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Featured Post

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

Make finding new products a breeze!

If you have sensitive skin like most redheads, you might have trouble finding new beauty products that work for you. Thankfully, there are a few ways to tell if a product is safe for sensitive skin. Just remember, sensitive skin is not one size fits all, so it’s important to test products before you jump right into using them. 

1. Look at the ingredients 

Reading the ingredients on a product can be super daunting. You don’t have to know what every ingredient is, but there are a few to look out for. If you have sensitive skin it’s best to avoid things like: 

  • Alcohol
  • Fragrance
  • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  • Apricot Kernels 
  • Avobenzone, Octinoxate, and Oxybenzone

2. Check the packaging 

In addition to looking at the ingredients, it can be helpful to explore the packaging for more information. Often things will be marked “safe for sensitive skin”, “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist tested”. As mentioned before, sensitive skin is not one size fits all, but these phrases usually help to indicated a product is relatively mild on the skin. Additionally, opting for fragrance-free and natural products may be helpful in avoiding skin irritation.

3. Read reviews 

If the packaging and the ingredients aren’t helping, or you want more information, read the reviews on a product. Search for terms like “sensitive skin” in the reviews and see what others are saying. It can also be helpful to read or watch product reviews from people who have similar skin types to you. 

4. Search HowtobeaRedhead.com for recommended products 

For the past 10 years, HowtobeaRedhead.com has been a resource for redheads. We test and approve every single item recommended and deem products ‘Redhead Friendly’ approved. Want to know the best sunless tanner? Moisturizer? Shampoo? Simply search it and several articles will appear.

5. Invest in Redhead-Friendly Products 

Deluxe H2BAR Box:

Just like HowtobeaRedhead.com, the H2BAR Box tests and approves every single item that goes into a beauty box. You can trust the items are made for red hair, sensitive skin and complement your unique features. Subscribe at H2BARBox.com 

Complete Eyebrow + Mascara Kit:

The Finally Have Brows trio consists of the Ultra Fine Eyebrow Pencil to brush and fill in your redhead brows. Then use the Volumizing gel to tint, condition and fluff. Lock it all in with the Longwearing to tint, tame and lock. The results will be natural-looking, gorgeous redhead brows.

The Finally Have Lashes trio consists of three mascara shades: Red-y for Lashes Perfectly Auburn Redhead Mascara, Brown With a Splash of Red: Perfectly Brown Mascara, and A Full 180: Perfectly Black Mascara.

Finally Glossy® Shine & Luminosity Shampoo for Redheads: 

Introducing the first product in our Finally Glossy® hair line! It’s a special shampoo to help strengthen, shine, and add hydration to red hair. This clean formula is formulated with Vitamin B3, olive oil, coconut oil, and green tea.

redhead shampoo

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

6 Tips for Better Smartphone Photography of Your Red Hair

Get a Gorgeous Ginger Selfie!

If you’ve ever tried to get the perfect photo, you might know what a struggle it can be. Sometimes your skin looks washed out or your red hair doesn’t look as vibrant. Fear not! We’ve got a few tips on how to get the perfect redhead photo. From shooting to editing and everything in between. 

How To Shoot The Photo

1. Find Your Lighting: One of the biggest struggles for those of us with fair skin is looking washed out in photos. The best way to avoid this is to have good lighting. Direct sunlight might make your hair look amazing, but it will probably wash you out. Additionally, fluorescent lighting might make your skin look dull and sickly. Opt for natural light that’s bright but not direct. Ring lights are all the rage right now because you get perfect adjustable lighting right at home! 

2. Be Aware of the Colors Around You: Another thing that can wash you out or throw off the coloring is the colors around you. Be aware of the colors of your clothing and surroundings. Having too much dark color in the photo will make you look ghostly. Balance out colors with lighter more neutral tones to let your hair be the main focus. 

