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Hair

7 Things People Say to a Redhead at the Hair Salon

What are your experiences at a salon?

Edited: March 17, 2021

Redheads enter a hair salon and all eyes are on them. Redheads are like goddesses! Everyone admires red hair and wants to be best friends.

Here are 7 things you can expect to hear when going for a cut, blowout or updo:

@howtobearedhead

First question: “Is that your natural redhair?” And someone immediately touches it to make sure you’re telling the truth 🤣👩🏻‍🦰 #relateable #fyp

♬ Crowd Cheers – Johnny Buchanan

1. “Is this your natural hair color?”

The #1 question a redhead gets every single time.

2. “I really wanted my daughter to have your color. She had red hair as a baby, but now she’s blonde/brunette.”

Natural redheads are only 2% of the population.

how_to_be_a_redhead_salon_natural_red_hair1

3. “Is your boyfriend/husband a redhead too?”

They will probably also ask, “Do you have redheaded sisters and brothers?” and “Are one of your parents a redhead?”

4. “I want her color! How much is it?”

This is so flattering. Everyone wants to be the girl with the red hair.

how_to_be_a_redhead_salon_natural_red_hair3

5.  Stylist: “You can never get to this color out of a bottle.”

This is also when the stylist checks the hair to make “sure” it’s really real red hair.

6. “You should be a hair model!”

Thank you, but I’m too scared they’ll ruin it…

7. “Don’t you dare dye your hair! Ever!”

Sometimes, you can get curious to know what you’d look like with a different hair color. But,then you come back to your senses. You couldn’t imagine yourself with another color.

READ: Natural Tips for Keeping Red Hair Vibrant

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! 

 

All photos © How to be a Redhead

 

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    Meet Alison

    The only time Alison’s hair would be let down was in the privacy of her bedroom. “I always kept it long, but ALWAYS tied up. I joked if I let my hair out, somebody would lose an eye,” she said. “I never realized how lucky I was to have such unique hair until I saw the beauty of other redheads.” Alison now no longer straightens her hair to death nor keeps it contained in a tight bun or braid. She allows her red mane to flow free and has fallen in love with it saying, “It’s a true part of my personality.”

    READ: Styling Tips for Naturally Curly Red Hair 

    Alexandra Bricker

    5 Hair Products for Redhead Kids That Wont Break The Bank

    It’s no secret most children with red hair also acquire curls, frizz, or waves of some sort. Also, it’s typical for mothers of redheads to want that gorgeous hair to grow and grow. I don’t know about other moms, but getting through my 5-year-old ginger’s hair is a nightmare! Scarlett will scream, cry, and pull away. It doesn’t matter how well I combed her hair the night before because it’s always a mess the next day! So, I did a little research and came up with 5 ‘redhead friendly‘ products with wonderful reviews (and prices) that will stop the hair drama.

    The Wet Brush

    This is the Wet Brush. My sister-in-law told me about this brush and I had to check it out. It is INCREDIBLE! This miraculous brush will comb through any hair type without any struggle or tears from the little one. The key is the special IntelliFlex bristles created by the company! They have brushes for babies, shiny hair, detangling, and different brush sets for sale.

    Wet Brush Original Strawberrylicious Combo

    Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle

    The name does not lie! I’ve personally been using this conditioner for about three years. I use it on my hair and my daughter’s hair.  All I do is apply the conditioner and wash my body, shave, etc. while it works its magic on my hair.  This product can be bought at almost any department or drugstore for under $5 and leaves hair silky and shiny for hours.  I love this stuff and my daughters end up with soft and shiny thick hair all day.

    READ: The Big Question: Will You Have A Redhead Baby?

    Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deeeeep Conditioner

    Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Kid’s Extra-Moisturizing Detangler

    This spray detangles, defines, and tames hair with no greasiness.  Conditions and restores luster at the same time.  Made with natural and organic ingredients. Shea Moisture has many other products ( like the Restorative Conditioner) for your hair as well!

    Shea Moisture Kids Hair Care Combination Pack

    It’s a 10 Miracle Daily Conditioner

    This conditioner is described on the bottle as “nutrition for your hair”. I think that statement speaks for itself. It comes in a shower and leave-in form.  The ingredients include natural substances like Aloe Vera, Sunflower Seed Extract, and Hibiscus Extract.  It’s a 5-star deep conditioner that doesn’t leave any residue. Check out for yourself and find out if it really is a “10.”

