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Confidence

Why Hundreds of Redheads Flocked to the Netherlands Last Weekend

Would You Attend a Redhead Festival?

On the last weekend in August, hundreds of redheads from all around the world gathered in Tilburg, a Dutch town about an hour south of Amsterdam near the Belgium border. They were gathered to celebrate their hair color and their community. The festival is called Redhead Days and it’s celebrated yearly. 

The festival was for all ages and took place over three days and included meet-ups and activities for all. One activity included finding your own special shade and texture of red hair! There were also arts and crafts and photoshoots. 

Redheads came from across the globe to attend and identified their home country of origin with a sticker worn throughout the weekend. There were redheads from different countries all across Europe, as well as the United States and even Egypt. Many festival-goers explained that usually they feel like the minority out in the real world (redheads make up less than 2% of the population) so it was nice to be around others who shared the same traits. 

Take a look at some of the photos from the weekend here:

Rock it like a Redhead! 

 

Featured Post

4 More Random Redhead Facts You Might Not Know

Our Hair Color Makes Us Unique in Many Ways

Redheads are rare, and that makes us unique. Our red hair isn’t the only thing about us that’s unique though. Earlier this year, we named three interesting facts about redheads. Here are four more random facts about redheads you might not know: 

1. Redheads bruise more easily than those of other hair colors.

This is because the MC1R gene that causes red hair also alters the lining of blood vessels in the body. Read more here. 

2. Redheads have fewer hair strands.

On average blondes have 150,000 hair strands, brunettes have 100-110,000 and redheads only have 90,000. 

3. Red hair strands are thicker than other colors.

While redheads do have fewer strands than other hair colors, the red strands are usually thicker, leading to a fuller head of hair.

4. There are last names that depict those with red hair!

The surnames Flannery and Flynn are both inspired by those with red hair. 

Flannery is Irish and a ‘descendant of Flannabhra’ meaning ‘red eyebrows’

Flynn is Irish and a form of Gaelic Ó Floinn ‘descendant of Flann’ meaning ‘red(dish)’, ‘ruddy’

WATCH MORE FACTS ABOUT REDHEADS BELOW:

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

9 Lightweight Facial Products The Redhead Beauty Experts Swear By

Nourish Skin Without Feeling Weighed Down

During the Redhead Season months, it’s nice to have nourishing and hydrating skincare that preps your skin for cooler weather but doesn’t weigh your skin down and make you sweat. As the co-founder’s of How to be a Redhead (for almost 11 years – wow!), we have have tested thousands of lightweight facial products. Our favorites work really well on redhead skin and we love how buildable lightweight skincare products are; we can add more moisturizer (if it’s colder), switch it up with more sunscreen (if it’s going to be a long day in the sun) or add a bit more serums or oils to the mix if our skin feels a little off. 

If you’re looking for something new to add to your routine, here are some of our favorite ‘Redhead-Friendly’ lightweight facial care products that have ALL been featured in an H2BAR Box, tested by us and always in our skin kits: 

1. Oil: Snow Fox Skin Youth Oil

You can’t turn back the clock, but you can fight fine lines and wrinkles. This lightweight oil helps promote elasticity and hydrates the skin for a softer, more supple look. 

2. Day Cream: Sukin Rejuvenating Day Cream

Fight premature aging and fine lines with ingredients like Cocoa Butter, Goji Berry, and Vitamin E. This lightweight day cream will keep skin nourished and hydrated all day long. 

3. Serum: Provisions by Kat Ageless Elixir Facial Serum

Replenish and restore skin with this antioxidant-rich serum. High in Omega 3, Vitamins A & E as well as Jojoba and Argan Oils, you’ll see a youthful glow and increase elasticity. 

4. Serum: Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum

Brighten and smooth skin while moisturizing and hydrating. The anti-aging properties will help diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. 

5. Serum: ClarityRx Hyaluronic Acid

Boost moisture levels and give your skin a more radiant appearance with this lightweight serum. Perfect for hydrating dry skin and slowing the signs of aging.

6. Serum: MD Complete Vitamin C+ Vitalizing Serum

If you want a more even skin tone, a smoother texture, and visible radiance, this is the serum for you. It will leave your skin looking fresh, vibrant, and beautiful. 

7. Beauty Balm: Dionis Goat Milk Beauty Balm

This multi-use goal milk balm can be used to highlight the cheekbones, hydrate and nourish lips and cuticles, treat dry spots and even tame flyaways. 

