At the young age of three, Clare is so proud to be a redhead. “I hope that Clare’s father and I can continue to foster this pride and that her uniqueness will continue to shine,” says Clare’s mother, Jane.
Growing up as a redhead, feeling uncomfortable in my body was my norm. Hardly anyone shared my hair color; my skin was impossibly, and constantly, pale; and whether or not I was embarrassed, I frequently flushed deep red.
I had cousins with a richer red hue to their hair, friends with naturally bronzed skin, and siblings who never blushed. Whatever lottery decided appearances; I was convinced I’d lost. I felt alone: others had insecurities, but no one had my insecurities.
There was no escaping it either – everything about me was bright. Curious peers made unintentionally hurtful comments about how funny it was to make me blush on command, or how crazy my hair was. To make matters worse, makeup and hair styling techniques were a mystery to me. At that age, I could rock some heavy-duty eyeliner and a ponytail but anything beyond those may as well have been rocket science.
And then that most awkward phase, puberty, finished. My hair didn’t change color, but it became curly (another story altogether) and I stopped cutting it all off. My skin didn’t darken, but I noticed delicate patterns of freckles. My cheeks didn’t stop blushing, but it became constant and seemed intentional.
Now I wear my hair with pride. I feel solidarity with other redheads and curiosity from everyone else. I will always be frighteningly pale in the winter, and become a lobster all too easily in the summer, but I wouldn’t trade my hair for anyone else’s.
Here are my best tips to share in that glow of pride:
1. Focus on the idea that your unique hair is incredibly special, not weird!
2. Be patient. Especially in your teens. You will grow into yourself.
3. Search out a community of other redheads, like you’ve got here on How to be a Redhead.
4. Embrace your brightness and never be ashamed again.
There are so few of us redheads that we don’t seem to have any other option. We are a glorious pop of color.
Rebekah Forecast was named by Allure’s Directory in March 2010 as one of the best hairstylists in NYC. Clients like Victoria’s Secret, with whom she has worked with for over 15 years, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Real Simple look to her for innovation, professionalism, and skill.
Her clients include Amber Heard, Diane Keaton, Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, and some of our favorite redheads, like Cynthia Nixon, Stella McCartney and Sarah Ferguson.
We had the opportunity to speak with Rebekah about her favorite hair tips for women with red hair:
H2BAR: What hair care advice do you have for natural redheads?
RF: Natural redheads tend to have dry hair, so use plenty of conditioner and go light on the heat styling.
H2BAR: What hair care advice do you have for those who are redheads ‘by choice’?
RF: Love a redhead! Keep the shine with a glaze or a color depositing shampoo/conditioner.
H2BAR:We know you’ve worked on one of our favorite redheads, Cynthia Nixon [famous for her role on Sex and the City], many times. What is her favorite hairstyle?
RF: Cynthia is naturally a blonde but she is very into the shorter hair trend right now
H2BAR: Sarah Ferguson is a timeless redhead. What are your favorite ways to style her locks?
RF: She likes to look natural and not stiff so different size barrel irons are good to create a natural texture.
H2BAR:All redheads, natural and by choice, want to know how they can keep their hair vibrant all the time. Any expert tips?
RF: For natural redheads, use a great conditioner like the Hair Food line which will restore and retain hairs natural nutrients. For redheads by choice, use a color enhancing treatment like a glaze with warm tones to freshen up the warmth.
H2BAR: How do you feel about natural remedies for the hair?
RF: I have to say I stay away from natural remedies and let the professional hair care companies do the work for me. Natural products that are already formulated make my life so much easier, but if I do use a natural remedy it would be ocean water for beach waves when I am on photo shoots.
Simple’s products are designed for sensitive skin, so naturally, redheads can always depend on this line for their daily facial needs. If you’ve ever struggled to wipe away mascara and ended up irritating the skin around your eye, you will understand why we love Simple’s Cleansing Wipes. They are tough on makeup, but gentle on skin. They refresh and nourish your redhead skin plus remove waterproof mascara in just one step. Simple facial wipes have no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants that can upset your skin. And they contain triple purified water to provide instant hydration and reduce the potential for irritation. They’re perfect for when you’re on the go or after the gym when you need a quick cleanse, no rinsing required.
We are giving away 3 of the following items to 1 winner:
(1) Pack of Radiance Cleansing Wipes
(1) Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On
(1) $75 Walmart Gift Card
Discover the products here & enter to win below:
Enter by using the comment section below. Tell us: Which Simple Facial Wipes from the Walmart landing page would work best for you? How to be a Redhead & Simple Skincare are interested in hearing the story behind your redhead skin too.
We’ve chosen our top 5 shampoo and conditioner combos for redheads; whether you have coarse, thin, thick or lifeless hair. Each item has been tested on a redhead for a minimum of 10 days and deemed ‘Redhead Friendly‘. Click through the below to see which one fits your hair needs:
Madrid-based photographer Marta Soul is a founding member of NOPHOTO, a collective of contemporary photographers. Her projects reflect on the interplay between images and reality. In one of her series named, Idilios, she writes, ‘Idilios’ (Spanish lyrical word for ‘romances’ in English) shows a series of romantic recreations by the same redhead woman.
The series is constructed in an ideal context in order to accentuate the romantic love experience. So, we thought we’d combine the romantic with the factual using her beautiful artwork:
1. Redhead women are extraordinary and loyal.
She will always be by your side.
