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Featured Post

Why Madelaine Petsch Should Be One of Your Redhead Style Icons

The "Riverdale" starlet is killing the redhead fashion game

H2BAR fans know we love Madelaine Petsch, we’ve covered some of her most iconic styles, her journey to embracing her red hair, and her absolute girl boss attitude. So it’s probably no surprise that she is one of our top redhead style icons. If you haven’t been keeping up with her style recently you should check it out.

We think all redheads could learn a thing or two from this fiery beauty: 

She loves to be bold

Madelaine isn’t afraid to be bold with her style and wear things that are a little unique. Just like her red hair, her style makes a statement. Recently she’s been seen rocking not one but two larger-than-life patterned looks. 

She doesn’t play by the “rules” 

As redheads, we are often told to stay away from certain colors or only muted shades. Most often we hear to stay away from reds, pinks, and oranges. Madelaine doesn’t let the redhead rules control her style. She is often seen rocking bold colors, especially red and orange. 

She embraces her complexion

Fair skin isn’t the norm in Hollywood, but Madelaine hasn’t let the fame get to her skin. She still rocks her pale complexion and looks dew and glowing as ever. She also doesn’t let her skin tone keep her from rocking off whites or nude shades that are all the rage.

She shows us that style doesn’t have to be expensive 

Most celebs have closets full of designer looks that regular people just aren’t wearing on a daily basis. Madelaine wears her fair share of designer clothes, but she also shows us that style doesn’t have to be expensive. She’s been known to rock Louis Vuttion one day and a chic outfit from SHEIN the next.

She keeps up with the trends 

Madelaine is turning 27 this summer, which makes her a millennial. As we know Gen Z is taking over the style world and leaving millennials in the dust with their skinny jeans. Petsch is still right on trend like with the gorgeous orange number she wore on Jimmy Fallon. 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

 

Featured Post

5 Hottest Nail Colors For Redheads To Try This Summer

Up your #ManiMonday game.

Once summer rolls around, we tend to see a lot of bold nail trends. Some of the bright bold colors can clash with our brilliant red hair and fair skin. Here are 5 ‘Redhead Friendly’ summer nail shades you should try. They will complement your skin tone and look great on both fingers and toes. 

Electric Pink

Bring on the bold with electric pink. This gorgeous summer color will give you a pop of fun without washing you out.

‘Redhead Friendly’ Suggestion: Guishem Fiesta | OPI Telenovela Me About It

Lilac 

For a softer, more dainty look, try a lovely lilac color. Purple tones look amazing on redheads and they won’t clash with your skin tone.

‘Redhead Friendly’ Suggestion:Butter London English Lavender | Essie Lilacism

 

Periwinkle

Not only does periwinkle look amazing against fair skin, but it’s also practically a summer neutral. The beautiful blue tones will have you feeling the summer fun in no time.

‘Redhead Friendly’ Suggestion: Sundays L. 03 Sky | Essie Bikini So Teeny | China Glaze Glamletics

Cobalt Blue

If you really want to rock the boat, kick it up a notch with cobalt. Blue tones look amazing on redheads and this brilliant blue is no exception.

‘Redhead Friendly’ Suggestion: Sally Hansen Pacific Blue | Essie Butler Please | OPI – Tile Art to Your Warm Heart

Beige Nude

If bold summer colors aren’t your thing, try a beige-toned neutral. It will give you warm sand beach vibes while also going with every outfit you wear.

‘Redhead Friendly’ Suggestion: Essie Buns Up | China Glaze I’ll Sand by You

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

 

Featured Post

10 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Beauty Products To Try This Summer

Updated: June 6th, 2023

The H2BAR HQ is constantly testing products and deeming them ‘Redhead Friendly’ approved. Most make it into a monthly or quarterly H2BAR Box, others are favorites we discuss in a post just like this!