8. Toner: PCA Skin Nutrient Toner

Refine your pores while nourishing the skin with a pumpkin scent! This exfoliating toner is chalked full of vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes that will leave skin glowing and healthy after every use. 

9. Mask: PCA Skin Revitalizing Mask

Invigorate skin with the active papaya enzyme mask. It will exfoliate and leave your skin glowing while antioxidants from green tea extract will give your skin the boost it needs.

Subscribe to the H2BAR Box! Get 15% off using code: REDHEAD. Subscribe Now! 

Featured Post

The 11 Best Sunburn Relief Gels and Lotions For Your Redhead Skin

Labor Day sunburn? Find relief right here:

After sun exposure, apply one of these redhead-approved sunburn relief gels generously to all areas of the skin. For best results, apply right after sunburn occurs. And a special tip: keep the gel refrigerated for extra cooling relief.

1. If you’re looking for a non-sticky, bring-anywhere lotion

Sunburnt After-Sun Gel, $10 — Featured in the August H2BAR Box, redheads have given this product rave reviews! “THIS STUFF WORKS. The day I got my H2BAR box, I forgot to have my friend lotion my back before swimming. I got a moderate burn in the middle of my shoulder blades, of course where I couldn’t reach myself. My mom helped me put on this lotion that same night and it is the only cream I’ve EVER used that didn’t make my sunburn worse. I’m sensitive to aloe and would always get the aloe gel with lidocaine to numb my reaction, but it always burned for the first 10-15 minutes. It was still more effective than other things I tried like oils or shea butter so I endured the burning sensation. But not anymore. It’s been days and it barely even itches. It’s still pink but no pain at all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sunburns almost always lead to sun poisoning for me and that takes me out for days. You’ve literally changed my whole outlook on summer. Thank you.” -Elizabeth, H2BAR Box subscriber

 

2. If you’re looking for an intensely hydrating lotion

Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After-Sun Soother, $7

 

3. If you’re looking for one with Vitamin E

Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel, $10

4. If you’re looking for an inexpensive gel 

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel, $7 for 3

 

5. If you’re also looking for relief from bug bites

PURA D’OR USDA Organic Aloe Vera Gel, $15

6. If you’re looking for a BPA-free and recyclable container

Badger Aloe Vera Gel Unscented, $8

7. If your skin is super itchy 

Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel, $7

8. If you have extremely sensitive skin 

Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe Allantoin Skin Protectant, $10

9. If your baby or toddler got burnt 

Thinkbaby Aloe Vera After Sun Relief, $11

10. If your scalp got burnt

Herbal Dynamics Natural Aloe Vera Gel, $10

11. If you’re looking for a spray gel

Oars + Alps After Sun Cooling Spray, $12

Stay sun protected this summer and Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

Sunscreen Oil is a New Trend and Redheads Will Love It

Sun Protection That Will Give You A Glow And Protection!

As redheads, we love our sun protection and if there’s a product with sunscreen we have to try it out. Sunscreen oils have become increasingly popular over the years due to their ability to keep skin soft and glowy while still providing sun protection. And if you hate the dreaded white cast that comes with some sunscreens, you’ll love sunscreen oil.

Important! Sunscreen oils are NOT the same as tanning oils. They are not intended to attract the sun and make your skin darker. They are intended to act as sun protection while softening dry skin. Sunscreen oils deliver the same protection as other formulas, along with a helping of moisturizing goodness. They work with your body to create a chemical barrier against the sun’s harmful rays and help hydrate your skin. 

Sunscreen oils are fairly new to the beauty industry and we can expect more to hit the market in the next few years. They’re so popular because the oil formula goes on transparent and hydrates the skin while protecting it.

Next time you’re looking to add a new SPF product to your skincare routine, try these ‘Redhead Friendly’ options:

1. Body: Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50

It’s an ultra-hydrating sunscreen body oil that leaves skin glowing and protected, without feeling greasy. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes and made with an antioxidant-rich formula.

$38

 

2. Lips: COOLA Classic Liplux Organic Hydrating Lip Oil Sunscreen SPF 30

A broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that hydrates dry lips and leaves them with a glossy shine.

$18

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

5 Quick and Easy Halloween Makeup Ideas for Redheads

Get Halloween Ready in Minutes!

Redheads, looking for a quick Halloween costume with easy makeup? We’ve got you covered!

Idea #1: Deer

Turn yourself into a dashing deer with just a little makeup. Add bronzer and blush to your face to define it and then chisel out your nose. Apply winged liner, heavy brows, a cute little nose, and color in your upper lip. Finish it off with white spots and you’re all set!