3. Use Your Camera Settings: A great way to ensure you get a good shot is to use your camera’s focus and pinpoint it on your skin. Since it’s usually one of the lightest things in the picture, it will help to keep you from being washed out or overexposed. There are so many helpful tips on TikTok and YouTube! Search #cameratricks and you’ll find helpful/easy video tutorials like this: 

@khemric

Simple Photo Trick! 📸 #mobilephotography #phototips #videotutorial #shotoniphone #iphonephotography #nyc #justvibing #newyorkcitycheck #photoinspo

♬ How Deep Is Your Love – Calvin Harris & Disciples

How To Edit The Photo

4. Lighten & Brighten: Most high-quality photos are taken with a ton of light. You might not always have access to that much light, so if your photos are looking a little dark or dull, brighten them up. Just be careful to adjust exposure too much. Brightening photos will also help to brighten up the colors and make them look more professional. Use your iPhone or download the Lightroom App for even better quality. Here’s another great tip: 

@sienna.and.i

Try settings in the Lightroom app for bright photos. #photomagic #lightroompresets #photographytricks

♬ original sound – Sienna.and.I

5. Enhance Only The Colors You Want: It might be tempting to up the saturation to enhance your hair and the other colors in the photo. This can work, but be careful it doesn’t mess with your skin tone or make things look oversaturated. A great way to avoid this problem is by using the app used above: Lightroom. You can pinpoint colors and enhance the orange and red in your hair while turning down things like yellow to make white pop more or enhancing your surroundings. 

6. Play with Temperature: As you play with saturation and adjust your colors, be mindful of how warm or cool the photo is running. If your photo is feeling too warm, turn the temperature down, and if the photo is running too cool, add some glow by adjusting the temp to the warmer side. 

Ready, set, pose! Your red hair will thank you. Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

Why Do Freckles Come Out in the Sun?

This is also what redheads call being "tan" ????

Ever wonder why freckles appear and become more prominent in the sunny months? 

Freckles appear when melanin builds under the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. The more melanin in your body, the darker your skin will be.

Some people are more genetically inclined to get freckles. This has to do with the two types of melanin that the body produces. Those with darker hair, skin, and eyes usually produce eumelanin, which means they are less likely to develop freckles. Those with lighter skin and blonde, red, or light brown hair usually produce pheomelanin which makes them more likely to develop freckles. 

The human body produces melanin to protect your skin from the sun. That’s why people tan when they are in the sun. That’s also why freckles tend to appear or be more prominent after sun exposure. Think of this process as your skin’s attempt to protect itself from further sun damage. This is why freckles often fade in the winter, then darken in the summer, when there’s more sunlight.

So that’s why your freckles might come out during the summer months and fade during the winter months. Freckles are unique and not harmful to the body, however, increased sun exposure is harmful to the body, so be sure to wear your SPF, cover-up and visit your dermatologist for skin checks!

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

4 Ways Redheads Can Use Zuii Organic’s Flora Luminising Creme

The Multi-Use Product Will Have You GLOWING!

Zuii Organic Flora Luminising Creme is carefully blended with Green Tea, Chamomile Extract & Bamboo Juice to create an unparalleled shine that melts into redhead skin – eliminating grease and oil with each application. A favorite in the Summer Deluxe H2BAR Box and now available for sale in the How to be a Redhead shop, it is an essential goodie for every redhead routine. It provides an instant organic glow within seconds. Here are four ways to use this certified vegan multi-use product:

1. Luminising Creme No Makeup Look

Once you’ve completed your skincare routine, moisturized and applied SPF, apply a small amount of the luminising creme on your face and neck. Rub it in with your fingers for a sheer glowy no-makeup look.

2. Luminising Creme + Foundation

Add a gentle glow to your makeup look by mixing a pump of luminising creme in with your foundation, CC cream, or tinted moisturizer. Apply as you normally would with a makeup brush or sponge. 

3. Luminising Creme On the Eyes

Pop a little luminsing creme on the eyelids to prep your eyes for a full shadow, or wear it alone to add a subtle glow for a fresh dewy look. 

4. Luminising Creme As Highlighter

Top off your makeup look with some luminising creme along your cheekbones and high points. Built on it with powder highlighter for a more dramatic look or wear it alone for a simple sheen.

Shop here

 

Rock it like a Redhead!

Hair + Beauty

Opinion: It’s Okay to Dye Your Natural Red Hair, Regardless of What People Say

Am I breaking the natural redhead code by even suggesting this?

If you’re a natural redhead, you’ve probably been told to never dye your hair. When you have a hair color that others pay big bucks to achieve, people treat it like a sin to dye it. While I agree your natural red hair is so beautiful and doesn’t need any enhancements, I also know changing or enhancing your hair color is a form of self-expression. In the modern day world of self-exploration and experimentation, it’s okay to dye your red hair. Here are some tips if you want to go this route: 

1. It can actually enhance your natural red! 

If you’re looking to enhance your red, or just change up your look a little without getting rid of the red completely, try getting highlights or lowlights put in. A well-trained hairstylist can help you give your natural red hair dimension and play up your gorgeous ginger locks. 

