other health conditions that cause them to lose or have to cut their hair. Your hair is just going to end up in the trash anyway, so why not let someone else enjoy the wonders of being a redhead. 

Here are common questions and answers:

What type of hair is accepted? 

Every donation program has different rules, but most hair donation organizations will only take healthy hair that is not color-treated. Check the specific guidelines for the organization you want to donate to. 

How long does your hair have to be?

Different organizations also have different regulations on the length of hair needed. The minimum is typically 12 inches. You may be able to find some organizations that take donations as short as 8-10 inches, so keep looking around or grow your hair out some more if you want to donate. 

Should I tell my stylist?

When you’re ready to cut your hair, print out the guidelines for your stylist and be sure to tell them you want to donate it before they start cutting. Hair that’s being donated usually has to be bound with hair ties in ponytails to be accepted. Bring along a large ziplock to put your hair in once you are done. Some salons might have a donation program where they can mail it off for you, otherwise, you will bring it home and package it to be mailed out to the organization.

Where can I donate? 

There are lots of organizations that you can donate your hair to. The one you select might depend on how much hair you have, if it’s been dyed and who you want the hair to go to. A few of the most popular organizations include Wigs for Kids, Locks of Love, and Children with Hair Loss.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

10 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Self-Tanners We’re Loving This Winter

Get a subtle glow without damaging your skin

Self-tanners can either be a must-have or an absolute no for redheads. It really comes down to a redhead’s personal preference. Over the years, I’ve learned to drop the self-tanner and embrace my fair, freckled skin. I absolutely love my skin and freckles.

But, sometimes I must admit it does feel great to have a little glow with the help from a few ‘Redhead Friendly’ approved self-tanners. Whether it’s applying a little bit before the weekend begins or setting a tanning schedule a few days before a big trip, I’ve learned to adjust the color necessary to make it as natural as possible.

To save you time on trying a ton of different tanning products only to wake up and see streaky, orange spots, the H2BAR beauty team has compiled a list of our favorite 2021 ‘Redhead Friendly’ self-tanners. Scroll below to find the perfect one for you:

READ: How to Keep Your Summer Glow Through Fall – Even If It’s Just More Freckles!

Mousse 

Tanning mousse is weightless, water-based, and easy to apply. They help moisturize your skin and have you glowing by morning! You can also opt for an ‘express’ product (a quicker processing mousse) if you’re on a time crunch. Be sure to read the processing time on the bottle to ensure you rinse the product off at the proper time!

1. Mystic Tan Overnight Moisturizer Self-Tan Water Mousse (Featured in the February Monthly H2BAR Box!)

$27

2. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

 

$24

3. St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse 

 

$42

 

4. Tanologist Express Tan Mousse

Gradual Tanning

Gradual tanning products are great for redheads who really want to control the shade of their tan over time. Use a self-tanning moisturizer in place of your daily body lotion until you reach your desired shade, or try adding drops of a self-tanning serum to your favorite moisturizer to control the added glow!

7. Jergens Natural Glow + FIRMING Self Tanner

$9

8. Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Color Drops

$30

9. Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

 

$50

For on-the-go

The perfect travel companion! Pack these easy-to-pack towels and you’ll never go a day without a glow.

10. TanTowel Self Tan Towelette Classic (This product has been in a few summer H2BAR beauty boxes – we love it!)

$24

 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

5 Things To Consider Before Getting Your Red Hair Thinned Out

Lighten the load but do your research:

Updated: November 2nd, 2023

Did you know that redheads actually have fewer strands of hair on their heads than blondes or brunettes? But why doesn’t it feel like it? Most redheads have pretty thick hair, and that’s because their hair strands are actually thicker than other colors.

If you’ve got thick red hair, it might feel like it’s weighing you down. Some might opt for a big chop, but there is another way to get your hair to feel lighter without losing length — it’s called hair thinning with sheer scissors. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your red hair thinned: 

1. It might alter your cut

While getting your hair thinned doesn’t necessarily mean losing length, it could alter the way your current haircut looks. The best time to get your hair thinned is when you’re already getting it cut into a new style. This allows your stylist to work the thinning into the cut and avoid a drastically different look. 