Here are some of our favorite redhead-approved for the summer months:

1. 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

 

Finally Glossy® Shine & Luminosity Shampoo for Redheads, $26

2. Face Moisturizer 

There’s nothing like a hydrating, light moisturizer for the summer. We recently fell in love with this one from Merlot. It contains red grape seeds, nature’s most powerful antioxidant and zinc oxide.

Merlot Moisturizer, $17

3. Acne Dots

Heat and humidity, which increase oil production, are popular acne triggers. Try using these easy and effortless FDA-registered acne dots from Ollie Belle to absorb pus and oil. They will help reduce the blemish size and redness without any irritation.

Ollie Belle Cover Dot Acne Care, $15 (for 48 dots) 

4. Exfoliating Mask

Finding a gentle exfoliating mask for our sensitive skin can be tricky. This one from Louloudi Skincare is truly something special. It uses  10% AHA solution to help slough off dead skin, decongest pores and improve the appearance of dull, textured skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion. 

Louloudi Skincare AHHA-AHA Algae Treatment. $48

5. Hair Wash

This gentle, vegan shampoo from Jill Turnbull is like no other. Our co-founder, Adrienne, is obsessed with Jill’s entire hair care line, especially this product. It will leave your red hair feeling and looking great; while maximizing color longevity, protecting against harmful free radicals.

Jill Turnbill No Worries Wash, $32

6. Sunscreen Stick 

A sunscreen stick that’s easy-to-use and travel-friendly is a must for the summer months ahead. Soon Skincare Clear Day Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a gentle, non-oily sunscreen that your redhead skin will love.

Soon Skincare Clear Day Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $32

7. Fact Mist

Redheads, the struggle is real when it comes to mask acne. Try a clarifying facial mist to banish bacteria to keep breakouts at bay. Simply spray this OH.SO MASKne onto your skin 2-3 times a day. Let air dry for several minutes before putting your mask on.

 

OH.SO MASKne, $14

8. Calming Serum

Redness is known to have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin. This calming serum from ClarityRx has been our go-to as the weather heats up. It will significantly improve your redness while softening the skin. Apply 2-3 drops on your face and neck after cleansing and toning.

ClarityRx Take It Easy Calming Serum, $70

 

9. Blowout Primer 

Looking to give yourself a salon-inspired at-home blowout? You’ll first need to make sure you’re protecting your red hair against heat damage (from the blow dryer, curling iron or hair straightener). Prep it first with a primer like Paul Mitchell Neuro Prime HeatCTRL Blowout Primer. 

Apply a small amount to clean, damp hair and blow-dry. Style as desired. 

*If you’re an H2BAR Box subscriber, you received this ‘redhead friendly’ product in your May H2BAR Box.

Paul Mitchell Neuro Prime HeatCTRL Blowout Primer, $22

10. Face Oil

A lightweight, non-irritating and non-oily face oil can be difficult to find. We recently tried CocoKind’s Organic Chia Facial Oil and it didn’t disappoint. It will leave your redhead skin feeling soothed, hydrated, and supple.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

How To Find the Best Blush Color To Complement Your Shade of Red Hair

Find your new favorite summer blush.

Looking for a ‘redhead friendly’ blush color to embrace this summer? It’s all about finding a shade that accentuates your shade of red hair while bringing freshness and warmth to your skin and overall look. And, what’s better than finding your new favorite summer blush that’s also vegan and cruelty-free?! Let’s dive in!

1. Light Red Hair: Glowing Peach Blushes

Peach is very complementing for light red hair. It has a combination of neutral, orange, and pink tones to add warmth to your skin tone and deterring from washed out. It’s perfect to achieve a natural and youthful glow.

Save: e.l.f. Cosmetics Primer-Infused Shimmer Blush in Always Silly, $6

Splurge: Mented Cosmetics Blush in Peach for The Stars, $22

 

2. Warm/Traditional Red Hair: Soft Apricot Blushes

Apricot is best for complementing medium auburn red hair. With yellow-orange hues, apricot brings warmth to your face without adding too much redness.