2. It doesn’t have to be permanent 

There are plenty of semi-permanent dyes on the market. This will allow you to try out a new color without committing to cutting your hair or dealing with growing out. Semi-permanent dyes fade over time and you’ll be right back to red, as long as you don’t bleach it. 

3. Try a different shade of red with a gloss

Technically, this isn’t dye but it can enhance your red or even make it a different shade of red! Try a clear gloss to enhance shine or a colored gloss to give your red hair a different dimension.

READ: 7 Glosses for Redheads

4. Remember: whatever you choose, it will grow back 

At the end of the day, it’s just hair. You can cut it, dye it or even shave it off and it will grow back. If you want to try a new hair color, do it! Your red roots will always shine through and you can always go back to being red if you choose to. 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

11 Nicknames for Redheads: Which One Do You Hear Most?

The Good, The Bad and the Downright Awful

Every redhead has been called some sort of nickname because of their vibrant hair color. Here’s a round-up of 11 redhead nicknames we’ve heard over the years. Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite (or least favorite redhead nickname):

Red/Big Red

It’s not very original, but “Red” seems to be the go-to nickname most redheads get called. “Big Red” is a close second and grew into popularity in 2000 when the cheer flick in Bring it On featured the nickname.

Ginger/Gingy/Ging

Some redheads hate the nickname ginger, while others love it. It’s more popular in the U.S. as a nickname than in other countries. 

Copper/Copper Penny

Mostly an old-timey nickname or pet name.

Carrot Top

Probably one of the most hated nicknames among redheads is “carrot top”, yet people seem determined to use it anyways. 

Cherry

A less popular yet still fitting name for someone with red hair is: cherry. 

Annie/Anne/Ann

This nickname is usually referring to one of 3 things: Little Orphan Annie from Annie, Anne from Anne of Green Gables, or Raggedy Ann from the Raggedy Ann books/movie series. 

Spitfire

Love it or hate it, it’s kind of true. We aren’t afraid to let our spicy personalities show! 

Freckles/Freckle Face

A nickname that most redheads and some redheads get called as kids. For many, it’s not their nickname of choice. 

Gingersnap

This play on the scrumptious cookie and our fiery hair is kind of a cute one if you don’t mind the ginger part in it.

Fire Crotch

Just don’t…we shouldn’t have to say anymore. Don’t do it. Erase it from your vocabulary. 

Fuego 

Fuego means “fire” in Spanish. Many redheads love this new nickname!

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

5 TikTok Red Hair Hacks That Will Definitely Make Your Life Easier

Reach your hair goals with these redhead TikTok accounts!

We love a good hack! Once you enter the world of TikTok, it can consume you but can also give you great tips. Here are 5 TikTok hair hacks from redheads themselves, so you can see how great the styles look with red hair:

1. Quick and Easy Glam Ponytail

Some days you don’t want to deal with your hair, but throwing it in a plain ponytail doesn’t really give you the look you want. Here’s a no-fuss glam ponytail you can do in seconds. 

@yourfriendlindsey

Dressed up Ponytail #cute #hairstyles #hairtutorialsvideo #howto #easyhairtutorials #foryoupage #redheads

♬ Good Day – Nappy Roots

2. The Perfect Messy Bun

We’ve all struggled with our hair to make the perfect messy bun, well struggle no more! Here’s how to get the perfect messy bun every single time. 

@kinsley.monroe

Reply to @desirae.buck Heres a bun tutorial. #bun #redhead #tutorial #messy #finalsweek

♬ original sound – Kinsley Monroe

3. Claw Clip Made Easy

Claw clips are super popular right now, and they look adorable and effortless! But…if you’ve ever tried to put one in, it’s not always as easy as it looks. Here’s are 4 different ways to use a claw clip: 

@bexdoeshair

4 Claw Clip Hairstyles ✨ #hair #hairstyle #hairtutorial #clawclip #longhair

♬ original sound – bexdoeshair

4. No Heat Curls

No heat hair is a game-changer, so here’s an overnight hack for getting bouncy voluminous curls without damaging your red hair. Influencer, @scarlettohair, uses robe curlers to create this look. 