2. You might need to wash it more often 

One of the upsides to super thick hair is it usually means you can go longer between washes. When your hair is thinned, you might find you need to wash it more frequently, but you’ll use less product each time so it really all evens out.

3. Thinner hair = easier styling

Because redheads usually have overly thick hair, thinning will help you bring it back to a more manageable level. You want to keep your volume and body without having your hair be too thick and heavy for styling. It will probably take some getting used to but soon you’ll be a wiz at styling your red hair in less time than before!

4. It cuts down on drying time 

Thick hair takes ages to dry, especially if it’s long. Having thinner hair will allow you to cut down on the time it takes to blow dry it. You might even be able to let your hair dry without heat which is healthier overall. When drying your hair opt to use a microfiber towel! Introducing the How to be a Redhead Soft Microfiber Hair Towel for Redheads. Because wet hair is at its most vulnerable, this custom microfiber towel gently and carefully absorbs moisture from your red hair and dries it quickly, all while protecting it from stretching and breakage. This design is uniquely shaped to wrap all of your hair securely (no matter the length), with an elastic strap to comfortably keep things in place. Your hair journey starts here, redheads.

5. Getting your hair thinned isn’t for everyone 

Talk with your stylist before getting your hair thinned. Discussing your hair goals and likes and dislikes will help you decide if having your red hair thinned is right for you. 

If you are looking for a way to keep your red hair shiny and healthy, look no further:

Finally Glossy® Shine & Luminosity Shampoo for Redheads

It took many years to custom-make the Finally Glossy® formula and we’re so excited for redheads to enjoy it. We’re thrilled to release another clean redhead beauty product. It is paraben-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, petroleum-free, mineral-oil, and vegan. It also contains no perfume, is free of gluten and is silicone-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free and cocamidopropyl betaine-free. This clean formula is formulated with Vitamin B3, olive oil, coconut oil and green tea.

Rock it like a Redhead!

 

Hair + Beauty

Yes, Your Redhead Beauty Products Expire — This Is How Often You Should Be Replacing Them

When should you toss your makeup? The complete guide for redheads:

Between the samples you get at the store, and makeup you don’t reach for as much, most of us have extra makeup lying around for one reason or another. Sometimes it’s fun to dig old redhead-approved makeup out and try it again, but did you know it might not be wise to use some of those products? Here’s the when-you-should-really-replace-your-makeup guide: 

Mascara: 2-3 months

You’ll probably be surprised by how short the lifespan of mascara is. Professionals actually suggest you replace your mascara every 2-3 months. This is because bacteria from your eye can be living in the wand which leads to a risk of eye infection. This doesn’t apply to unopened mascara, but if you’ve used it once that timer starts.

READ: 5 Cruelty-Free Drugstore Mascaras for Redheads

 

Eyeliner: No longer than 12 months

Although this is also an eye product, eyeliner actually has a longer lifespan than mascara. Professionals suggest you shouldn’t keep them longer than one year. 

READ: 5 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Approved Waterproof Eyeliners

 

Lipstick: No more than a year  

Lipgloss: 6 months

Keep your lipsticks in a cool dry place and they can last upwards of a year. If you notice the consistency is weird, it’s time to throw them away. Lipgloss on the other hand should be swapped out every six months.

READ: The 10 Best Lip Glosses For Redheads That Aren’t Sticky

READ: The Best ‘Redhead Friendly’ Fall Lipstick Colors for 2021

Foundation: Look for the expiration date

Foundation can be kept for anywhere from six months to one year. You can extend the life of your foundation by storing it in a cool dry place and only touching the opening with clean hands. It usually has an expiration date on it, so look for that and also check the consistency. If it’s separated or clumpy, toss it. 

READ: The 13 Best ‘Redhead Friendly’ Drugstore Foundations of 2021

 

Powder Products: 1-2 years

Your powder products like eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer have the longest lifespan with a safe use time of 1-2 years! Just be sure to clean your brushes properly and avoid using your fingers in these types of products. 

