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Featured Post

How to Use Conditioner On Red Hair

Are You Conditoning Your Red Hair Properly?

Conditioner is one of those things we don’t usually think about. Many of us buy the one that pairs well with our shampoo and just slap it on after giving our red hair a good scrub. Conditioner is a vital step in making your red hair vibrant, soft, and manageable and there are certain ways you should be applying it based on your hair type. Here’s a guide on how to properly apply your conditioner to your red hair for best results. 

1. Rinse Your Red Hair Fully

Before applying your conditioner, you want to make sure your shampoo is fully rinsed out, so make sure to give it a few extra passes under the water. 

2. Less is More

You don’t need as much conditioner as you might think. Start with a dime to a quarter-sized amount depending on your hair length. If you work it through your hair properly you shouldn’t need much more.

3. Skip the Scalp

Some people opt to condition their scalps and others don’t. If your scalp tends to be very oily you may not want to. Opt for conditioning from the ears down and make sure to get the ends fully saturated. 

4. Apply Thoroughly

If you have thick or curly hair you may need to work at it for a while to get the conditioner throughout your hair. Try using a wide-tooth comb to help separate the hair and move the product around.

5. Let it Sit

Once your hair is covered in conditioner, you will want to let it sit for a couple of minutes. Twist it up in a clip or pull it back in a bun to keep it from rinsing out too soon. This is a great time for shaving or other body care. 

6. Rinse it Out

When you’re ready to rinse your red hair, make sure you turn down the water as hot water can cause frizz and damage. Rinse from your roots down to ensure you get all the conditioner out of your hair unless using a leave-in.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Featured Post

Why Redheads Should Use A Clarifying Shampoo 

Say Goodbye to Build Up and Hello to Fresh, Bouncy + Vibrant Hair

Do you ever feel like your scalp and red hair are still dirty even after washing them? That’s because your shampoo (sometimes) isn’t cutting through all the dirt, oil, and build-up. 

Shampoos and conditioners are packed with things that help make your red hair look and smell better. Those ingredients aren’t necessarily bad, but they can leave build-up on your red hair. For example, lots of hair products have silicone in them to try and make the hair shinier and more glossy, but too much silicone leaves hair weighed down and hard to style.

So how do you cut through that build-up and refresh your locks? Clarifying shampoo!

This specialty shampoo will wipe away anything that’s clinging to the scalp and hair and give you a fresh canvas to work with. We first learned about the benefits of a clarifying shampoo from Adam Livermore, Oribe’s Global Educator, when he was a guest on How to be a Redhead’s podcast earlier this summer. 

He even recommended a bi-weekly clarifying shampoo to enhance natural red hair if you’re experiencing fading or brassiness. Livermore went into detail about how product build-up can cause the hair to look brown or dull.

Clarifying shampoo can be a game-changer when added to your hair routine, just make sure to use it no more than once a month as it can strip your hair of the natural oils that help with vibrancy and shine. 

Try these ‘Redhead Friendly’ clarifying shampoos:

For all hair types 

Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo, $54

For color-treated hair 

Christophe Robin Clarifying Shampoo with Chamomile & Cornflower, $34

For curly red hair

Texture Id Curl Clarifying Shampoo, $10

Rock it like a Redhead!

 

Hair + Beauty

Redheads: Don’t Sleep on the Bright Eyeliner Trend—Here’s Why

Let your eyes do the talking!

One of the hot new makeup trends we’ve been seeing is a bright, vivid eyeliner. This trend brings out both bold colors and bold styles. Here are redhead makeup tricks on how to rock the vivid liner trend:

Tip #1: Play With Color: 

The best part about vivid liner is the ability to use color to play up your features. Pick colors that will enhance your red hair and your eyes. Some great colors for redheads include blue, green, orange, purple, and white. 

Tip #2: Explore Shapes and Styles

Vivid liner isn’t just about a bold-colored liner, it’s about using shapes to enhance and accentuate your eyes. Try doing a reverse liner on the under-eye, a cut crease liner look, or even a dramatic cat-eye. 