@scarlettohair

Forever my go to heatless curls using robe ties! Posting so it’s not so far down on my page ❤️ #heatlesscurls #robecurls

♬ space girl – Frances Forever

5. On-The-Go Ponytail

If your ponytail is looking flat, use this hair tie trick to add more volume and bounce.

@organizedchaos522

A pony tail but make it cute✨ #hairtutorial #curtainbangs #iluxx #ponytail #hairtiktok #SHEINcares #foryou #styletips #fyp #redhead @iluxxstore

♬ A-Punk – Vampire Weekend

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

Sarah Ferguson Dishes On A Day In The Life Of A Royal

Inside the life of Fergie!

Ever wonder what a normal day looks like for a member of the royal family? Well, fellow redhead, Sarah Ferguson “Fergie” has dished all the deets. Fergie is the Duchess of York, ex-wife of Prince Andrew (son of Queen Elizabeth), which makes her the Queen’s ex-daughter-in-law! Fergie is mom to Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice. Since their 1996 divorce, Prince Andrew and Fergie have remained close over the years and continue to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

In an interview with The Times, The Dutchess walks us through her day-to-day life as part of the extended royal family. 

“Fergie rises early, around 6:30 am to start her day. She likes to kick things off with an hour of meditation. She rarely misses breakfast, because she considers it the most important meal of the day. Her breakfast usually consists of soft-boiled eggs, toast, and a tangerine. One thing Fergie does daily is to check in with her publisher. She’s an author as well as a royal and a public figure. She likes to keep in shape and works out when she has the time. Fergie unwinds with a glass of burgundy, a little binge-watching of a movie or show, and her guilty pleasure…skittles.”

Royals, they are just like us! Take a scroll through some of Fergie’s most famous photos from past and present. She’s always showcasing her natural red locks:

Though they had a falling out before Princess’ Diana’s death, the Duchess of York (Fergie) and the People’s Princess were often thick as thieves, and they made it their mission to rebel against the strict orders of the crown.

 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

Instagram Accounts Highlight The Beautiful Diversity Of Redheads

Not all redheads are Irish!

Every redhead has walked into a room and is the only one with red hair. When your hair color makes up less than 2% of the population, it’s bound to happen. But even though redheads are less than 2%, that’s still over 100 million people who have red hair! 

If you live in North America, you’re far less likely to see other redheads than you are living in parts of Europe and the UK. The largest concentrations of redheads are found in the not-so-surprising places like Ireland and Scotland. 

Redheads can be found in almost every country and there are redheads apart of every nationality in the world. 

Scottish photographer Kieran Dodds set out on a mission to capture photographs of people with red hair from all over the world. In an article written up by BBC Scotland, Dodd’s photos showcase redheads from unexpected places like Jamaica and Israel, and also expected places like Scotland and Russia. Because of photographers like Dodds, many Instagram accounts are being created to feature redheads all around the globe. 

The Instagram account @global.redheads showcases redheads from many different backgrounds and ethnicities. Take a look: 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

4 Ways to Fake Clean Red Hair When Working Out/Sweating

Fake it till you wash it!

Sweaty red hair is not cute, but sometimes it’s unavoidable, especially when you’re working out. Here are a few tips on how to fake having clean red hair when you’re getting your sweat on. 

1. Use dry shampoo

The easiest way to fake having clean red hair is to add some dry shampoo. Not only will it absorb some of the sweat and oils, but it will also cover up any sweat smell you’ve got going on. Dry shampoo also helps add some volume to the hair so it doesn’t look quite as lifeless and dull. 

2. Put it up

When you work out, your roots are usually the part of your hair affected most by sweat and oils. Putting your hair up into a top knot, ponytail or braid can help to hide some of the dirty hair and make it look a little bit cleaner. Try invisibobble’s Original Traceless Spiral Hair Ties with Strong Grip to avoid creases and dents. 

3. Cover it up

Similarly to putting your hair up, you can cover dirty roots with a hat, headband, or hair scarf to help it look cleaner. Your ends probably won’t look dirty so you can leave them out and even style them for a nice fresh look. 

4. Curl it

There’s something about curling that hides all sorts of hair imperfections. Curly hair just looks less dirty than straight hair, so add some heat and top it off with a bit of dry shampoo to zhuzh up the roots.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

The Redhead Eyebrow Product That Went Viral On TikTok

3 million+ views to date!