2. Redheads are usually fiery and opinionated, and will help to make the tough decisions.
Sit back and don’t worry!
3. Redheads are passionate.
You never have to worry about life being boring.
4. All women exude confidence, but women with red hair (arguably) show even more.
As a child Meghan didn’t like her curly red hair because it was “different”. “Kids don’t like to stand out,” says Meghan. “But today, as an adult, I love and embrace my red hair!” She is incredibly grateful for a feature that sets her apart from the rest.
In the 1st video with Clinique, Adrienne & Stephanie discussed fair skin foundation and how to apply it to the skin. They’re back in the Clinique Studios to discuss blemishes and how to cover them up. We usually recommend letting skin breathe if you suffer from acne, but Clinique has some amazing acne-fighting products; they let you conceal while curing the pimple. Basically, they are miracles sent from the skin gods above (especially for redheads with sensitive skin).
Make sure to check out the products below that were mentioned in the video. Enjoy!
Shades Used: Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer in Shade 01 and Clinique Acne Solutions Powder Makeup in Fair.
Many redheads think they cannot wear certain colors with their red hair. They either feel it’ll clash with their red hair (red, cranberry) or wash them out (white, beige, pink). It can take a redhead years to embrace color. We’re here to say redheads can wear any color. The trick? It has to be done right. Read on to learn some fashion myths every redhead should break this spring.
1. MYTH: Redheads can’t wear red.
Don’t be afraid of this color clashing with your red hair. Red looks stunning on a redhead. Red hair, red lipstick and a red dress is a triple threat on any redhead. If you’re a little weary, start off with red pants or a red skirt. You can also incorporate a red necklace and then build up to a red top, turtleneck and jumper.
Blue brings out the best features on a redhead. Try shades like baby blue or turquoise to really make your red hair pop. Pair either color with a bright fuchsia lip.
Light pink or a deep, high-intensity pink like fuchsia are two ways you can incorporate this bright color into your wardrobe. Try it on a dress, jumper or even on your lips.
4. MYTH: Redheads can’t wear white.
There’s nothing like red hair, a white dress or blouse and a pop of pink lipstick. Another ‘redhead friendly’ triple threat. Pairing white with a pop of color on your lips will make the white not look washed out. Opt for a bright white instead of a yellow-based or beige-based white.
5. MYTH: Redheads can’t wear yellow.
Yes, beauties, you can rock this gorgeous bright color. Try a yellow sundress in a shade that complements your skin tone (like yellow mustard or cool-toned yellow), or if you prefer, a piece of jewelry to add a hint of color to your outfit.
6. MYTH: Redheads can’t wear beige.
Beige is another color that is yay or nay in the redhead community. Go for a printed beige and pair it with a bright lip or earth-toned eyeshadow.
7. MYTH: Redheads can’t wear orange.
Burnt orange is one of our favorite ‘redhead friendly’ colors. It is our go-to during the fall but we’re starting to see it more and more in the spring and summer months. Try a burnt orange tee, dress or scarf.
Natural and ‘by choice’ redheads have a similar hair question, “My hair is fading. How can I make it naturally vibrant?” There are some temporary natural remedies, but color-depositing shampoos always hit the ball out of the park.
Color-depositing shampoos naturally deposit color in the hair as you wash your copper locks. If you’re a natural redhead, add this to your beauty routine a few times a week, and if you’re a redhead ‘by choice’, use this regularly to lengthen time in-between your trips to the salon.
In the recent years, more shampoo companies have begun targeting redheads — and we’re so thankful! We’ve tested and approved several color-depositing ‘Redhead Friendly’ shampoos. You won’t have to worry about your scalp being dyed red (yes, unfortunately, it can happen with some shampoos) and your hair will look vibrant in a subtle, natural way.
Get ready for people to stop you and say, “Your hair looks so red today!”
1. Quantum Riveting Reds Color Replenishing Shampoo gently cleanses and moisturizes with vitamin C, wheat protein and red henna extract. The shampoo is infused with sunflower seed extract to deposit color refreshing elements and to protect hair color from fading. Reds will appear brighter and more luminous. Recommended for use on any red shade ranging from copper, strawberry blonde to mahogany.
2. If you were a fan of ARTec Loreal Professionnel Color Depositing Shampoo, you must have been sad (just like us) when it was discontinued. An excellent and very comparable line to Artec is the new Pure Blends Color Depositing Shampoos. Just like Artec, they have 3 different shades of red: Red, Cherry, Chestnut. The shampoo maintains the brightness of red hair.
Pure Blends Shampoo – Red Color Depositing Shampoo
4. As many of you know, we’re big fans of Pureology’s Reviving Red product line because it was made for redheads! Its line consists of shampoo, conditioner and a color depositing serum.
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.
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.
Margaret Nagle is a screenwriter and television producer. She has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and won two Writers Guild of America Awards. Her first script, HBO’s Warm Springs received a record-breaking 16 Emmy nominations and won five Emmys in 2005, including the Award for Best Television Movie. It also won the 2006 Writers Guild of America Award for Long Form Original Screenplay.
…and if you’re the parent (aunt, uncle, or relative) of a beautiful redhead baby, always remember to tell them to love their locks & Rock it like a Redhead!