    It’s a 10 Miracle Daily Conditioner

    Tangle Teezer ‘Magic Flowerpot’

    The original Tangle Teezer brush has rubber bristles and can even massage your head in the shower without causing tangles. That, to me, sounds amazing! This same company makes the cutest little detangling brush/container for your little one. It works as a holder for hair things and the lid is the detangling brush in the shape of an adorable flower. Now, they have Magic Flowerpot’s that have a spot for your little one’s picture in the middle.

    READ: 21 Of The Cutest Redhead Kids You Will Ever See 

    Tangle Teezer Magic Flowerpot Hairbrush for Kids

    So, if you have to deal with tears and struggles with your little one’s long hair, curls, or waves, check out any of these five products and I guarantee you won’t be sorry.

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Photo Credit
    Eyebrows

    Adrienne and Stephanie Talk About Enhancing Light Features With Clinique

    In the 1st video with Clinique, Adrienne & Stephanie discussed fair skin foundation and how to apply it to the skin. And, in the 2nd video, they talked about blemishes. In the 3rd video, they’re chatting about a redhead’s two most adored topics: mascara and eyebrows! Plus, they thank the How to be a Redhead audience for introducing them to a specific product.

    Make sure to check out the products below that were mentioned in the video. Enjoy!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxVYQ7NCDLY

    Rock it like a Redhead

    Emily Clarke

    The 6 Shades of Red Hair: Which Specific Color Are You?

    Red hair is like a fingerprint. There is never an exact replication.

    Updated: October 25th, 2023

    By: Emily Clarke

    There may be fewer of us than other hair colors, and our coloring may vary, but we’re all proud redheads. Being a redhead seems to draw other redheads to me and (in my experience) there tend to be some specific color types we all fall into.

    Looking for a way to make any shade of red radiant and glossy? We have you covered!

    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

    BONUS: 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.

    Take a look at the list and use the comment section below to tell us about your shade of red hair:

    1. Strawberry-Blonde: Definitely in the red family, this is the subtlest of the reds. That cheerful blend of blonde with the earthier red makes this a luminous version that any redhead should be proud to wear. Sometimes mistaken for orange or pink rather than red, strawberry blonde is as sweet as it is beautiful.

    Connie Britton
    Connie Britton

     

    2. Ginger: This tone falls somewhere between strawberry-blonde and the classic red. A common nickname for all redheads, the tone true to the name has more orange in it than the subtler strawberry-blonde and less red as the middle tone classic red. I personally fall into this category, and adore it.

    Isla Fisher
    Isla Fisher

     

    3. The Classic Red: This is the red often imagined when people picture a redhead. Vibrant, deep, and attention grabbing; this red is richer than almost any other hair color. This is the color redhead stereotypes are often based on, but individuals with this red are so much more than those stereotypes.

    Jessica Chastain
    Jessica Chastain

     

    4. Deep Red: Redheads with this tone are understandably happy with it! Darker than the classic red, this color is a gentler version of the auburn tone. This color has all of the rich darkness and none of the brown.

    Karen Elson
    Karen Elson

     

    5. Auburn: The darker side of the red family, this color verges on being brown. Luckily, it easily holds enough red to ensure it’s never mousy or bland. The red tones bring a vitality and joy to the color that no brown can hold a candle to.

    Debra Messing
    Debra Messing

     

    6. Dark Auburn: Just like strawberry-blonde, this color is sometimes mistaken as not being in the red family. It’s absolutely a version of red, however. The richest, deepest of them all, this is a regal tone of red.

    Emma Stone
    Emma Stone

    READ: Red Hair, What Shade Are You? 

    Also, don’t forget to tell us if you have ever been jealous of a different tone! Did I miss a shade? No matter your red tone, it’s likely everyone who encounters it admires your hair. Wear it with pride.

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Skin

    Why Every Redhead Should Invest In Argan Oil For Their Skin

    Nobody likes acne.

    I think it’s safe to say we have all had a breakout or two –––– or a lot more than two. It’s something that I personally struggled with in high school and periodically experience today. With my fair skin, acne has left scars that seem so amplified against my tone. I have been insecure for years about them, covering them up and using quick fixes.

    What I always wanted was something that would really help relieve my skin of its blemishes and prevent new ones from appearing. My redhead skin is sensitive so I searched high and low for something entirely natural, and eventually, a fellow redhead recommended argan oil.



    Argan oil comes from argan trees that grow only in Morocco. It’s considered a skin superfood because it has so many benefits. It’s been known to repair imperfections, reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, even out tone, soften your skin and fight lines. It contains loads of things our skin loves, like proteins and essential fatty acids. These nutrients bring your skin to life and will ease insecurities.