READ: 5 Powder Foundations for Redheads

 

There are differing opinions when it comes to how long makeup lasts, and we’ve probably all used makeup that “should” have been thrown out. Keep things clean, check for expiration dates and keep your makeup in a cool dry place (not the bathroom) to extend its life. That being said, now is probably a good time to go through your makeup collection and do a little purge. But that just means you get to buy more!

Rock it like a Redhead!

Featured Post

Red Hair Fading? Try One Of Our Favorite Color-Depositing Conditioners

Get More Vibrant Red Hair!

If you’ve used a color depositing shampoo or conditioner, you know how amazing it can be for making your hair more vibrant. If you’re looking to up your color, try this trick next time using the Overtone Coloring Conditioner in Ginger (featured in last year’s Winter Deluxe H2BAR Box!)

How To Use: Take your color depositing conditioner and apply it to your hair dry. Use gloves to avoid staining your hands, and apply liberally all over your head. Once distributed evenly, pull back in a clip or bun and cover it with a shower cap. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and then wash it out like normal. Your hair will be more vibrant just like that. 

Results may vary if your hair is color-treated or if you have dark hair. This trick is perfect for fading red hair, strawberry blonde hair, or those who want a red hue and already have light hair. If you have blonde streaks (natural or dyed), do not use it. It can turn your hair pink. See more about the process here. 

Watch this redhead up her color: 

@illumitatiana

TRUST THE PROCESS

♬ original sound – illumitati 7

READ: How To Go From Fading Red Hair To Vibrant Hair In 20 Minutes 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Confidence

7 Fabulous Redheads Over the Age of 50 Who Will Inspire You

You're Never Too Old to Rock the Red

As we get older, our red hair might start to fade, but that doesn’t mean we have to succumb to a life of dull red hair! If your red hair is starting to fade, get inspired by those over 50 who are still rocking their red. 

Ree Drummond

Better known for her cooking show The Pioneer Woman, Drummond was a natural redhead early in life but takes no shame in having some upkeep done to keep her locks red as she gets older. 

Reba McEntire

Our country queen has kept her locks read for decades and it doesn’t seem like she plans to stop anytime soon. Enjoy redhead eyebrow products made for Reba in the H2BAR e-commerce shop! 

Julianne Moore

At 60 years old, actress Julianne Moore is still rocking the red as vibrantly as ever. Her red hair was even inherited by her daughter. 

Molly Ringwald

1980s cult classics star Molly Ringwald is actually a natural brunette, but she’s been rocking the red for most of her life and we think it looks good on her!

Megan Mullally

Will & Grace star Megan Mullally has rocked several shades of faux red throughout the years and continues to do so to this day. 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

3 DIY Coffee Based Beauty Recipes Every Redhead Should Know About

Give Your Redhead Skin a Boost with These Recipes

Redheads, those coffee beans in your cupboard aren’t just for giving you life each morning. They can actually be used to make DIY ‘Redhead Friendly’ approved at-home face and body products! 

READ: 5 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Coffee Skincare Products We Can’t Stop Talking About

1. DIY Coffee Body Scrub

Not only will this easy coffee scrub leave your redhead skin feeling soft and supple, but it will also give your skin a brightening boost, hydrating, and nourishment. 

. 

2. DIY Sugar Coffee Lip Scrub

Slough off the dead skin and leave your lips looking fresh and hydrated with this coffee lip scrub you can make right at home. 

3. DIY Coffee Face Mask

Coffee is great for the soul and great for the skin. It can help brighten skin, calm redness and inflammation, and it has anti-aging properties!

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

10 Tips for Voluminous, Healthy Red Hair

Boost Your Red Roots!

Updated: October 31st, 2023

We all want more voluminous hair, but sometimes it feels like our red hair is just plain flat. Here are 10 tips and tricks for how to get more volume in your red hair. 

READ: How Redheads Can Achieve Their Hair Goals

1. Try backcombing

The simplest way to apply more volume to your hairstyle is by teasing or backcombing. This is where you comb the hair backward at the root to create more volume.