Save: e.l.f. Cosmetics Blush in Always Peachy, $6

 

Splurge: OFRA Cosmetics Pressed Blush in Apricot, $15

3. Darker Auburn Hair: Cool Coral Blushes

Corals are fabulous for darker-hued auburn hair. With your rich rouge and chocolatey tones, a true coral-red will enhance your scarlet mane.

Save: Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Coral,$6

Splurge: MAC Glow Play Blush in Coral, $30

 

4. Dark Red Hair/Redheads-By-Choice: Dark Cherry Blushes

Dark cherry blushes are phenomenal for orangey-copper redheads. This color is great for a romantic summer evening look or just being your bold self. Whether you’re looking for sultry or smoldering, these dark cherry blushes will make your copper hair pop.

Save: NYX Cosmetics Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush in Red Riot (Matte), $7

 

Splurge: Glossier Cosmetics Cloud Paint in Storm, $18

 

 

Rock it like a Redhead!

Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

 

 

Redhead of the Week

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    Meet Emily and Kelsey

    “Two of my three daughters have red hair! It’s so special watching their bond as they get older,” shares Amy, Emily and Kelsey’s mother.

    READ: 6 Things Every Mother Should Tell Their Redhead Daughter 

    Featured Post

    7 Redhead-Approved Beach Essentials For A Perfect Beach Day

    Are you making plans to head to the beach this summer? As a redhead, you have to be prepared for the sun’s harsh rays while still making time for fun and play. So as you start to plan your summer beach trips, here are some ideas to keep in mind on what to bring this summer.

    1. Umbrella

    The perfect place to hide from the sun’s harmful rays. As a redhead, you don’t want to be caught without an umbrella at the beach –– ever. This Blissun 7.2′ Portable Beach Umbrella comes with a carry bag and is resistant to strong winds, so you never will be caught running after your fly-away umbrella.

    2. Hat

    There is no such thing as too much protection from the sun. A wide-brim hat is perfect for keeping the sun off your face as you walk the beach or boardwalk.

    3. A Book

    For redheads who love to get their summer reading in at the beach, bringing a book is the perfect activity to take a break from the waves as you relax under your umbrella. If you’re looking to honor your red-hair roots, here is a list of seven books featuring redhead literary characters. Also, check out Jennifer Saint’s debut novel, Ariadne about the Princess of Crete, where gorgeous red locks boost the cover.

     

     

    4. Outdoor Games

    While the possibilities of spending your day at the beach are endless, one way is to enjoy your time in the sand as you play a game with some friends. Turn swim-time into game-time with outdoor games like Kan Jam, Spike Ball or Corn Hole.

    5. Sunscreen

    A day at the beach for a redhead is never complete without sunscreen. Featured in the H2BAR shop, the BU Sunscreen 50 SPF is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and ideal for a redhead’s sensitive skin.

    6. Beach Bag

    No beach trip is a success without a sturdy bag to carry all of your belongings. This Mesh Beach Tote Bag is durable enough to hold everything you need, plus it comes with a detachable cooler to keep your water cold. After a day in the sun, hydration is just as important as daily moisturizing to protect a redhead’s sensitive skin.

    7. Beach Blanket

    You won’t have to worry about sticky, wet sand with this Sandfree Beach Blanket.

    As you head to the beach this summer, don’t forget to Rock it like a Redhead!

    Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

     

    Hair + Beauty

    Benzene Was Found in Popular Sunscreens. What Now?

    Dr. Erum Ilyas is the special guest on the newest episode of the How to be a Redhead podcast

    You might have already heard the news. Valisure Labs announced it discovered potentially harmful levels of benzene (a known carcinogen) in several popular sun care products. No amount of benzene is safe, but Valisure noted that it is especially harmful in large amounts. Neutrogena, Sun Bum, CVS Health, and Fruit of the Earth were among the brands with the highest levels of the carcinogen, per the lab’s results.

    Now what?

    Adrienne and Stephanie did an “urgent” podcast episode about this topic. Redheads are applying sunscreen to prevent cancer, so the thought of sunscreen causing cancer is frightening. Podcast guest, Dr. Erum Ilyas, talks about the study, what sunscreen products to look for and preaches about the importance of always wearing the right sunscreen.