    After discovering this oil, I have been on the search for more oils to nourish my body. At first, I was nervous that the if I used that oil during the day that my skin would look shiny but I’ve found a system that I love that allows me to wear it both day and night.

    In the morning, I use a small amount on my T zone as a moisturizer, and at night I apply a thick layer on my face, neck and chest so that as I sleep my skin can be restored.

    I have found it very relaxing to wind down at night by massaging the soothing texture of oil to my face, relaxing my brain and allowing myself to get a better night’s rest. It’s also a wonderful feeling to wake up in the morning with brighter looking skin!



    Scroll below to discover  3 ‘Redhead Friendly’ argan oil products you can implement into your skincare regimen.

    Acure Moroccan Argan Oil:

    This argan oil by Acure Moroccan Argan Oil is incredibly rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and proteins. It is sustainably harvested and gives work to a woman’s cooperative there.

    Acure Moroccan Argan Oil: We swear by Acure Moroccan Argan Oil. I love it in part because it is sustainably harvested and gives work to a woman's cooperative there. <br/>

    Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil Treatment, $10

     

    Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil:

    Argan oil remains one of the rarest oils in the world. Rich in beneficial nutrients and has great natural moisturizing properties to keep hair and skin softer and healthier. One of our favorite brands is Josie Maran. Her line became famous for her 100% pure oil and rightfully so.

    Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil, $49

    Poppy Austin Pure Argan Oil:

    This 100% pure organic argan oil is rich in anti-aging vitamin E and famed for its natural healing and restorative properties. Soften and hydrate everything from your hair, face, skin and nails, as well as tackle problem areas such as psoriasis, eczema, and stretch marks.

    Poppy Austin Pure Argan Oil: This 100% pure organic argan oil is rich in anti-aging Vitamin E, and is famed for it's natural healing and restorative properties. Soften and hydrate everything from your hair, face, skin and nails, as well as tackle problem areas such as psoriasis, eczema, and stretch marks.<br/>

    Poppy Austin Pure Argan Oil for Hair and Skin, $22

     

    Enjoy this organic oil and prepare yourself for beautiful, glowing skin.

    Rock it like a Redhead!

    Confidence

    Growing Up Red (With Help from Reba, Lucy, and Debra)

    By: Jessie Harbin 

    I was looking through the events calendar at my local convention center this morning when I came to the list of conferences coming up in April. Members of  the US Tennis Association, the area artists, the basketball players and the interior designers will all gather in their own little ballrooms for new ideas on topics they’re so devoted to. I played tennis for three months when I lived in South Carolina. That probably doesn’t count. I’m 5-foot-2 so basketball is pretty much out. There are few groups I’ve ever identified with. For the next six months I’m in the “completely-stressed-out-bride” club. We don’t have meetings. Mostly we just eat a lot then freak out about fitting into our dresses.

    However, there have always been two groups I identify with–Southern and redheaded. I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t know every word to every Reba McEntire song (the Southern, red-head goddess). I scour the spring line to see if this is the year Lilly Pulitzer focuses on some yellows and greens instead of hot pinks. I know that this combination gives me twice the fire, twice the ferocity and makes me twice as hard to handle–just ask my fiancé, family or co-workers.

    Throughout my life, these two categories have given me all the uniqueness I’ve ever needed. I wouldn’t drop my “y’all” or “bless your heart” any sooner than I would dye my hair. I was on a conference call a few weeks ago when a sales woman said she has pink hair to get attention. Anyone interested in this story probably knows that red hair is what gets attention. You grow up with strangers touching it, complimenting your mother (as if she had any control over that) and asking if you’ll ever cut it. You’re known, in my case, as the “little redhead” of your group.

    Since Debra Messing’s role on Will and Grace, she has been compared to Lucille Ball. Both are also role models for redheads everywhere.

     

    It took a long time to grow into loving my hair. I’m 27 now and I went through the bangs in 7th grade, the darker red hair in high school and the cheap college-town salon that thought it would be hilarious to give me bangs and darker red hair then braid them so I looked like Wendy from Wendy’s. I had a panic attack in the parking lot and my cousin had to come get me. I looked just like the cartoon from the cup.

    It’s always annoying when people give you a testimonial on how they accomplished something without actually telling you what steps they took.

    So, here are my best ideas to own your look: 

    1. Pick a role model. I love funny women. Three of my favorite red-headed leading ladies are Lucille Ball, Debra Messing and Reba McEntire. All three are gorgeous and know how to rock their look.

