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“Two of my three daughters have red hair! It’s so special watching their bond as they get older,” shares Amy, Emily and Kelsey’s mother.
READ: 6 Things Every Mother Should Tell Their Redhead Daughter
Are you making plans to head to the beach this summer? As a redhead, you have to be prepared for the sun’s harsh rays while still making time for fun and play. So as you start to plan your summer beach trips, here are some ideas to keep in mind on what to bring this summer.
The perfect place to hide from the sun’s harmful rays. As a redhead, you don’t want to be caught without an umbrella at the beach –– ever. This Blissun 7.2′ Portable Beach Umbrella comes with a carry bag and is resistant to strong winds, so you never will be caught running after your fly-away umbrella.
There is no such thing as too much protection from the sun. A wide-brim hat is perfect for keeping the sun off your face as you walk the beach or boardwalk.
For redheads who love to get their summer reading in at the beach, bringing a book is the perfect activity to take a break from the waves as you relax under your umbrella. If you’re looking to honor your red-hair roots, here is a list of seven books featuring redhead literary characters. Also, check out Jennifer Saint’s debut novel, Ariadne about the Princess of Crete, where gorgeous red locks boost the cover.
While the possibilities of spending your day at the beach are endless, one way is to enjoy your time in the sand as you play a game with some friends. Turn swim-time into game-time with outdoor games like Kan Jam, Spike Ball or Corn Hole.
A day at the beach for a redhead is never complete without sunscreen. Featured in the H2BAR shop, the BU Sunscreen 50 SPF is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and ideal for a redhead’s sensitive skin.
No beach trip is a success without a sturdy bag to carry all of your belongings. This Mesh Beach Tote Bag is durable enough to hold everything you need, plus it comes with a detachable cooler to keep your water cold. After a day in the sun, hydration is just as important as daily moisturizing to protect a redhead’s sensitive skin.
You won’t have to worry about sticky, wet sand with this Sandfree Beach Blanket.
As you head to the beach this summer, don’t forget to Rock it like a Redhead!
You might have already heard the news. Valisure Labs announced it discovered potentially harmful levels of benzene (a known carcinogen) in several popular sun care products. No amount of benzene is safe, but Valisure noted that it is especially harmful in large amounts. Neutrogena, Sun Bum, CVS Health, and Fruit of the Earth were among the brands with the highest levels of the carcinogen, per the lab’s results.
Now what?
Adrienne and Stephanie did an “urgent” podcast episode about this topic. Redheads are applying sunscreen to prevent cancer, so the thought of sunscreen causing cancer is frightening. Podcast guest, Dr. Erum Ilyas, talks about the study, what sunscreen products to look for and preaches about the importance of always wearing the right sunscreen.
Dr. Illyas focuses on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and skin cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Ilyas has served with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons as a State Advocacy Leader. She’s also the founder of AmberNoon, a contemporary clothing line that protects skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Here are some of the questions asked and some of her recommendations:
1. Valisure, a lab and online pharmacy that regularly tests consumer products, explains it analyzed 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun products from 69 brands. Benzene was detected in 78 (over a quarter) of those batches—and 14 of them contained more than the FDA’s limit of 2 parts per million (ppm). What does the report mean exactly? Should we be worried?
2. As a skincare professional yourself who has really dedicated her life to sun protection, did this news surprise you?
3. What are your top 1 or 2 recommended sunscreens?
Always search for sunscreens with zinc as the top and main ingredient when reading the back of the sunscreen bottle.
If the sunscreen says “baby” on it, chances are it is good for you.
Top sunscreens to shop:
4. So many people do not want to talk about skin cancer. But, it’s real and it’s serious. Redheads are said to have melanoma more than any hair color because of the MC1R gene — even without exposure to the sun. What do you know about these facts?
5. So many of us are now worried about sunscreen being harmful too. But, wearing sunscreen is always essential. What tips do you have for redheads who are now scared to wear sunscreen?
Rock it like a Redhead!
Sunscreen is a crucial step in a redhead’s skincare routine, but some brands might not be living up to their safety promises. Last week, an independent lab called Valisure Labs, announced it discovered potentially harmful levels of benzene (a known carcinogen) in several popular sun-care products. No amount of benzene is safe, but Valisure noted that it is especially harmful in large amounts.
Now, they’re calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall the affected batches. In a report released May 24, Valisure explains it analyzed 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun products from 69 brands. Benzene was detected in 78 (over a quarter) of those batches—and 14 of them contained more than the FDA’s limit of 2 parts per million (ppm).