    Dr. Illyas focuses on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and skin cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Ilyas has served with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons as a State Advocacy Leader. She’s also the founder of AmberNoon, a contemporary clothing line that protects skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW, CLICK HERE FOR ITUNES OR SEARCH FOR “HOW TO BE A REDHEAD” WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS

     

    Here are some of the questions asked and some of her recommendations:

    1. Valisure, a lab and online pharmacy that regularly tests consumer products, explains it analyzed 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun products from 69 brands. Benzene was detected in 78 (over a quarter) of those batches—and 14 of them contained more than the FDA’s limit of 2 parts per million (ppm). What does the report mean exactly? Should we be worried?

    2. As a skincare professional yourself who has really dedicated her life to sun protection, did this news surprise you?

    3. What are your top 1 or 2 recommended sunscreens?

    Always search for sunscreens with zinc as the top and main ingredient when reading the back of the sunscreen bottle.

    If the sunscreen says “baby” on it, chances are it is good for you.

    Top sunscreens to shop:

     
    4. So many people do not want to talk about skin cancer. But, it’s real and it’s serious. Redheads are said to have melanoma more than any hair color because of the MC1R gene — even without exposure to the sun. What do you know about these facts?

    5. So many of us are now worried about sunscreen being harmful too. But, wearing sunscreen is always essential. What tips do you have for redheads who are now scared to wear sunscreen?

    LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW, CLICK HERE FOR ITUNES OR SEARCH FOR “HOW TO BE A REDHEAD” WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS

     

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

     

     

     

    Hair + Beauty

    What To Know: Popular Sunscreens Contaminated with Carcinogen

    Benzene was detected in 78 batches of popular sunscreen and after-sun products, per a new report.

    Sunscreen is a crucial step in a redhead’s skincare routine, but some brands might not be living up to their safety promises. Last week, an independent lab called Valisure Labs, announced it discovered potentially harmful levels of benzene (a known carcinogen) in several popular sun-care products. No amount of benzene is safe, but Valisure noted that it is especially harmful in large amounts.

    Now, they’re calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall the affected batches. In a report released May 24, Valisure explains it analyzed 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun products from 69 brands. Benzene was detected in 78 (over a quarter) of those batches—and 14 of them contained more than the FDA’s limit of 2 parts per million (ppm).

    “Sprays, gels, and lotions with both chemical and mineral-based formulations contained benzene,” Valisure writes.

    Neutrogena, Sun Bum, CVS Health, and Fruit of the Earth were among the brands with the highest levels of the carcinogen, per the lab’s results.

    What is benzene? 

    Benzene takes the form of a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s used in plastic production and appears in gasoline and cigarette smoke. Long-term exposure to benzene primarily impacts the blood, the CDC notes, potentially leading to leukemia and other blood disorders.

    It’s believed that the contamination in sunscreen is more likely a result of the manufacturing process.

    Here is the complete list of the various batches of sunscreen and after-sun care products in which benzene was detected at 2 ppm or higher: 

    For a complete list of various batches of sunscreen for which benzene was not detected through initial analysis of at least one sample from each batch, see the complete list here. The picks below contained no benzene, per the report:

     

    Are you wondering how dangerous this all is? 

    For now, we can’t be sure. The FDA classifies benzene as a Class 1 solvent, meaning it should be avoided in the manufacturing of drugs and drug products unless absolutely necessary. There isn’t any measure of how much benzene is safe to include in sun-care products.

    It’s understandable to throw away any of the sunscreens cited in the report. Valisure recommends disposing of the affected batches—and you can even reach out to the lab to send it a sample of your SPF before tossing it.

    Important: don’t stop using sunscreen! 

