In high school, Kallie was in a clique with four blondes. “It was pretty rough being a redhead in school,” she says. “The redhead jokes were limitless, like ‘carrot top’. But, after hundreds of old ladies commented on my hair saying they pay hundreds of dollars to get my color, I finally decided to accept it.” Kallie has learned to love her red hair and would not think twice about coloring it. She loves being a redhead!
"Coconut oil probably has some sun protection factor ability but not nearly enough to protect a fair redhead from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays."
We’ve heard it time and time again: redheads are more susceptible to melanoma. A mutation in a gene called MC1R gives redheads their hair color and fair skin. A US study suggests this same mutation triggers a cancer-causing signalling pathway when redheads are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
It is absolutely appropriate for redheads to be concerned about sun exposure and its potential damaging side effects of the ultraviolet light. But, there are also concerns about sunscreens containing harmful chemicals. Many women, especially redheads, are turning to coconut oil as as a sunscreen.
We turned to Board Certified Dermatologist, Fayne L. Frey, MD, to ask: Is coconut oil a safe alternative to sunscreen?
“Most redheads are predisposed to sun damage due to their genetic makeup and fair skin,” says Dr. Frey. “Here’s the scoop on coconut oil. There is a study in the medical literature about coconut oil and its effectiveness as a sunscreen. The purpose of this study, however, was to measure the sun protection factor (SPF) of herbal oils that are commonly found in sunscreen formulations.”
In the 2004 study, the oils that blocked the most UV radiation (40 percent or more) were neem seed, sunflower, sesame, and cod liver oils. Cod liver oil was the most effective, blocking up to 90 percent. In contrast, the other four oils blocked less than 40 percent. Next to castor oil, coconut oil allowed the greatest penetration, blocking only about 20 percent of the UV light.
Judging from this study, the SPF of coconut oil would probably be rated very low.
Coconut oil has been used by millions of people in the tropics as their sole source of protection from sunburns and skin cancer.
Dr. Frey says the study was not meant to show evidence of these oils as a sunscreen themselves and that the study did not use human skin to measure its SPF quality. “The result did indicate that a 0.1% coconut oil solution (prepared from a 1% v/v of oil in ethanol and water solution, 40:60), at least by in vitro analysis did show coconut oil to have an SPF protection of 8, well below the SPF 30 recommendation by the American Academy of Dermatology.”
To date, Dr. Frey has never seen a DIY option in the medical literature for sunscreen that meets the recommendations of skin experts or that has shown to provide SPF of 30 or higher, and protects 97% of UVB rays. “Coconut oil probably has some sun protection factor ability but not nearly enough to protect a fair redhead from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays,” she concludes.
There we have it, redheads. If you love coconut oil (like most of us do), apply it after your wash your skin to moisturize your skin. Then, apply your sunscreen before makeup.
As a redhead, finding products that accentuate my fair skin but still look fabulous is HARD! It’s always a tough balance to find the perfect blush or bronzer.
This blush is always raved about by beauty insiders and I must agree with them. NARS always does such an amazing job, and the color is perfect for fair skin and red hair.
This trio of blushes from Too Faced is a favorite if you want a little glow with your blush. It’s perfect for a redhead’s skin complexion and gives a lovely luminous glow.
When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a Tarte blush. These two shades are fantastic and have 12-hour staying power, so no need to reapply during the day. Plus, did you know Tarte’s founder, Maureen Kelly, is a gorgeous redhead?!
This stuff has some SERIOUS staying power. It’s the perfect peachy glow that won’t budge during your summer activities. Water, sweat, wind, sun- none of that can move this powder blush. It is highly pigmented, so it doesn’t take much.
It is my go-to daily bronzer in the summer. It gives lovely color without being too orange, dark or ruddy on my skin. I look naturally sun-kissed and that makes every day better. It’s also waterproof. BONUS!
Babies are delicate creatures, and redheaded babies doubly so. As a new parent of a little ginger tot, I’ve spent tons of time and money trying to find products not only for his sensitive baby skin but relatively free of toxins and nasty chemicals. Admittedly, I am a classic neurotic first-time mom, worrying endlessly about the products I use on my precious angel. But given my easily-angered skin, I had a hunch my son would likely be burdened with the same, and lo and behold, he was!
A huge help in my research was the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, the Environmental Working Group’s searchable database of toxic ingredients in cosmetic and personal care products. This handy site ranks every baby care item you could dream of, so you can be sure your little one is only getting slathered with the safest of stuff that won’t irritate their skin.