    READ: 12 Reasons Every Redhead Should Love Debra Messing

    2. I grew up as a competition dancer. You’d have to learn so many dances that forgetting some steps was inevitable. That’s when I learned these words that will help you in confidence, your first job, your second job, pretty much everything: Fake it till you make it. If you pretend you know what you’re doing, you’ll eventually figure it out.

    3. Don’t be in a rush to be perfect. Even as I’m typing, the background on my computer has a quote from Mario Andretti saying, “If everything is under control, you’re not going fast enough.” I go through phases where I want to be this grown up, confident, all-together woman, then I realize that I have the rest of my life to be that.

    I did think about writing one of those “what I would tell my  younger self” articles, but I know me. I know I’m hard headed enough that I would have never listened to an older version of myself even I was saying that one day red hair would be your greatest feature.That’s the kicker. If you’re young–and smarter than I was–you get to grow up rocking red hair and knowing that standing out is a great thing.

    If you’re like me, it takes a while.

    Don’t worry. You’ll get there.

    Rock it like a Redhead! 
    Confident Lifestyle

    The Big Question: Will You Have a Redhead Baby?

    Updated: March 2, 2021

    Around this time last year, I got the best news of my life: My husband and I were expecting a baby! We kept it to ourselves for a while, but soon told our family and friends. As I inevitably expanded, I was asked the inevitable question: Will your baby be a redhead too?

    This was a perfectly reasonable question as I was born with screaming red hair –the kind of shade that has prompted numerous strangers to tell me I have the map of Ireland written on my face despite the fact that I’m mostly Italian. I inherited these locks from my (Italian) mother, and my husband’s mother and grandfather are also gingers. Needless to say, the odds were in the little guy’s favor.

    Thirty-eight weeks slugged by, and I’d estimate that I heard the question about three times a week. Coworkers joked about it. Family members hoped for it. Random people at the grocery store thought it would be terrific. Naturally all my husband and I prayed for was a healthy child. Whether he popped out with red, blonde, brown, or green hair, we’d cuddle and dote on him just the same. But I’d be lying if I said I never crossed my fingers and daydreamed about strolling down the street with a fiery-headed toddler in tow.

    Here are some facts to see if you will have a redhead baby:

    1. In order for a baby to have red hair, both parents have to carry the gene, since it’s a recessive trait.

    So if you’re a ginger and you marry a ginger, odds are, your kids will be gingers, too. If only one parent has the locks but the other is a carrier, the baby’s chances are 50/50. If neither of you are red but you both are carriers, you have a one in four chance of a fiery-haired child. And, sorry to say, if only one parent is not a carrier (even though the other is), you’ve got no shot. [Source]

    2. Even though you might not be a redhead yourself, studies estimate that 25 percent of Caucasian Americans carry the ginger gene.

    So, if you fall into this category you might end up with a redheaded baby when you’re least expecting it. [Source]

    READ: 10 Things To Know If You’re a Redhead Baby 

    My reasons weren’t purely aesthetic, because for me, my hair color is a huge part of my personality. I’m confident. I’m intelligent. I’m friendly. I’m funny (though my husband says it’s usually when I don’t mean to be). Growing up, my hair helped me cultivate these qualities. I’m used to strangers addressing me simply because they want to pay me a compliment about my hair; therefore I have no problem doing the same to someone else when I like their outfit or a speech they presented. On the first day of school when teachers called my name, they also told me they liked my hair; hence I became comfortable in a classroom from an early age, absorbed more information, and was never too timid to raise my hand when I knew the answer. I’m often the only redheaded in my group of friends, so I developed a good sense of direction; since I’m the most easily spotted in a crowd, my pals often followed me when we were out.

    Here are some other fun facts about redheads in general:

    1. Enjoy those baby blues while they last. The world’s rarest hair and eye color combo is red hair and blue eyes. [Source]  number 4 on list ]
    2. Redheads are more likely to be left-handed. [Source]
    3. Redheaded babies are the cutest babies. Ok, this one’s just my opinion.

    READ: Facts About Redheads That May Surprise You

    I want all this and more for my child. More than I want to dress him in t-shirts that have fun redheaded slogans, I want him to be confident. I want him to know he’s smart. I want him to not be afraid to be kind. Though hair color doesn’t determine these qualities, I know from experience that it helps.