Tip #3: Let Your Eyes Do the Talking

Bold liner can be worn with any type of makeup, but a great way to let your liner shine is to have it be the focal point of your look. Opt for a glowy, dewy face, full natural brows and a simple lip let the liner be the star of the show. Pair with full lashes for a dramatic look.

Tip #4: Be Confident

The best way to rock any makeup trend is with confidence. Wear looks you love and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, you look beautiful! 

Looking for a liner, here are some of our top redhead-approved recommendations: 

Blue – L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Pencil Liner | Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner

Green – Revlon ColorStay Pencil Eyeliner

Purple – MAC Fluidline Eyeliner | NYX Mechanical Eye Liner Pencil 

Orange – NYX Vivid Brights Liquid Eyeliner

White – Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner | Maybelline Tattoo Studio Eyeliner Pencil 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Confidence

Why Red Hair Looks Good On Everyone

Natural redheads might be irate, but red can be for everyone!

If you stumbled across this beauty website for redheads and you’re not a redhead, you might be clicking away. But wait, you’re here for a reason. Maybe you were once a redhead looking to get back to your vibrant red roots, or maybe you’re considering going red. I might be a little biased as a natural redhead, but I think red hair is for everyone, and here’s why…

1. There are so many shades! 

One of the reasons red hair is rockable for anyone/any skin tone is because there are so many shades of red. Natural redheads run the gambit with shades from strawberry blonde to auburn and everything in between. When you add in all the options for red ‘by choice’, you’ve got something for everyone. 

READ: The 6 Shades of Red Hair

2. Red hair is a statement 

This is why it doesn’t have to look natural. If it’s not the color you were born with, vibrant red or orangey hues can be just as fun as other fashion colors like blue or purple. 

READ: Natural Redheads: Tips On Getting Your Hair More Vibrant Without Hair Dye

3. Red is a power color 

Red is a power color, and red hair is no exception. Power is all about having confidence in yourself and your decisions. With confidence, you can rock anything, so if you’re confident in your red hair you will look amazing. 

If you’re looking to go red, this is your sign: DO IT! Check out our suggestions for the best red hair dye.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

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    Meet Hailey

    “Being a redhead makes me unique,” Hailey shares.

    Fashion

    9 Amazon Hair Accessories to Highlight Your Red Hair

    Give Your Style an Extra Bit of Glam

    Red hair is the best accessory of all, but sometimes you want to highlight your red with other colors and elements. Here are 9 hair accessories to help highlight your red hair — and you can buy them all on Amazon: 

    1. FONYVE Satin Head Scarf for Women – with tons of patterns and colors to choose from, this silky-soft headscarf is the perfect accessory. 

    2. Nackiy Macaron Hair Clips for Women – add a pop of color or a bit of glam to your red hair with this 20 piece clip set. 

    3. Artio Minimalist Gold Hair Clip – this minimalist round clip is a great way to make a simple hairstyle a little chicer.

    4. Aileam Bunny Ear Satin Hair Scrunchies – these adorable satin scrunchies have little tails that help dress up your ponytail, bun, or half updo. 

    5. Laxizar Pearl Hair Clips – give your hairdo a glam upgrade with these simple yet elegant pearl clips. 

    6. Kitsch Metal Claw Hair Clips – these claw clips are a timeless trend and the variety of colors will give you options for your look.

    7. Hishexin Hair Scarf Scrunchie – add a pop of fun to your look with a scrunchie scarf. 

    8. AKOAK Geometric Moon Metal Hair Clips – add ethereal vibes to your hairdo with a gorgeous geometric moon clip. 

    9. Funtopia Knotted Headbands for Women – these fashionable knot headbands are a classic look, and the colors will pop against your red hair. 

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

     

    Featured Post

    How Redheads Can Rock Y2K Fashion in 2021

    These looks are trending...again!

    Trends always come back around, and the looks from the 90s and early 2000s are back in full swing. If you’re a redhead who has lived through these years as a tween, teen, or young adult and experienced fashion first hand, you might be wondering how the heck to rock these looks now in 2021. Here are a few ways to rock the 90s and “Y2K” without feeling like you’re 15 again: 

    Scarf Tops

    We wore them back in the day with low-rise boot-cut jeans. Low-rise jeans aren’t in anymore (thank goodness) so it’s time to find a new way to rock these barely-there tops. Try pairing them with just about anything high rise and denim. High-waisted mom jeans and high-waisted jean shorts are great options. 