Below, find a list of my favorite baby redhead-approved items:
This product can be used on anything you would use petroleum jelly for and more. It is a great all-natural alternative moisturizer to soothe and protect your baby’s skin and hair.
This natural diaper rash cream includes ingredients such as ultra-purified lanolin, vitamin-grade zinc (12%) and vitamin E, in addition to tea tree and aloe vera. It contains a calming aromatherapy blend that includes French lavender, which will be very soothing on your redhead baby.
I tried MANY kinds of all-natural wipes before settling on this brand as my favorite. They’re fragrance-free, chlorine-free, and made from 99% plants-based ingredients, which is nice for something you use so very often in a delicate area. But unlike some other brands I tried, they are thick and effective, even with the most explosive of diapers.
An apricot oil with lavender flower (so it smells amazing), this all-natural oil helped cure some seriously bad Cradle Cap on my little guy. I also used it as a general moisturizer after bath time and it helped keep his skin soft and happy! Lavender is also known to be a calming scent, which makes this oil a great part of the bedtime routine.
This is a mineral rather than chemical sunscreen, which makes it perfect for beach-bound babes. It rubs in easily, smells good, and didn’t irritate my baby’s sensitive skin. The high SPF gave me peace of mind on baby’s first beach trip!
After reading about the less than lovely ingredients found in mainstream baby shampoos, I made it my mission to find one that would clean my grubby kid without the chemicals (babies get surprisingly filthy!). This product doubles as body wash and shampoo, it’s fragrance-free, and it even creates a nice lather, something you often miss with all-natural shampoo/wash. My guy has never been bothered by it getting into his eyes, either, which makes bath time a much happier experience for everyone. I’ve also been using natural sea sponges after those dinky baby wash clothes weren’t doing the trick. It really helps get into those chubby baby crevasses!
When your baby is screaming in your face for no apparent reason, you’ll reach for anything that might help. Enter Gripe Water, a natural remedy for painful gas bubbles. When I wasn’t sure gas was the culprit of the tears, I felt better giving this to my baby rather than anti-gas drops–in case the medicine was unnecessary. Dare I say it quieted him down and seemed to make him more comfortable more often than not?
Do you have any favorite all-natural baby products? Let us know in the comments!
For everyone who enters or votes, PCA SKIN will donate $1 to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Skin cancer is prevalent amongst redheads because our skin is (in most cases) very fair and susceptible to sunburns. Excessive burning can lead to skin cancer. It was recently found that redheads are more susceptabile to Melanoma. A mutation in a gene called MC1R gives redheads their hair color and fair skin. Now a new US study suggests this same mutation triggers a cancer-causing signalling pathway when redheads are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Most people, especially redheads, know they should use sunscreen. But, a few people know that 90% of your wrinkles are caused by the sun. These UV rays are present with equal strength year round AND go through glass. So it is just as important to wear sunscreen in December when you are riding in a car or sitting in your office near a window as it is to sit on the beach in the summer.
We’re excited to team up with PCA SKIN, a global organization serves over 8,000 medical and aesthetic practices, with products sold in over 50 countries around the globe. The line is dedicated to the science of healthy skin. Plus, they have a line of sensitive skin products for us redheads! Now that is cool.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and PCA SKIN wants to encourage the use of wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen every day. To promote their passion for cancer-free skin, they are hosting a social media contest. For everyone who enters or votes, PCA SKIN will donate $1 to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF).
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Simply snap of photo of your PCA SKIN sunscreen in action and get creative!
Your hair is red, so use it to your advantage. Take a selfie while you’re applying your morning SPF, shoot your SPF on your towel at the beach, or show off your photo-styling skills and stage an Instagram-worthy pic.*
3. Once entries are locked in on May 25th, voting will begin on May 26th and end on May 31st. Winners will be announced on June 3rd.
4. The Prizes! Two grand prize winner’s could win a year’s supply of PCA SKIN broad spectrum sunscreen and an outdoor swag package: beach cruiser, designer tote, aviator sunglasses and a summer fedora.
Total value: over $800.
Redheads, let’s make it our goal to wear sunscreen no matter what. A great tip is to apply sunscreen after the shower and before you get dressed. This way, you are sure to cover all parts and don’t have to worry about getting sunscreen on your clothes. And, keep a light weight scarf in your glove compartment – cover your neck and chest when driving. Make sure to always keep an SPF 30 or higher beach umbrella in your car and use it for whenever you are sitting out in the sun.