    Sixteen weeks after birth, what’s the verdict? The jury’s still out. The baby was born with dark hair. Those strands have now mostly fallen out, and it looks like some red is replacing it. Only time will tell.

    But I still have my fingers crossed.

    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! 

     

    Photo Credit: Joanna McVey
    Redhead of the Week

    Be the Redhead of the Week

    It's your time to shine!

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      Meet Claire

      Claire was constantly made fun of for her red hair, and it made her feel ugly because she wasn’t a brunette or blonde. “I really let the teasing get to me for a while, but then I started to really love and embrace my hair,” said Claire. “Now when I hear mean things from peers, I think to myself, ‘You’re actually the inferior one because you aren’t a redhead!'”

      READ: 10 Comebacks If You’re Ever Bullied For Your Red Hair 

      Hair

      10 Ways To Incorporate The Little Mermaid Into Your Everyday Look

      It’s no surprise that redheads everywhere love Ariel from The Little Mermaid. She has been and will forever be one of our favorite Disney princess (maybe because she is a beautiful redhead like ourselves). I’m sure we’ve all played dress-up as kids pretending we were Ariel. Nowadays, we daydream about what it would be like to be a mermaid and are attracted to anything mermaid-esque.



      Here are 10 ways to incorporate Ariel’s style into your everyday life.

      1. Rock beachy waves.

      READ: How to Get The Perfect Mermaid Beach Waves 

      Photo Credit: The Chive
      Photo Credit: The Chive

      2. Opt for a green smokey eye.

      READ: How To Do An Autumn Night Smokey Eye

      green_smokey_eye_Makeup_redheads_arielle_little_mermaid

      3. Try out seafoam green on your nails.

      Photo Credit: Vampy Varnish
      Photo Credit: Vampy Varnish

      4. Incorporate a pearl strand in your red braid.

      Photo Credit: Tumblr
      Photo Credit: Tumblr

      5. Accessorize with a seashell clutch.

      Chanel 2012 Summer Bag collection.
      Chanel 2012 Summer Bag collection.

      6. Seashell earrings would look great with your hair down. They subtly would peak through giving you a beachy vibe.

      Gorjana Seashell Stud Earrings.
      Gorjana Seashell Stud Earrings.

      7. The Little Mermaid inspired bracelets. They’re subtle but so adorable.

      Little Mermaid Bracelet from Hot Topic
      Little Mermaid Bracelet from Hot Topic

      8. Wear a scent that smells like the ocean.

      Tocca Simone Eau de Parfum. Surprising combination of salt air, plus watermelon, ylang ylang, and blonde woods.
      Tocca Simone Eau de Parfum. A surprising combination of salt air, plus watermelon, ylang-ylang, and blonde woods.

      9. A teal high low hemmed skirt gives the illusion of a flowing mermaid tail without being too tight.

      MANGO Pleated maxi-skirt
      MANGO Pleated maxi-skirt

      10. Whenever you have the chance, it never hurts to wear sequins.

      Photo via Pinterest
      Photo via Pinterest

      READ: 20 Signs You’re Obsessed With Your Red Hair 

      Just remember, “We’ve got no troubles, life is the bubbles.”

      Rock it like a Redhead! 

      Confidence

      10 Comebacks If You’re Ever Bullied About Your Red Hair

      By: Liri Navon

      Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words when someone says something bad about you? Here are 10 comebacks that will knock the bullies (figuratively) out!

      1. “I don’t know what your future holds, but mine holds a ton of compliments from everyone I meet!”

      People will always tell you how much they love your red hair. And they are right, it is fabulous.

      2. “I appreciate you stopping to comment on my looks. You just proved for the millionth time that I’m unique.”

      You and I agree.

      3. “What’s your point? I got it, I’m beautiful.”

      You and I agree, again.



      4. “I know right? I’m a magical creature. Can’t argue with that!”

      I glow in the sun, what can you do?

      Photo via Independent.Uk
      Photo via Independent.uk

      5. “Youʼre just jealous because I never have a bad hair day.”

      Every day is a good hair day for a redhead.

      6.”A few years from now, you’ll regret what you said and wish a redhead will give you attention.”

      Granted.

      7. “Disney make a lot of references to me.”

      I don’t need to wear a wig if I choose to go as Ariel for Halloween.

      Collage via Chicago Now
      Collage via Chicago Now

      8. “It’s okay to be jealous. I’d be jealous of me too.”

      Yes, I’m all that, and you can’t take it away from me.

      9. “Too bad people are not paying hundreds of dollars just to get YOUR hair color.”