2. Use densifying spray

Applying a densifying spray can help your hair have more hold when you style it and give you more volume at the root. 

3. Change your part

When your hair sits in the same spot day after day for too long it becomes used to that area. Switching your part will help the hair have more lift at the root.

READ: How You Should Part Your Red Hair: Is Your Part Out of Style?

4. Use rollers

Applying rollers to your hair can help give it body and volume. Apply large rollers to avoid adding too much curl. 

5. Flip your head

Hanging your head upside down when washing and drying can help the hairs have more lift and give you more volume. 

Looking for the perfect hair towel to go with your new volume? Look no further!

How to be a Redhead Soft Microfiber Hair Towel

When drying your hair opt to use a microfiber towel! Introducing the How to be a Redhead Soft Microfiber Hair Towel for Redheads. Because wet hair is at its most vulnerable, this custom microfiber towel gently and carefully absorbs moisture from your red hair and dries it quickly, all while protecting it from stretching and breakage. This design is uniquely shaped to wrap all of your hair securely (no matter the length), with an elastic strap to comfortably keep things in place. Your hair journey starts here, redheads.

6. Add dry shampoo

Even if your hair isn’t dirty, a spritz of dry shampoo can help to give it more hold and stiffen the root for more volume. 

7. Use mousse

Apply mousse to wet hair for added volume and body. If you have curly red hair, mousse is a great way to define your curls. 

8. Try a round brush

Give yourself an at-home blowout and instantly add volume, body, and texture to your hair when you blow-dry with a round brush. 

9. Get a trim

Most redheads have thick hair, and your hair might be weighing you down. Try getting a trim, getting it thinned, or even making a big chop to help hair bounce back at the root.

READ: How Often Should You Cut Your Red Hair? 

10. Skip a wash

Washing your hair too much could lead to it hanging flat. Try skipping a wash and using your “dirty” roots to your advantage.

Rock it like a Redhead!

Confidence

Do Redheads Look Younger? Study Says They’re More Likely To Age Slower

This is seriously the best news for redheads

As if we needed another reason to love our red hair.

Have you ever had someone assume you were younger than you were? It’s commonly said redheads age more gracefully than those with other hair colors and most look several years younger than they actually are.

A few years ago, we discussed a recent study about redheads aging slower, but more studies are on the rise. Here are more reasons why redheads might appear to be younger than they really are:

Red hair usually grays or turns white later in life

You may have noticed most redheads don’t gray the way other hair colors do. Often, red hair will just start to fade until it’s white or a warm gray tone. Due to this, many redheads can keep youthful-looking hair longer than their blonde or brunette counterparts. 

Redheads might have less damage/signs of aging 

Redheads know the importance of using SPF and proper sun protection. This means that there is a reduced risk of sun damage and early signs of aging in the skin of redheads. This means our skin stays youthful for longer, helping us appear younger.

The MC1R gene might actually make redheads look young

According to research published in Current Biology, people with the MC1R gene, aka the gene that produces red hair and fair skin, tend to look several years younger than their non-ginger counterparts. Studies have shown that the MC1R gene that is carried by redheads may actually help to reduce the effects of UV exposure and reduce inflammation in the body. Both of these factors might help redheads to appear more youthful. 

RELATED:

READ: This Is Why Red Hair Fades Over Time And What To Do About It

Rock it like a Redhead!

 

 

Featured Post

8 Redhead Stereotypes: Are These True?

True or False?

As redheads, we’ve heard it all. There are tons of redhead stereotypes, some are true and some are just downright silly.

Today, in honor of National Love Your Red Hair Day, we are breaking some of them down! Let us know in the comments which stereotypes you’ve noticed about redheads. 

READ: 10 Things All Redheads Have Done or Experienced

1. Redheads are feisty

FALSE! People tend to think that because we have red hair, we must have a red hot temper. While this may be true for some redheads, we’re just like everyone else. Our hair color doesn’t determine our attitude, but be careful because sometimes ginger will snap. 