“Sprays, gels, and lotions with both chemical and mineral-based formulations contained benzene,” Valisure writes.
Neutrogena, Sun Bum, CVS Health, and Fruit of the Earth were among the brands with the highest levels of the carcinogen, per the lab’s results.
Benzene takes the form of a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s used in plastic production and appears in gasoline and cigarette smoke. Long-term exposure to benzene primarily impacts the blood, the CDC notes, potentially leading to leukemia and other blood disorders.
It’s believed that the contamination in sunscreen is more likely a result of the manufacturing process.
For a complete list of various batches of sunscreen for which benzene was not detected through initial analysis of at least one sample from each batch, see the complete list here. The picks below contained no benzene, per the report:
For now, we can’t be sure. The FDA classifies benzene as a Class 1 solvent, meaning it should be avoided in the manufacturing of drugs and drug products unless absolutely necessary. There isn’t any measure of how much benzene is safe to include in sun-care products.
It’s understandable to throw away any of the sunscreens cited in the report. Valisure recommends disposing of the affected batches—and you can even reach out to the lab to send it a sample of your SPF before tossing it.
It’s crucial to protect your redhead skin from damaging UV rays and remember, redheads are more prone to melanoma than other sunscreens. Make sure you’re using a safe sunscreen — like the items included in H2BAR Boxes — and Rock it like a Redhead!
Updated: October 30th, 2023
As many know, the H2BAR Box is a quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads!
For the April H2BAR Box, we sent all monthly subscribers oVertone Ginger Color Depositing Conditioner — demonstrated in the below how-to video.
It is made with: 100% vegan, cruelty-free formula; effective on all hair types and curl-friendly; free of ammonia, parabens, and sulfates. It is a non-permanent color depositing product.
Stephanie, the co-founder of How to be a Redhead/H2BAR Box and a natural redhead, shows you how she applies the oVertone Ginger Color Depositing Conditioner to her natural red hair!
Her hair fades and she says, “This product gets me back to vibrant red hair quick and easy at home! One of my favorite products EVER.”
1. Use gloves and Stephanie prefers to apply on her dry red hair.
2. Section hair and apply the product throughout.
3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water or a sulfate-free shampoo of your choice.
5. You’ll see the color immediately!
6. Style as usual
Important disclaimers: Always strip test before using and use directions below for best results. Do not use if you have bleach/dyed blonde streaks in hair, it may turn hair pink.
If you are looking for an alternative to color-depositing shampoo, look no further:
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.
Looking for the perfect hair towel to go with your new shampoo? Look no further!
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.
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“I love my red hair because it makes me unique. It’s always a fun topic of discussion since I’m the only redhead in my family!”
Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. It is largely preventable, and if caught early, is usually curable. And, on top of it, redheads are more susceptible to melanoma. It’s crucial to protect your redhead skin year-round and get your skin checked by a dermatologist once a year. We suggest scheduling your dermatologist appointment after the summer months (usually around October) since you’ve been in the sun more in the past several months.
Did you also know you can spot skin cancer right at home? All you need are your eyes and a mirror. Many doctors recommend checking your skin about once a month. Here’s how to do a thorough skin self-exam right at home:
Check your entire front body including your face, neck, chest, belly, legs, arms and under your breasts. Don’t forget the tops of your palms, fingers, fingernails, toes, toenails and scalp.
The first time you examine your skin, spend time carefully going over the entire surface. Learn the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so that you’ll notice any changes next time. Be sure to show your doctor any areas that concern you.
Don’t forget the backs of your ears, upper and lower back and back of the neck.
This will help you follow these areas closely to compare growth or discoloration.
Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:
Use this helpful graphic to spot any spacious mole, blemish or freckle:
*If you’re looking at your skin (during a skin-self exam or at any other time) and see anything that concerns you, be sure to have it checked by a doctor.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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“I love being a redhead because it sets me apart from others. I am easily remembered and recognized,” she shares.
It’s officially the start of summer, redheads! Although we tend to avoid the sun, it is time to lather on the sunscreen and rock a new swimsuit that complements our fabulous red hair. Whether you are headed to a pool in your backyard or the beach, here is some color inspiration for your next swim suit:
Summersalt The Surf in Leopard, $95
Chelsea28 Easy Retro Tie Strap Bikini Top. $49
La Blanca Women’s Island Goddess Off Shoulder Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit, $26
Rock it like a Redhead!
Do you have frizzy red hair? Does your red hair sometimes fade in the summer sun? Did you receive the Oribe Power Drops Color Preservation Booster in your Winter Deluxe H2BAR Box and want tips on how to use it? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, this podcast episode is for you!