Idea #2: Mermaid

Channel your inner Ariel with an under-the-sea mermaid look. Simply take a pair of fishnets and stretch them over your face. Then concur with blue, green, or purple shimmer shadow. Peel away the fishnets to reveal your new scaly look. Finish it off with a matching shimmery eye look and some loose waves. 

Idea #3: Roxanne

The loveable character Roxanne from A Goofy Movie is an easy one to recreate using makeup. Opt for rosy cheeks, bold brows, and a drawn-on brown nose. Finish the look with a wavy side part and a teal t-shirt. 

Idea #4: Scarecrow

A little eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick are all you need for this simple scarecrow look. Draw on a stitched smile with black eyeliner and then apply some lipstick like normal. Add a patch on your nose and anywhere else you see fit. Finish off the look with exaggerated lower lashes and a cute hat. 

Idea #5: Fiona

Can’t choose between human Fiona and ogre Fiona? You don’t have to! Paint half of your body and face green and fashion a little ogre ear. Braid your red hair and amp up your freckles with some faux ones drawn on. Finish the look with some blush and a bold brow.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Confidence

What It’s Like Being the Only Redhead In My Family

One redhead's experience in a family full of bronzed brunettes

Growing up, I was the only redhead in my immediate family. My mom and dad both have brown hair and my dad does have some red in his beard. My older brothers have a different dad than I do, but they are also brunette. Overall, I just didn’t look much like my family growing up. 

As a very young child, I had blue eyes while everyone else in my family had green eyes. Later in life, they turned green, but this combined with being the only redhead made people often ask if I was adopted. Of course, my brothers used to joke around and tell me I was, but that’s just brothers being brothers. It didn’t help that my childhood friends were mostly all brunette and people used to think I was the friend when they spent time with my family. Another difference between me and my family is they all tanned easily. Summers spent at the lake ended in them all being nice and bronzed while I was fighting to find shade or nursing a sunburn. 

Me (left) and brothers (middle and right) 

Wedding day! Brother, dad (left), me (center) and mom and brother (right) 

I hated my red hair as a kid because it made me different. It made people stop me on the street to say something. It made me stand out in class photos and I always wished I had been born with blonde or brown hair like most of the other people I knew. My mom always told me there were women who paid “big bucks” to have hair like mine, but of course, as soon as I hit 13 I started dying my hair brown. My roots always came back and it was impossible to hide the red. At about 16, I decided it was pointless to try and cover up my hair and I went back to being a redhead. 

I actively started trying to embrace my hair instead of feeling ashamed of it. I grew it out, learned to style it, and took pride in having hair that not everyone else had. It’s been over 10 years since I last dyed my hair and I’ve learned to love it. It makes me unique and special and now I embrace the compliments because I know it’s something I should be proud of. It doesn’t matter if I look different from my family, I am my own person, and being a redhead is part of what makes me who I am. 

Do you have a similar story?

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair + Beauty

How Redheads Can Get Rid of Back Acne

Say Goodbye to Unsightly Back Blemishes

Back acne or “bacne” for short can be caused by genetics, stress, sweat, product build up, and numerous other factors. It can also be unsightly, irritating, and a downright drag. After an intense summer of sun, sunscreen use and overall sensitive redhead skin, you could be suffering from bacne. There are a few important things to do when trying to clear it up:

1. Shower immediately after exercising, a trip to the beach or excessive sweating 

One of the main causes of bacne is sweat. Make sure to shower and wash your back after exercising to reduce bacne. If you’re a particularly sweaty person, or it’s hot out, it’s good to shower off that sweat as well. 

‘Redhead Friendly’ approved beauty recommendation: Use CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid to help cleanse and clear-up the area.

2. Keep your hair off your neck

Between products and natural oils, your hair can cause oils to go down your neck and back. If your hair is long enough, keep your hair up by putting it into an updo or simple ponytail. This is important for both wet hair and dry hair. The more you can keep your hair off your back, the better your chances of clearing up and avoiding bacne. 

3. Stop touching your neck and back 

With most of us working on our computers/smart devices daily, it can be a habit to touch your hair, neck and top of the back. Your hands are full of bacteria and this could be the general cause of your back acne. Make a conscience effort to stop touching those areas.

4. Wear loose breathable clothing

If you’re suffering from back acne, it might be tempting to cover it up with clothing. Wearing tight clothes will just irritate it more, so opt for loose breathable clothes that are soft to the touch to avoid irritation. It’s also good to give the area some time to breathe each day without being covered up. 