Updated: November 2nd, 2023

How to be a Redhead released Finally Have Brows in February of 2021 and let’s just say…. redheads are going crazy over it! In a recent TikTok video posted by @HowtobeaRedhead, a customer, Rebecca, is seen applying Finally Have Brows. Viewers get to watch the incredible before/after right before their eyes! With over 3 million views and 9000 comments, this is what commenters are saying about the fan-favorite tinted eyebrow gel for redheads:

 

Watch the TikTok video and scroll through the amazing comments:

@howtobearedhead

@rebecca_joy_johnson uses FinallyHaveBrows! “I love it…” 👩🏻‍🦰

♬ Extra – Tripov

Watch the video on YouTube too:

Learn more about Finally Have Brows:

For the perfect brows, use the Ultra Fine Redhead Brow Pencil’s automatic liner with a built-in grooming brush to fill in brows. Then, use the Volumizing to tint, condition and fluff. Lastly, use the Longwearing to tint, tame and lock. Get ready for fluffy, full, and always natural-looking redhead brows.

SHOP FINALLY HAVE BROWS

What’s next for Finally Have Brows? 

AVAILABLE NOW: Finally Have Brows Clear Brow Gel. It’s best for redheads who want to embrace their natural brow color but desire a fuller/more even look. Tip: This product can also be applied after using Finally Have Brows gels or pencil in Universal Red.

Finally Have Brows® - Clear Brow Gel: $25

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

4 Redhead-Friendly Swimsuit Styles for Any Body Type

Every body is a summer body!

Finding the perfect swimsuit can be a pain, especially if your body doesn’t look like the models you see wearing them. Maybe you’re self-conscious of your tummy, you have thin hips that leave bottoms looking saggy and ill-fitting, or your breasts seem to spill out of every top you try one. Regardless of your body shape, there are swimsuits that will look flattering and stylish. Here are a few of our favorite ‘Redhead Friendly’ swimsuits that will look amazing on any body type. 

1. High-Waisted Bottoms 

High-waisted bikini bottoms look great on every body type. For those with a curvier bottom and stomach, it can provide support and coverage. For those with thin hips, it can help bottoms stay up without gapping. The high waited look also makes your legs look longer. 

Try these styles: Aerie Crossover High Cut Cheeky Bikini Bottoms | T1FE 1SFE Women High Waisted Bikini Bottoms | Summersalt High Leg Mid Rise Bikini Bottoms  

Pair your high-waisted bottoms with a top that gives you the coverage and support you need. 

If you’re small chested try a traditional triangle top or a straight across top to avoid gapping. 

If you’re large chested try something with an underwire to give you more support. 

If you want more coverage try a long-line bikini top or a tankini top. 

If you want something sexy try something with a plunging neckline or some padding. 

2. Mesh Panel One Piece

Kick up your one-piece game with a mesh panel bathing suit. The mesh will add some dimension to the suit and keep it from looking too modest. The Tempt Me mesh suits look great in black, white, or patterned and are size inclusive with a range from 0-22. 

Try these styles:

The Tempt Me High Neck Plunge One Piece is perfect for those who want to show off their chest while having more coverage around their midsection.

The Tempt Me Black Crisscross One Piece is perfect for those who want to accentuate their waist while providing more coverage and support to the chest. 

3. Ruched Swimsuit

Ruching can help pull the focus to different areas of your body or even cover problem spots. Ruching along the top can give the illusion of a larger breast, while ruching on the sides can create a more defined silhouette. Ruched bikini bottoms can help give more coverage to the tummy or accentuate the bottom. 

Ruched Top One Piece – Madewell Second Wave Seersucker Drawstring One-Piece Swimsuit

Ruched Bikini Top – Aerie Ruched Bandeau Bikini Top

Ruched Strapless One-Piece – J. Crew Ruched Bandeau One Piece Swimsuit

4. One-Shoulder One-Piece

There is one bathing suit that’s been making its rounds on the internet as the most universally flattering for all body types. It’s got one shoulder which provides support and coverage in the chest, a nice ruching on the front which helps slim the tummy and comes in both solid and color blocking. The swimsuit in question? The Sidestroke from Summersalt

 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Finally Have Brows®

Tints and tames redhead brows in a single stroke.

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