      You know what they say: lifeʼs too short to have boring hair.



      10. “Everyone with eyes can see I have red hair. Everyone with brains can see that it’s gorgeous.”

      Sorry, can’t hear you over all the compliments I get.

      Instead of getting upset and running away from the problem, it might be best to respond with a witty remark. Chances are, the bully will not expect it and you will come out on top.

      What are some other things you can say to a redhead bully? Share with us in the comments below.

      Rock it like a Redhead! 

      Photo Credit
      Confidence

      5 Ways Redheads Can Live Their Best Life. Ever.

      “Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall in love with a gorgeous redhead.” Lucille Ball

      I love Lucy. Really, I do.

      Side note: She wasn’t a natural redhead but who cares. She rocked it. 

      In the realm of notoriously and militantly genuine and unique redheads, Lucy was a pioneer. And, she’s right. The men (or women) who fall in love with us are lucky creatures, indeed. All that being said, though, there’s something we too often forget to love ourselves. Fortunately, self-love is within reach for each of us and there are steps that we can take to attain the value for ourselves that each of us so richly deserves. Loving ourselves is the single most important thing we can do to achieve optimum happiness and satisfaction in our daily lives.

      1. Treat yourself with kindness. Nurture and nourish your body and spirit with things that make you feel good and fill you up. Whether you take a yoga class or go for a run in the park, splurge on that gorgeous pair of heels you’ve been eying for months, or indulge in the frothy sugary million-calorie drink you love at Starbucks instead of your normal half-caf coffee with a splash of skim milk, take care of your gorgeous, shimmery redhead self so that you have enough light to not only brighten your own life but glow out into your family, community, and the world.

      2. Use positive and accepting words when talking to (and thinking of) yourself. Whether you make a mistake at work, accidentally cut someone off in traffic, gap your bangs when trying to give yourself a haircut, or accidentally pour bleach instead of laundry detergent into a load of dark clothes, you are not an idiot, or ugly, or anything bad at all. You are a human, a beautiful, flawed creature with the capacity for so much light and dark. You are a redhead, a member of a rare and wonderful group of distinctive and individual characters.

      You are you. Beautiful. Special. Deserving.

      3. Take time for yourself. “Gingers have no souls.” I don’t know to whom I should attribute this terribly misguided and unkind bit of wisdom, but we’ve all heard it. If you’re like me, after all of the years of being singled out for your hair, your freckles, your freakishly well-developed vocabulary (ooooh, so that’s only me…), and your pale, sensitive skin, you actually wear your heart (and your soul/spirit) a little bit closer to the surface than most people. All of the hours of taking care of and feeling for other people can completely zap our internal energy stores and leave us no time to devote to ourselves. So, take that bubble bath and read a good book, sip some wine, and remember to lock the bathroom door, hide in a closet for 15 minutes and eat a Reese’s cup, drive somewhere just for the sake of rolling down the windows and turning your music up loud. There’s a reason your red hair glows on a sunny day when it’s fluttering in the wind from your rolled down windows.

      RELATED: 13 Signs You Know How To Rep The Ginge

      4. Live fearlessly. If I haven’t said it enough yet, you are so spectacular. You are already courageous in that you walk down the street every day with your lovely red head held high, self-secure in the unique and wondrous qualities that make you, you. What reason is there to fear? Fear is the manifestation of our uncertainties, our excuse for not taking the big, important risks, our method for coping with all of those things we don’t understand. It will not keep us from pain, for there is hurt, even in safety, but it may keep us from surprise, wonder, and great joy. Go skinny-dipping (we all have cellulite – who cares?), rock that edgy pixie haircut, try an aerial yoga class, get the tattoo you’ve secretly always wanted.

      READ: 12 Reasons Every Redhead Should Love Lucille Ball

      5. Love with abandon. This is where Lucy comes in. In order for someone to fall madly in love with us, we have to be madly in love with ourselves and capable of loving madly in return. Love is everywhere. And, what is beautiful and true and scary is that it is waiting out there for all of us. If you haven’t found it yet, keep your eyes (and heart, always your heart) open. Until then, appreciate and learn from all of the other loves around you. Your friends, family, the sweet moments you witness between strangers, the songs on the radio that say all of the things you’re waiting for someone to say to you.

      Be patient.

      Be kind.

      Live the life you love, guided by love, and always attentive to the possibility of love, and everything you are seeking will find you.

      All good things will come in their time.

      Namaste, kindred spirits. Redheads unite.

      Rock it like a Redhead!