     

     

    It’s crucial to protect your redhead skin from damaging UV rays and remember, redheads are more prone to melanoma than other sunscreens. Make sure you’re using a safe sunscreen — like the items included in H2BAR Boxes — and Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

     

    Featured Post

    How To Go From Fading Red Hair to Vibrant Red Hair in 20 Minutes

    This process is great for natural redheads or anyone looking to enhance their red without permanent dyes

    Updated: October 30th, 2023

    As many know, the H2BAR Box is a quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads!

    For the April H2BAR Box, we sent all monthly subscribers oVertone Ginger Color Depositing Conditioner  — demonstrated in the below how-to video.

    It is made with: 100% vegan, cruelty-free formula; effective on all hair types and curl-friendly; free of ammonia, parabens, and sulfates. It is a non-permanent color depositing product.

    Stephanie, the co-founder of How to be a Redhead/H2BAR Box and a natural redhead, shows you how she applies the oVertone Ginger Color Depositing Conditioner to her natural red hair!

    Her hair fades and she says, “This product gets me back to vibrant red hair quick and easy at home! One of my favorite products EVER.”

    STEPS:

    1. Use gloves and Stephanie prefers to apply on her dry red hair.

    2. Section hair and apply the product throughout.

    3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

    4. Rinse with warm water or a sulfate-free shampoo of your choice.

    5. You’ll see the color immediately!

    6. Style as usual ‍

    Important disclaimers: Always strip test before using and use directions below for best results. Do not use if you have bleach/dyed blonde streaks in hair, it may turn hair pink.

     

    If you are looking for an alternative to color-depositing shampoo, 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.

    redhead shampoo

    SHOP FINALLY GLOSSY NOW

    Looking for the perfect hair towel to go with your new shampoo? 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.

    Redhead of the Week

    Be the Redhead of the Week

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      Meet Samantha

      “I love my red hair because it makes me unique. It’s always a fun topic of discussion since I’m the only redhead in my family!”

      Featured Post

      How Redheads Can Do a Skin Self-Exam at Home

      Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. It is largely preventable, and if caught early, is usually curable. And, on top of it, redheads are more susceptible to melanoma. It’s crucial to protect your redhead skin year-round and get your skin checked by a dermatologist once a year. We suggest scheduling your dermatologist appointment after the summer months (usually around October) since you’ve been in the sun more in the past several months.

      Did you also know you can spot skin cancer right at home? All you need are your eyes and a mirror. Many doctors recommend checking your skin about once a month. Here’s how to do a thorough skin self-exam right at home:

      1. Stand in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. 

      Check your entire front body including your face, neck, chest, belly, legs, arms and under your breasts. Don’t forget the tops of your palms, fingers, fingernails, toes, toenails and scalp.

      The first time you examine your skin, spend time carefully going over the entire surface. Learn the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so that you’ll notice any changes next time. Be sure to show your doctor any areas that concern you.

      2. Have a partner or friend check for areas you cannot see, like your back. If you’re by yourself, use a handheld mirror.

      Don’t forget the backs of your ears, upper and lower back and back of the neck.

      3. Take a picture of anything that looks spacious.

      This will help you follow these areas closely to compare growth or discoloration.

      4. Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you spot any spacious freckles, moles or markings.*

      Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

      • A new, expanding, or changing growth, spot, or bump on the skin
      • A sore that bleeds and/or doesn’t heal after several weeks
      • A rough or scaly red patch, which might crust or bleed
      • A wart-like growth
      • A mole (or other spot on the skin) that’s new or changing in size, shape, or color
      • A mole with an odd shape, irregular borders, or areas of different colors

      Use this helpful graphic to spot any spacious mole, blemish or freckle: 

      *If you’re looking at your skin (during a skin-self exam or at any other time) and see anything that concerns you, be sure to have it checked by a doctor.

      Rock it like a Redhead! 

      Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

       

       

      Redhead of the Week

      Be the Redhead of the Week

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        Meet Elizabeth

        “I love being a redhead because it sets me apart from others. I am easily remembered and recognized,” she shares.

        Finally Have Brows®

        Tints and tames redhead brows in a single stroke.

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