2 All redheads are Irish or Scottish

FALSE! People with red hair can be from anywhere. It’s true that the majority of the world’s redheads come from Ireland and Scotland, but not all. Redheads can be found all over the world and even in unexpected places like Israel, Spain, and Africa. 

READ: News Flash: Not All Redheads Are Irish

3. Redheads feel pain differently

TRUE! The MC1R gene that causes red hair also seems to cause a change in the way redheads feel pain. Studies have been done to show that redheads may need more anesthesia than those with other hair colors. 

READ: Mc1R Gene Makes Redheads More Sensitive To Pain

4. Redheads can’t go in the sun

FALSE! We can go in the sun just as much as anyone else can. Most of us opt not to risk sun exposure, or to cover up and use sun protection when we do. This is because we are more prone to developing skin cancer. 

READ: Researchers Discovering A Way To Prevent Redheads From Skin Cancer

5. All redheads have freckles

FALSE! While many redheads do have freckles, not all do. Freckles are something that your body creates and some people are more genetically inclined to produce freckles. 

READ: Why Do Freckles Come Out in the Sun?

6. Redheaded women are better in bed

IT’S A SECRET! There have been studies that show that redheaded women may be getting more action than their blonde and brunette counterparts. Does this mean they are better in bed? Maybe…we’ll never tell.

7. Redheaded men are nerdy

FALSE! Redheaded men are no more “nerdy” than the average man. TV likes to portray ginger men as geeks and nerds, but there are plenty of redheaded hotties out there who are movie stars, singers, athletes, and models. 

READ: 15 [More] of the Hottest Redhead Men You Have Ever Seen

8. Redheads are unique and rare

TRUE! Redheads make up less than 2% of the population, making them quite rare. The unique gene we carry that gives us our gorgeous hair color is not something everyone has and that makes it special.

READ: 7 Unique Facts About Redheads

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Confidence

10 Redheads You Should Be Following on Instagram

What types of accounts do you follow on Instagram? Fashion? Beauty? Home décor? Travel? With endless options to choose from, these redheads are making their mark amongst the numerous influencers spanning Instagram.

1. Jenn Todryk (@theramblingredhead)

Jenn Todryk is a woman doing it all!  She’s raising a family, running a business, and was recently given her own show on HGTV called No Demo Reno.  And of course, she’s doing it all while maintaining a fabulous mane of red hair.  If you’re into home décor, or just enjoy funny family shenanigans, give @theramblingredhead a follow!

2. Jackie O (@jackieoshry)

Jackie is one of the queens of millennial pop culture.  Along with her sister, Claudia Oshry, she is co-creator of the podcast The Morning Toast, which goes live every weekday morning to discuss your favorite celebrities and TV shows.  If you love reality shows like The Kardashians, The Bachelor, or The Real Housewives, this podcast might be for you!  Jackie not only does her part to keep us up to date on the latest pop culture news, but also shows us that redheads should not be afraid to wear pink!  Her Instagram grid is a beautiful parade of pastels.

3. The Redheads Book Club (@thereadheads)

And speaking of Jackie O’s influence, I would be amiss not to mention one of my favorite “bookstagram” accounts—The Readheads.  Similar to other book club accounts, The Readheads choose one book a month to read and discuss on their podcast.  But they also post pictures and personal ratings of all the other books each Readhead reads throughout the month.  If you’re an avid reader, make sure to follow along and read with the Readheads.

4. Sabina Karlsson (@thesabinakarlsson)

The diversity of redheads is beautiful, and this international fashion model is a great example of that beauty.  If you appreciate models who embrace their curly red hair and freckles, then look no further than Sabina Karlsson.

5. Ellie (@thegingerwanderlust)

Have you been missing international travel as much as I have?  It’s time to start living vicariously through Ellie’s Instagram account.  This influencer’s travel photography is just as stunning as her red hair!  Give her a follow, and let this ginger inspire your next adventure!

6. Madeline Stuart (@madelinesmodeling_)

Madeline Stuart is the world’s first super model with Down’s Syndrome, and she rocks her red hair up and down the runway!  Madeline exudes kindness, confidence, and courage.  Follow her on Instagram to see for yourself.