Adam Livermore is Oribe’s Global Educator and resides in NYC. He works at Muze Salon and also works freelance on editorial, celebrities, fashion etc. At Oribe, he teaches hairstylists cutting, styling, and product knowledge, and works closely with new product development on testing and developing new products. Celeb clients: Cher, Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Meg Ryan, Naomi Campbell. He is also a hybrid model redhead myself. He has a red beard and blond-ish hair. “Red hair is special, I love it,” he says.
Here are some of the questions asked and the products he recommended:
1. We have to ask! What was it like growing up with red hair?
2. Oribe’s Global Educator, we know you must love so many Oribe products. We actually featured Oribe’s Gold Lust Power Drops Damage Hair Repair Booster in our Winter Deluxe H2BAR Box. Who is a good candidate for this product?
3. Let’s talk roots! We see Oribe has an Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray for Red. Do you recommend this product for natural redheads who now dye their hair to make it more vibrant AND redheads-by-choice who dye it?
Yes, natural redheads can use it but it’s more for redheads-by-choice who are in-between salon visits.
4. Let’s talk about fading red hair amongst natural redheads. Our audience asks about this more than anything else. What are your top tips to keep red hair vibrant?
He recommends a clarifying shampoo and says it will make a big difference when enhancing natural red hair, and redheads-by-choice. He loves Oribe Volcanic Ash Clarifying Shampoo
5. Frizz! What is your top tip for eliminating frizz this summer?
6. How about curls? Is there a certain technique you recommend when caring for your red curls?
He says moisture is key! Use a product like Oribe Supershine. You also want to use a styling product to create movement and accept you won’t put your hands through it + respect your red hair!
Want to help us spread the news about the How to be a Redhead brand and this podcast? Please give us a 5-star review and tell your friends (redheads and everyone else) to subscribe! You can listen to this podcast directly on HowtobeaRedhead.com, on Apple iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to look at the podcast notes to find links with products mentioned.. and so much more. Rock it like a Redhead!
We know finding the right redhead-approved® sunscreen is trickier than it seems! Thankfully, we did the work for you in the recent May H2BAR Box. Plus, we added in extra skin and hair items to make you feel like true Redhead Royalty®! The value of this incredible redhead beauty box is $85+ and it’s only $21.98 (free shipping too).
Here’s a look into the recent H2BAR Box:
Want to snag an extra May H2BAR Box in our warehouse?! Shop here.
This sheer, enriched formula glides on evenly and absorbs quickly to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and anti-aging antioxidant defense. Fact: Sunscreens with SPFs greater than 30 provide only a small increase in UV protection. The American Academy of Dermatology considers SPF 30 the gold standard for sunscreen. Always use an SPF like this DermaE sunscreen which protects again both UVA and UVB rays; SPF 30 is doctor recommended, but make sure to reapply every 1-2 hours to keep your redhead skin protected.
This shade can be blended in for a more natural look or left white for a true protective barrier between the sun and your skin. Delivers a smooth, non-greasy application without sacrificing protection or performance.
Use code: H2BAR for 20% OFF any full-priced item on Vertra.com! Cannot be combined with other coupons, not available for sale/clearance/bundles/last call items. Limit one per customer, expires on 12/31/21 at 11:59PM PST
The sun and hot tools can make your red hair look dull. Start the summer season with gorgeous locks! The rich formula restores moisture and leaves hair smooth and conditioned with brilliant shine.
How To Use: Use as a weekly hair mask to help prevent heat-stressed strands.
An antioxidant-rich serum high in Omegas 3 and 6, plus vitamins A and E to soften and help with a youthful glow and elasticity meant to be cherished.
How To Use: After cleansing and toning, apply this serum. Lock it all in with your favorite moisturizer.
Shampoo and conditioner that won’t clog pores. It will leave hair feeling fresh and clean and your scalp happier. Use the Blow Out Creme to protect hair from heat, pollution and UV damage.
Use code: REDHEAD20 for 20% OFF at HelloSeen.com. Expires 5/30/21.
Stay fresh this spring! 100% biodegradable organic cotton wipe.
Use code: RED10 for 10% OFF at Rawganic.us. Expires 5/30/21.
Watch the May H2BAR Box unboxing with our co-founder, Adrienne:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY9cR1eFbwk
Rock it like a Redhead!
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“Growing up, I was the only redhead in my family but I was blessed with two redheaded children of my own. I’m in my mid-40s now and my red hair is making me feel young,” Laura shares.