    Try: Revolve Scarf Top 

    Baby Tees

    Remember those tiny tees with ruffle edges and cute patterns? Jennifer Aniston made this look famous on the set of Friends. They’re back! Scrap the cutesy prints for something a little more sophisticated like a plain baby tee with high-rise jeans or a cute skirt. 

    Try: American Eagle’s Baby Tee Collection 

    Slip Dresses

    The skinny strapped satin dresses that were oh so popular in the 90s are in again, and guess what it’s still cool to wear them over a white t-shirt! Other great ways to wear these silky dresses include adding a tied-up tee overtop or wearing it alone with chunky sandals. 

    Try: Everlane Slip Dress

    Baguette Bags

    You might still have one or two of these long narrow bags sitting in your closet. They are all the rage again, and they go with just about everything from eveningwear to street wear. 

    Try: Mali and Lili Baguette Bag 

    Cropped Cardigans

    Not only is the cropped cardigan back on its own, the cardigan and matching shirt sets are back too. These cropped cuties are adorable paired with a coordinating mini skirt or mom jeans!

    Try: Ali V-Neck Cropped Cardigan

     

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Featured Post

    Why Red Hair Is So Rare, Plus 3 Other Surprising Facts About Redheads

    It Takes Science, Genes and a Little Luck!

    Ever wonder why redheads make up less than 2% of the population? It’s all about science, genes, and a little luck! Red hair occurs when the MC1R gene is present. This is a recessive gene that must be carried by both parents in order for a child to have red hair. Since it is a recessive gene, it can be carried without having the traits of a redhead. The odds of having a redheaded child depend on the hair color and genes of the parents.

    The best chance of a baby being born with red hair comes when both parents have red hair. This is because there is no other dominant gene to push the recessive gene aside. Check out these statistics:

    • If only one parent has red hair, but both carry the gene, the chances go down to about 50%.
    • If neither parent has red hair but both carry the gene, the chances decrease to about 25%.
    • If one parent carries the gene but the other does not, a baby has no chance at having red hair, but the baby may carry the gene recessively.

    Think that’s cool? Check out 3 more surprising facts about redheads:

    Redheads require more anesthesia 

    “Redheads do experience more pain,” says Dr. Daniel Sessler on the How to be a Redhead podcast. He’s a world-renowned researcher and anesthesiologist. He was quoted in the 2009 New York Times article, “Pain of Being a Redhead”. He extensively studied redheads and concluded redheads DO experience more pain than most and DO need more anesthesia!

    On Season 2, Episode 13 of the How to be a Redhead podcast, Dr. Sessler gives important medical knowledge for all natural-born redheads. It’s a must-listen. You can listen on iTunes, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. It was a truly fascinating conversation. Listen and read more here.

    Redheads feel pain differently 

    The study, led by David E. Fisher, MD, PhD, director of the Mass General Cancer Center’s Melanoma Program and director of MGH’s Cutaneous Biology Research Center, studied a strain of red-haired mice. He speaks on the How to be a Redhead podcast about why redheads feel pain differently than blondes and brunettes. Listen and read more here. 

    Redheads are more likely to be left-handed 

    There is limited scientific research regarding being a redhead and a “lefty,” but it seems to be common. Similar to having red hair, left-handedness is a recessive trait, with an estimated 10 to 12 percent of people being lefties. Recessive traits tend to come in pairs, which suggests why a lot of redheads are also left-handed.

    So there you have it, that’s why redheads are so rare. Unlike other hair colors, redheads need all the genes to line up just perfectly and have luck on their side to be blessed with their ginger locks.

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Featured Post

    How To Tell If A Beauty Product is Safe For Redhead Sensitive Skin

    Make finding new products a breeze!

    If you have sensitive skin like most redheads, you might have trouble finding new beauty products that work for you. Thankfully, there are a few ways to tell if a product is safe for sensitive skin. Just remember, sensitive skin is not one size fits all, so it’s important to test products before you jump right into using them. 