*Remember, all entries must include a PCA SKIN sunscreen to be eligible. PCA SKIN panel will choose an entry based on creativity, and photo quality. Post sponsored by PCA SKIN.
It’s almost like we belong to an elite club — but we have to pass each other’s (silent) test first.
1. Ooo yay! Another redhead. I’m not the only one in this crowd.
2. But I sort of like being the only one…
3. Is that even red hair? Maybe it’s a really light brown and the light is making it look red.
Photo via Harpers Bazaar via Fall 2014 Fashion Week
4. Nope. Red.
5. Bet it’s dyed though. Yeah, it’s totally a bottle shade.
6. Well maybe not. It looks pretty natural, actually. If it is dyed it’s really good and I should find out who her colorist is for when I start to go grey.
7. Her bangs look really good, should I get bangs?
8. Should I go say hi? We reds are usually pretty friendly.
Keesler (bottom left) wants to use her Redhead of the Week spotlight to raise awareness for melanoma. As a teenager, she always hated her pale skin and thought that she looked sickly without a tan. Because of this, she would tan all year round, indoors and outdoors, and would feel proud that she was one of the few redheads that could actually hold a tan. (She attributes this to her brown eyes.) At the age of 22, she was diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma, and despite stopping her tanning sessions, she was diagnosed with melanoma again last year at the age of 28.
“Since my diagnoses, I have embraced my paleness and have tried to spread the word to others that being pale is beautiful,” says Keesler.
Redheads, meet Madeline Stuart. She’s 18 years old, from Brisbane, Australia and has down syndrome. Her mission is to not only model, but change the way society thinks about people with down syndrome, models themselves.. and having vibrant red hair. See more of her modeling photos below:
Comment below to encourage her to continue pursuing her dreams.
When it comes to women getting ready in the morning, it can be a very time-consuming process. Either it’s Monday morning and we don’t want to get out of bed, or we’re a little pressed for time and can’t fit everything in before we have to head out the door.
For me, the most time-consuming part of my morning routine is my red hair –– specifically washing it. From drying to styling, it can take up to an hour for my red hair to look great. However, there are some ways to work around this:
Here are 6 ways to fake clean hair:
1. Dry shampoo
Of course, the most common one is using dry shampoo. It’s probably the quickest fix to clean hair in a pinch, and you can always bring it with you and use it in the bathroom of your school or workplace, so there’s no need to always do it at home.
My old college roommate used baby powder every single day. Putting baby powder in the hair acts like a dry shampoo by absorbing the excess oils from your hair. This allows it to not look as greasy and it lasts all day. It also gives a fresh and clean smell to the hair even though you didn’t wash it that day.
Tip: Don’t use too much or the whiteness of the product will lighten your red hair.
3. Cornstarch
Cornstarch works well because it is a corn flour which absorbs the oil from your hair. If you’re worried that the cornstarch residue will cause your hair to look faded, mix cinnamon with cornstarch equal parts. Read more here!
4. Fun hairstyles
Sometimes all you have to do is wear your hair up to fake the look of clean hair. When your hair is down, it’s more obvious that it’s not clean because the natural oils can part the hair in funky ways. It’s less noticeable when it’s up in a beautiful updo. The two simple updos that I go with are ponytails and sock buns.
This is sometimes the only way to successfully wear the hair down when you didn’t wash it! By wearing a thick headband, your greasy spots will go unnoticed, since the top of your head is where the grease is mostly seen.
6. Braids:
If you can braid hair quickly, this is also a great way to hide oil. The oil makes the braid stay in place better than when hair is clean.
Obviously, being a redhead is unique and awesome. I recently did research on natural redheads and found some facts to be astonishing. Who knew people with red hair actually have less hair or generate their own Vitamin D? More to come below, but it’s very fascinating stuff. My advice is to never look at any of these “redhead facts” as negative, we are unique, one-of-a-kind women!
Here are 13 astounding realities about red hair you probably never knew about:
1. Redheads have a higher risk of getting melanoma.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The pigmentation in our skin and the MC1R mutation that makes us redheads creates a pathway to cancer when combined with UV rays. We are at the highest risk of other forms of skin cancer as well. This is why it’s pivotal to wear sunscreen every single day of the year.
2. Redheads may be at high risk for Parkinson’s Disease.
A Harvard study found that redheads are at a 90% higher risk for Parkinson’s disease. Yikes.