5. Exfoliate & spot treat 

Gently exfoliating your back can help to unclog pores and reduce bacne. Just be careful exfoliating around any active blemishes. Once you’ve exfoliated, it’s important to moisturize and spot treat any trouble areas. 

‘Redhead Friendly’ approved beauty recommendation: QTH Eczema Psoriasis Body Scrub Salicylic Acid & Dead Sea Salt for Body Acne Treatment

6. Look into changing your diet

It’s common to get bacne in the summer, but if you’re seeing persistent bacne with no relief, it may be time to change your diet. Opt for more veggies, less red meats, and less processed food, salt, and sugar. 

7. Talk with a dermatologist

Your bacne may be part of a larger skin issue, or you may need prescription medication to treat it. Speak with your dermatologist if you have persistent bacne that won’t clear up.  

Rock it like a Redhead! 

 

Style

These Are The 9 Best Bikinis in ‘Redhead Friendly’ Colors

No matter the season, if you're looking for a bikini, this is our ultimate list:

The summer is still hot and many redheads are still on the search for the perfect bikini. It’s also a great time to get a great deal on swimsuits too! Here is our round-up of the best ‘Redhead-Friendly’ bikinis to add to your bikini collection: 

1. Classic Black: Lee Lee Ribbed Bikini Top

This chic black ribbed top is perfect for mixing and matching with fun colored bottoms or black bottoms for a classic bikini look. 

$99

2. Yellow: Everlane Marigold Bikini

The sun is shining and you will be too in this gorgeous marigold bikini. The warm tones will compliment your hair and have you looking like a sunny summer goddess. Bikini Top | Bikini Bottom

$30

3. Cobalt Blue: Shade & Shore Women’s Lightly Lined Longline Ribbed Plunge Bralette Bikini

Cobalt blue looks gorgeous with red hair and fair skin. This plunge bikini will have you turning heads wherever you go this summer. 

$16

4. Green: Safari Cropped Halter Bikini

Complement your hair with this safari green number. The halter-style top gives you plenty of coverage while still looking chic. Pair with matching high-waisted bottoms, bikini briefs, or even a boy short this summer. 

$44

5. Color-Blocked: Mariana Bikini Top & Diagonal Mid Rise Bottoms

Go bold with this pink and orange color-blocked style that’s perfect for hitting the beach or the pool to enjoy the summer sun. Bikini Top | Bikini Bottom

$50

6. Leopard: Gap Recycled One-Shoulder Bikini Top

Leopard is the new neutral, so pair this leopard one-shoulder top with your favorite black, white, or even red bikini bottoms for a show-stopping look. 

$35

7. Polka Dot: Monki Nilla Recycled Polka Dot Bikini

Show off your fun side with this chic polka dot bikini. The simplistic style and fun print yet neutral print make it a summer staple for your bikini collection. Bikini Top | Bikini Bottom

$13.50

8. Gingham: Old Navy Cinch-Tie Bikini Swim Top

This fun, flirty blue gingham top is adorable paired with matching blue or white bottoms.

$16.97

9. Nautical Stripe: Sea Level Night Sky Stripe Bikini

Get nautical in this blue and white striped bikini. Perfect for the pool, the lake, or the beach, this look will have you feeling like you’re lounging in Nantucket. Bikini Top | Bikini Bottom

$84.95

Rock it like a Redhead! 

 

Style

Breathable Autumn Looks To (Still) Keep Redheads Protected from The Sun

Keep the Sun off Your Skin While Staying Stylish

It still feels like summer but we know the chilly autumn months are on their way. It can be hard to find the perfect mix of stylish, comfortable, and sun coverage. When it’s hot, you don’t want to be weighed down with heavy materials, but when it’s suddenly cool, you want to be prepared too. Redheads also do not want skin exposed because it can lead to burning.

Here is some outfit inspo for this in-between time while we wait for Redhead Season to arrive: 

Oversized Button Down

The oversized button-down has become a staple in current fashion, and it’s great sun protection for your arms and back. Opt for lightweight material in a lighter color and throw it on over shorts and a tank for a casual but stylish look. Top it all off with a belt, fun jewelry, and matching shoes. 

How to get the look:

Madewell Courier Stripe Button Back Shirt, $72

 

A Long Flowy Skirt

Keep your legs protected from the sun with a long, lightweight skirt. Pair it with your favorite t-shirt and some chunky sneakers for a casual look, or add some strappy heels and a lightweight top for a more put-together feel. 

Feeling a little chilly? Add a jean jacket and a scarf to the mix.