    1. Look at the ingredients 

    Reading the ingredients on a product can be super daunting. You don’t have to know what every ingredient is, but there are a few to look out for. If you have sensitive skin it’s best to avoid things like: 

    • Alcohol
    • Fragrance
    • Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
    • Apricot Kernels 
    • Avobenzone, Octinoxate, and Oxybenzone

    2. Check the packaging 

    In addition to looking at the ingredients, it can be helpful to explore the packaging for more information. Often things will be marked “safe for sensitive skin”, “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist tested”. As mentioned before, sensitive skin is not one size fits all, but these phrases usually help to indicated a product is relatively mild on the skin. Additionally, opting for fragrance-free and natural products may be helpful in avoiding skin irritation.

    3. Read reviews 

    If the packaging and the ingredients aren’t helping, or you want more information, read the reviews on a product. Search for terms like “sensitive skin” in the reviews and see what others are saying. It can also be helpful to read or watch product reviews from people who have similar skin types to you. 

    4. Search HowtobeaRedhead.com for recommended products 

    For the past 10 years, HowtobeaRedhead.com has been a resource for redheads. We test and approve every single item recommended and deem products ‘Redhead Friendly’ approved. Want to know the best sunless tanner? Moisturizer? Shampoo? Simply search it and several articles will appear.

    5. Invest in Redhead-Friendly Products 

    Deluxe H2BAR Box:

    Just like HowtobeaRedhead.com, the H2BAR Box tests and approves every single item that goes into a beauty box. You can trust the items are made for red hair, sensitive skin and complement your unique features. Subscribe at H2BARBox.com 

    Complete Eyebrow + Mascara Kit:

    The Finally Have Brows trio consists of the Ultra Fine Eyebrow Pencil to brush and fill in your redhead brows. Then use the Volumizing gel to tint, condition and fluff. Lock it all in with the Longwearing to tint, tame and lock. The results will be natural-looking, gorgeous redhead brows.

    The Finally Have Lashes trio consists of three mascara shades: Red-y for Lashes Perfectly Auburn Redhead Mascara, Brown With a Splash of Red: Perfectly Brown Mascara, and A Full 180: Perfectly Black Mascara.

    Finally Glossy® Shine & Luminosity Shampoo for Redheads: 

    Introducing the first product in our Finally Glossy® hair line! It’s a special shampoo to help strengthen, shine, and add hydration to red hair. This clean formula is formulated with Vitamin B3, olive oil, coconut oil, and green tea.

    redhead shampoo

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Featured Post

    6 Tips for Better Smartphone Photography of Your Red Hair

    Get a Gorgeous Ginger Selfie!

    If you’ve ever tried to get the perfect photo, you might know what a struggle it can be. Sometimes your skin looks washed out or your red hair doesn’t look as vibrant. Fear not! We’ve got a few tips on how to get the perfect redhead photo. From shooting to editing and everything in between. 

    How To Shoot The Photo

    1. Find Your Lighting: One of the biggest struggles for those of us with fair skin is looking washed out in photos. The best way to avoid this is to have good lighting. Direct sunlight might make your hair look amazing, but it will probably wash you out. Additionally, fluorescent lighting might make your skin look dull and sickly. Opt for natural light that’s bright but not direct. Ring lights are all the rage right now because you get perfect adjustable lighting right at home! 

    2. Be Aware of the Colors Around You: Another thing that can wash you out or throw off the coloring is the colors around you. Be aware of the colors of your clothing and surroundings. Having too much dark color in the photo will make you look ghostly. Balance out colors with lighter more neutral tones to let your hair be the main focus. 

