SHARK TANK APPROVED 
By: Brenna Gray
In the world we live in today, online dating seems to be more prevalent than ever. Almost everyone, including myself, has tried it and even if we don’t meet our match we usually always come out of it with stories. Dating apps usually allow people to list what they are looking for in someone and interestingly enough, one of the questions I ran across was, “Which hair color do you prefer?”
I am a natural redhead and I will attest that being a redhead is a unique experience compared to other natural hair colors. The rarest natural hair color in the entire world is red. So, I thought I’d share with you what is like for a me to online date.
In my experience, I wouldn’t say most men love redheads. A sizable majority, sure. Many men do write down that they prefer redheads as well as blondes and brunettes. I think we are not as common as a blondes or brunettes, so men never really think about dating a redhead as much. Hair color is neither a dealmaker nor dealbreaker for most men.
One thing guys often said to me was, “You stood out from the crowd.”
It’s true, red hair will definitely get you noticed and bring attention. This is extremely flattering, but I must admit, it does get old after a while. We know we have gorgeous hair, but sometimes we wish they would fall in love with our amazing personalities instead. Right, ladies?
The downside to being a redhead who online dates is that men are either attracted to red hair as a fetish or are terrified by the bad stereotypes that go along with it. Some of these stereotypes are: quick-tempered, promiscuous, loud-mouthed and wild.
Sometimes guys find redheaded women intimidating, which I’ve been told many times.
You’ll also be asked a million times what your genetic background is and they always assume you’re 100% Irish.
READ: Facts About Redheads That May Surprise You
Some men might try to even date you just to cross off on the list that they’ve dated a “ginger”.
Let me just remind you that most men are not this bad, but there are a few so my advice is to be cautious! I’m sure the same applies to redheaded men on dating sites, too.
The bottom line is, I believe online dating is a more unique experience for redheaded women. Most aspects of it are the same as someone with any other hair color, but it is slightly different. Being a redhead comes with assumptions, stares, taunts and questions. The good news, however, is that red hair helps you get noticed out of the sea of blondes and brunettes. People will expect you to have a strong personality and they will usually listen to what you have to say, and are interested in who you are. Another positive is that men assume you’re really smart (well duh!). Look at it this way, red hair always gives you something to talk about and is definitely an ice breaker.
I happen to love my red hair and embrace it. On dating apps, it’s a good way to show off my personality. I would still recommend online dating to redheaded women because you never know if your Prince Charming is out there. It can also be fun and it’s a great way to meet people, and feel more confident about who you are. Hearing guys tell you that you’re beautiful over and over is definitely uplifting, especially for redheads who were bullied.
Whether you’re deciding if online dating is for you, have already found your love, or are joyfully single, always remember Lucille Ball’s famous lines: “Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead.”
READ: 10 Things Not To Say To a Redhead on a Date
Rock it like a Redhead!