7. Rosie (@rosietheginger)

Rosie is a British YouTuber and blogger with the most fabulous makeup and red hair tutorials.  She is also a Fashion Design graduate and showcases her womenswear line on her other account @_rosie_ro.  She is the queen of peachy tones, but loves to rock a bold lip on occasion, and I’m sure you will love her looks just as much as I do!

8. Christene Barberich (@christenebarberich)

I can’t forget to mention Christene Barberich, another fashion queen, New York Times best-selling author, and co-founder of Refinery 29.  This redhead does not shy away from a bold print or a bold lip.  She is an avid thrifter, and I love following her account to see the diversity of her sometimes thrifted, sometimes high-end fashion choices.

9. Audrey Mirabella Roloff (@audreyroloff)

Audrey is a New York Times best-selling author, wife, and mother whose Instagram influence focuses on marriage and family.  Her Instagram account is incredibly uplifting and wholesome, featuring pictures of her adorable family’s life on a farm and her fierce mane of red curls.

10. Amber Venz Box (@ambervenzbox)

Blogger turned entrepreneur, Amber is the creator of LikeToKnow.it and RewardStyle, connecting digital content creators with brands and retailers.  So, she is basically the influencer of influencers.  Most of the Instagram influencers asking you to “swipe up” or click the link in their bio have Amber to thank for this convenience.

Don’t you just love a group of powerful redheaded women? Give these accounts a follow, and let us know what you think!  We’d also love to hear about any other influencers you follow who are rocking it like a redhead!

READ: 6 Redhead Fashion Influencers to Follow for Unlimited Style Inspiration

READ: Instagram Accounts Highlight The Beautiful Diversity Of Redheads

READ: 18 Gorgeous Redheads to Help You Love Your Red Hair

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

4 Reasons Redheads Should Use Bar Soap Over Body Wash

Looking for a new way to cleanse your skin?

Whatever you use to clean your body in the shower, you want to make sure it’s getting the job done. You also want to make sure it’s redhead-approved and doesn’t irritate your sensitive skin. One option that’s making a comeback is bar soap. If you’re looking for a new form of body wash to use in the shower, consider using bar soap. Here are a few of the benefits:

1. More cost-effective

A single bottle of body wash or shower gel from the drugstore on average costs about $5 – $7, while the average bar of soap from the drug store costs about $2 – $3. There are cheaper and more expensive options depending on what brand you buy, but on average, bar soap is about half the price of body wash or shower gel. You can also buy bar soap in packs that lower the cost even more. 

READ: Spend vs. Save — Where to Invest In Your Redhead Skincare

2. Safe for sensitive redhead skin

Because of the way bar soap is made, it’s easier to make it hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. There are certain ingredients that need to go into bottled liquid soap products to ensure they last, but bar soap doesn’t always need those same ingredients. It’s also relatively easy to find unscented bar soap, whereas finding unscented body wash or shower gel usually means you’re paying a premium in price. 

READ: How To Tell If A Beauty Product is Safe For Redhead Sensitive Skin

3. Great for shaving

If you buy a bar soap with good lather, it can be used for shaving legs and underarms instead of shaving cream. Simply wet a loofa and work up a lather with your bar soap. Apply to your body and shave like normal. This means you have one less product to buy and it’s perfect for travel!

4. Less plastic waste

One of the worst parts about body wash and shower gel is the amount of plastic waste they produce. If you use a bottle every 1-3 months, you’re adding 4-12 bottles to the landfill every year. That might not seem like a lot but over a 30-year span, that’s hundreds of bottles wasted. Bar soap comes in a lot less packaging, and you can even get bar soap that’s unwrapped or wrapped in recyclable paper to reduce waste.

Redhead Friendly Bar Soaps

Australian Botanical Goat’s Milk Soap

Pre de Provence Shea Butter Soap

Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

Native Bar Soap

READ: The 7 Best Bar Soaps for Redheads

Rock it like a Redhead!

 

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