    3. Use Your Camera Settings: A great way to ensure you get a good shot is to use your camera’s focus and pinpoint it on your skin. Since it’s usually one of the lightest things in the picture, it will help to keep you from being washed out or overexposed. There are so many helpful tips on TikTok and YouTube! Search #cameratricks and you’ll find helpful/easy video tutorials like this: 

    @khemric

    Simple Photo Trick! 📸 #mobilephotography #phototips #videotutorial #shotoniphone #iphonephotography #nyc #justvibing #newyorkcitycheck #photoinspo

    ♬ How Deep Is Your Love – Calvin Harris & Disciples

    How To Edit The Photo

    4. Lighten & Brighten: Most high-quality photos are taken with a ton of light. You might not always have access to that much light, so if your photos are looking a little dark or dull, brighten them up. Just be careful to adjust exposure too much. Brightening photos will also help to brighten up the colors and make them look more professional. Use your iPhone or download the Lightroom App for even better quality. Here’s another great tip: 

    @sienna.and.i

    Try settings in the Lightroom app for bright photos. #photomagic #lightroompresets #photographytricks

    ♬ original sound – Sienna.and.I

    5. Enhance Only The Colors You Want: It might be tempting to up the saturation to enhance your hair and the other colors in the photo. This can work, but be careful it doesn’t mess with your skin tone or make things look oversaturated. A great way to avoid this problem is by using the app used above: Lightroom. You can pinpoint colors and enhance the orange and red in your hair while turning down things like yellow to make white pop more or enhancing your surroundings. 

    6. Play with Temperature: As you play with saturation and adjust your colors, be mindful of how warm or cool the photo is running. If your photo is feeling too warm, turn the temperature down, and if the photo is running too cool, add some glow by adjusting the temp to the warmer side. 

    Ready, set, pose! Your red hair will thank you. Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Featured Post

    Why Do Freckles Come Out in the Sun?

    This is also what redheads call being "tan" ????

    Ever wonder why freckles appear and become more prominent in the sunny months? 

    Freckles appear when melanin builds under the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. The more melanin in your body, the darker your skin will be.

    Some people are more genetically inclined to get freckles. This has to do with the two types of melanin that the body produces. Those with darker hair, skin, and eyes usually produce eumelanin, which means they are less likely to develop freckles. Those with lighter skin and blonde, red, or light brown hair usually produce pheomelanin which makes them more likely to develop freckles. 

    The human body produces melanin to protect your skin from the sun. That’s why people tan when they are in the sun. That’s also why freckles tend to appear or be more prominent after sun exposure. Think of this process as your skin’s attempt to protect itself from further sun damage. This is why freckles often fade in the winter, then darken in the summer, when there’s more sunlight.

    So that’s why your freckles might come out during the summer months and fade during the winter months. Freckles are unique and not harmful to the body, however, increased sun exposure is harmful to the body, so be sure to wear your SPF, cover-up and visit your dermatologist for skin checks!

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

    Hair + Beauty

    4 Ways Redheads Can Use Zuii Organic’s Flora Luminising Creme

    The Multi-Use Product Will Have You GLOWING!

    Zuii Organic Flora Luminising Creme is carefully blended with Green Tea, Chamomile Extract & Bamboo Juice to create an unparalleled shine that melts into redhead skin – eliminating grease and oil with each application. A favorite in the Summer Deluxe H2BAR Box and now available for sale in the How to be a Redhead shop, it is an essential goodie for every redhead routine. It provides an instant organic glow within seconds. Here are four ways to use this certified vegan multi-use product:

    1. Luminising Creme No Makeup Look

    Once you’ve completed your skincare routine, moisturized and applied SPF, apply a small amount of the luminising creme on your face and neck. Rub it in with your fingers for a sheer glowy no-makeup look.

    2. Luminising Creme + Foundation

    Add a gentle glow to your makeup look by mixing a pump of luminising creme in with your foundation, CC cream, or tinted moisturizer. Apply as you normally would with a makeup brush or sponge. 

    3. Luminising Creme On the Eyes

    Pop a little luminsing creme on the eyelids to prep your eyes for a full shadow, or wear it alone to add a subtle glow for a fresh dewy look. 

    4. Luminising Creme As Highlighter

    Top off your makeup look with some luminising creme along your cheekbones and high points. Built on it with powder highlighter for a more dramatic look or wear it alone for a simple sheen.

    Shop here

     

    Rock it like a Redhead!

    Finally Have Brows®

    Tints and tames redhead brows in a single stroke.

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