UPDATE: Investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital recently found that mice carrying a variant of the MC1R gene may be at a risk of getting Parkinson’s. People with MC1R produce less dopamine in the part of the brain where neurons making the neurotransmitter are destroyed during Parkinson’s disease. Second, they seem to be more susceptible to toxins that damage those neurons.
The study goes on to suggest that activating the MC1R gene, thereby reversing the mutation seen in redheads, may offer protective benefits against Parkinson’s.
“Our findings suggest further investigation into the potential of MC1R-activating agents as novel neuroprotective therapies for PD, and together with epidemiological evidence, may offer information that could guide those carrying MC1R variants to seek advice from dermatologists or neurologists about their personal risk for melanoma and Parkinson’s disease,” states lead author Xiqun Chen.
3. Redheads are more sensitive to pain.
We feel pain much more severely and we need 20% more anesthesia than others. The good thing? Most doctors know this fact and I know from experience.
4. Redheads have more dental office phobias than any other hair color.
Because of our low reaction to numbing medications like novocaine, we don’t like going to the dentist. Take it from me. I had several shots in the gum and yet I still felt my wisdom tooth being pulled. I’ve always been afraid of the dentist. However, we redheads are tough and can handle it.
5. Women with red hair are at a 30% higher risk for endometriosis.
This is a uterine problem with tissue surrounding the uterus causing pain and can also make it very difficult to get pregnant.
6. Redheads have less hair.
A study proves redheads are at the lowest with an average of 90,000 strands of hair. BUT, we do have thicker strands, which is probably why I have so much hair.
I knew we were magical creatures. When exposed to UV rays, redheads normally burn to a crisp! However, we produce enough Vitamin D for our skin in low light conditions. That’s almost like having a super power. Who needs tanning…or osteoporosis for that matter.
8. Redheads are rare!
Our locks might as well be diamonds because redheads cover about 2% of the population. If you’re like me, a blue-eyed redhead, then you only cover about 1%; making us the rarest in the world. There’s nothing I love more than being unique.
9. Redheads don’t go gray as easily or, in most cases, at all.
Usually, redheads go straight from red to blondish to white.
Jessica Chastain and her grandmother, a natural redhead.
10. Redheads have a higher libido.
I want to keep this very family-friendly, but you’ve heard the rumors and if you’re a redhead reading this, you already know about our other superpowers…in the bedroom.
11. Redheads are more likely to be left-handed.
Scientists have also proven that left-handed people live longer.
12. Redheads are NOT going extinct.
This is a rumor. Red hair may become rarer, but we will always be around. Actually, there were redheaded neanderthals.
13. Redheads have genes to thank for their tresses. Research shows red hair usually results from a mutation in a gene called MC1R, which codes for the melanocortin-1 receptor.
And since MC1R is a mutation, I guess that makes us X-men. *Wink Wink*
Redheads are fabulously unique and amazing. Each and every one of us is beautiful. Rock it like a Redhead!
Research derived from Everyday Health & Live Science. Main photo copyright of How to be a Redhead, shot at the Rock it like a Redhead Austin Event on April 30, 2015.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get anymore glamorous than the Met Ball, the annual Cannes Film Festival sets the fashion stakes even higher. The festival is a 12-day event chock-full of red carpet premieres and fabulous soirees. From May 13- May 25th, we will be featuring our favorite redhead looks below:
DAY 1:
Julianne Moore attending the opening ceremony of the 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival. She is wearing Armani Prive gown and Chopard jewelry.
DAY 2:
Julianne Moore attending the premiere of the Mad Max Fury Road on May 14, 2015. She is wearing custom Givenchy.
DAY 3:
Emma Stone returned to the red carpet for the first time since the Oscars for the Irrational Man press premiere on May 15, 2015 in Cannes, France. She frequently changes her hair color from strong red to light red, and we love the light, summer-y feel of her entire look.
Later that day, the actress hit the red carpet premiere of Irrational Man. She wore a Dior sleeveless muted colored gown covered in lace which included an elaborate train and open back.
Stay tuned right here for updates on the red carpet looks. Rock it like a Redhead!
Main Photo: Jessica Chastain at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
What mistakes did you make when you first started wearing makeup?