Get the look:

 

Vince Camuto Tiered Midi Skirt, $99

Linen Pants

Lightweight linen pants are perfect for the late summer/fall months. Dress them up or dress them down with a blouse, tank, tee or sweater and coordinating footwear. Go for a classic off-white color, or try something fun like olive green. 

Get the look:

Gap High Rise Wide-Leg Pants in Linen-Cotton with Washwell, $45

 

Banana Republic Linen-Cotton Easy Jean, $89

 

Long-Sleeve Mini Dress

Protect your arms with a long-sleeved mini dress. Choose something with lightweight, loose sleeves so your arms don’t get too hot. Dress it up for brunch with heels, or dress it down for a casual day out with some cute sneakers or sandals. 

 

Get the look:

New Look Ruffle Sleeve Smock Dress, $15

 

H&M Balloon-Sleeved Dress, $35

 

Layered Cami Look

Embrace the comeback of the 90s with this layered look. Cover your chest and shoulders with a white tee shirt and layer over it with your favorite cami. Works for cami dresses and tops!

Get the look:

ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust Mini Cami Slip Dress, $22

Madewell Northside Vintage Short Sleeve Tee, $14

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

The Best Redhead-Approved Sunglasses To Protect Eyes from UV Rays

Keep Your Eyes Protected While Looking Chic

Redheads, did you know your eyes could get sunburnt? Just like the rest of your body, your eyes can be damaged by the harsh effects of the sun. Eyes are very sensitive and over-exposure to the sun can cause negative long-term effects. That’s why optometrists recommend you wear polarized eyewear whenever you’re outside, in the path of UV rays and during any season.

But, we need to kick it up a notch because redheads are known to be more sensitive. Here are six of our favorite polarized sunglasses to prevent redheads from getting sunburnt eyes: 

Ray-Ban Polarized Round Titanium Sunglasses

These classic round Ray-Ban sunglasses are sure to be a staple in your accessories collection. It’s suggested that redheads opt for the green-tinted lenses because it’s one of the most ‘Redhead Friendly’ colors to choose from!

Celine Square Acetate Polarized Sunglasses

Bring a pop of fun into your look with these stylish square sunglasses from Celine.

Le Specs Le Vacanze 57mm Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses

Looking for something a little bit retro? Try this pair of adorable cat-eye sunglasses. We are always fans of leopard with red hair too!

 

MUAMUA Fashion Polarized Sunglasses Oversized Women

Oversized and affordably priced, these polarized glasses are perfect for a summer on the go. 

Prive Revaux Poolside Polarized Sunglasses

Lounge by the pool in these summer sunnies that are both chic and protective for the eyes. The crimson colored lenses will look stunning next to your red hair!

 

 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

The 7 Best Redhead Makeup Trends for Fall

Makeup Looks You Can Rock During Redhead Season

Looking for on-trend makeup to rock this fall? We’ve got 7 redhead makeup looks for you to try out:

1. Brushed up redhead brows 

Bold brushed-up brows have been super popular this year. They look great in the fall with a glowy natural makeup look. Bruising the brows up gives them more volume and definition. Brush your brows up with your favorite brow gel for a hold that stays all day.

2. Bold red lip

Fall is the perfect time to rock a bold red lip. Pair it with a neutral eye look for the day, or something sultry and dramatic for the night. From deep maroon to crimson, red lips are a redhead’s best friend. 

Check out: Top Redhead Lipsticks To Find At Your Local Drugstore

3. Warm-toned eyes

Play up the warmth of fall with a warm-toned eye look. Try rusty oranges, warm browns, and golds to make your eyes pop. This sunset glow look can be worn alone, with mascara, or even with a full wing. 

4. Coral lips

Enhance your lip’s natural look with warm coral lipstick. It’s the perfect transition color between summer and fall. It will also make your lips look defined without going too bold. 

Check out: Our Favorite Color Lipstick for Redheads This Year

5. A pop of color

Make your eyes pop with a pop of color in your shadow or liner. Try something bold with two coordinating colors, or opt for an understated swipe of something fun in your inner eye. 

6. Subtle smokey eye

Fall weather means the return of the smokey eye, and we’re here for it! Traditionally smokey eyes can look a little overwhelming on fair skin, so try a subtle smokey eye for a similar effect. 

7. Fearless freckles

Roll into fall with your summer freckles in full focus. Try a soft makeup look that allows your freckles to be the star of the show. Add a little mascara, and maybe some blush or lip gloss for a pop of color and you’re good to go.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

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