Updated: September 12th, 2023
When I first began wearing makeup, I bought deep black mascara, the blackest-of-black eyeliner, and a concealer that was too dark for my skin tone. Although my mother, who is also a redhead, advised me against these color choices, I wanted to be like everyone else. Eventually, I realized that these colors did not look natural and were not all that flattering. And, thanks to H2BAR, we have great beauty tips for redheads and makeup products just for us at a click of a button. Knowing what I know now, I wanted to provide a simple list of items redheads can’t go without.
Plus, the products recommended are clean/paraben free. This is also a basic tip when shopping for products for your redhead life: make sure they’re clean and safe for sensitive skin. You will want to make sure the products are paraben-free, cruelty-free, non-GMO, vegan, made in the USA and designed for sensitive redheads. Also, make sure it is made without alcohol, gluten, oil, paragons, phthalates, silicones or talc.
Although these makeup mistakes are funny now, I would have loved this list of the best ‘beginner’ redhead makeup tips:
1. Auburn/Brown Mascara
Don’t get me wrong, I still have a black mascara on-hand for special occasions, but for the no-makeup look, I love Finally Have Lashes Auburn + Brown. They’re still dark enough to enhance and elongate lashes, but not so harsh that it clashes with light brows. I also find that auburn/brown mascara brings out and complements my freckles too.
‘Redhead Friendly’ Tip: If you are still clinging to your black mascara, or are too afraid to go deep on the eye, it’s fun to use auburn/brown on the top and brown/black on the bottom, or vise versa.
Finally Have Lashes is new & improved! With a new brush, updated formula + new H2BAR Extension Technology®, curl, lift & lengthen your lashes with a sensitive-friendly formula. Two new shades are introduced to the line so you can expand your selection of redhead mascara. Shop the Finally Have Lashes line now
2. Cat Eye
Red hair is so bold and beautiful. Pair your look with a classic cat-eye using your favorite liquid eyeliner. You can choose black, blue, brown or green – whichever suits your personality. This can be a daytime look with a small wing, or a dramatically bold statement for a fun night out.
3. Blush and Bronzer
Blush on a redhead is gorgeous! I interchange between blush and bronzer depending on the season and the look I’m going for. I typically wear more blush in the winter because I find it matches well with my wardrobe. I like to apply a little bit of bronzer to my cheekbones and temples during the summer months.
4. Eyeshadow + Lip Color
Shades of peach, copper, and plum look beautiful on a redhead. Peaches bring out the soft tones of the hair and illuminate the pink undertones of the skin. Plums and coppers are great because they really help to warm up the eyes and in turn the rest of the face.
Simply applying a lip balm is a great everyday go-to, especially if it contains an SPF. Lip colors are also a really fun way to play with color. A bright pink or a radiant red paired with fair skin and red hair makes for a stunning look.
‘Redhead Friendly’ Tip: Apply a lip balm before lipstick for lasting color and an easier application.
5. Foundation
Remember, less is more. Most redheads go through the stage of wanting their skin to be darker, so they choose a darker foundation. Don’t do it! Go the natural route. Choose a redhead-approved liquid foundation or a simple mineral powder. If you have freckles, don’t cover them up. Let your skin shine through.
6. Eyebrows
You have to save the best for last. If you have fair eyebrows, you will love the Finally Have Brows line. Yes, the line is paraben-free, cruelty-free, non-GMO, vegan, made in the USA and designed for sensitive redheads. It is also made without alcohol, gluten, oil, paragons, phthalates, silicones or talc. Want to know more about the products and how they work?
Finally Have Brows Longwearing: Redheads know how hard it can be to tame brows. The long brush allows you to have more control + provides a taming effect. The Universal Red shades provide incredibly natural-looking brows and locks in the look so you can use the product once and confidently move throughout your day. Go for a long run, do Zoom calls from 9AM-5PM and/or have a busy day juggling a million things — Finally Have Brows will do all the work for you.
Finally Have Brows Volumizing: The brush is shorter to provide definition and fullness, and beautifully thickens and conditions brows in the shade Universal Red.
Finally Have Brows Ultra Fine Pencil: Automatic fine liner with a built-in grooming brush to create incredibly natural-looking redhead brows. In shade Universal Red, all redheads can use this shade in the redhead makeup routine. Easy & fast brow filling. This custom redhead-specific glide-on formula lasts for up to 10 hours. Go from no brows to filled & defined brows in seconds.
But the ‘Universal Red’ color is made for all redheads so you can’t go wrong!
‘Redhead Friendly’ Tip: Do not try to match your brows to your hair. It’s a big redhead makeup mistake.
