Redheads are asking for different hair lengths, eye color shades, shade of red hair and more gender neutral options.
Apple has released iOS 14.5 which provides 441 new emojis to all iPhone and iPad users. There are vaccine-friendly redesigns of the syringe emoji, new gender options for people with beards and 200 skin tone combinations for couples. But, Twitter is asking, why don’t we have more redhead emoji options?
In November of 2019, Apple finally updated their emojis and gave the MCR1 community a male + female version of the redhead emoji (in an array of different skin colors too). In October of 2019, Apple has released a gender-neutral redhead to the emoji keyboard. To date, these are the redhead emojis available to use:
Redheads are asking for different hair lengths, eye color shades, shade of red hair and more gender neutral options.
Preparation is key when it comes to staying safe in the sun as a redhead. Hats, sunscreen and sunnies are always going to be your best friends when that summer heat kicks in. Keeping your skin moisturized and protected will make a world of difference. Take pride in taking care of yourself and give your skin the boost it needs to look and feel better.
Here are 11 ‘redhead friendly’ essentials you’ll want to use all summer long.
1. Vibrating Eye Massager
Think of an eye massager as a healthier alternative to coffee to kickstart your energy in the mornings. Setting aside 10 minutes in the morning for an eye massage makes it easier to leave your comfy bed. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and puffy eyes.
2. Water Bottle
Remember, hydration starts on the inside. If you get plenty of fluids, your skin will thank you. In the summer, you sweat more so you need to drink more too. This inspirational water bottle is a great way to always have water on the go. You can fill it up at a fountain or when you’re at a café. And to top it off, you get the added feel-good factor of knowing you’re doing your bit for the environment. It’s a win-win situation all around.
3. Hydrating Day Cream
Are you on the lookout for a decent day moisturizer that can work as a base for your sunscreen? Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream will leave your skin moisturized but not greasy. This should be the second to last step in your skincare routine –– right before your sunscreen.
Body Shop’s Vitamin C Daily Glow Cleansing Polish is top-notch for getting dirt out of those yucky pores. It’s a light exfoliator and face cleanser in one that’s gentle and great for those with sensitive skin.
6. Micellar Water
Simple Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin is a great pick-me-up during the day when your face needs a freshen-up. It can be used for so many things so it’s an all-rounder. It works as a cleanser, a make-up remover and a toner. If you’re in a rush, you can pour a little on a cotton pad and cleanse your face quickly and thoroughly without even needing to go to the sink. It’s very handy to have in the handbag for when you finish working out, no one wants sweat sitting in their pores.
7. Sunscreen
VERTRA’s Ghost Face Stick SPF 50, featured in the May H2BAR Box, is a great non-greasy, face sunscreen that provides SPF 50+ protection with 80-minutes of usage upon application. Note: it leaves a visible “white translucent” barrier on the skin, so make sure you blend, blend, blend!
Similar to sunscreen, a hat should be your best friend. Kyi Kyi Ribbon Trim Sun Hat is perfect for the summer months ahead.
10. Color Depositing Shampoo
Looking to ‘up’ your red hair without having to turn to dye or a trip to the salon? Try a color depositing shampoo from Tressa. It’s easy to use and you’ll see results within minutes.
11. Sunglasses
These bold frames from Quay PSA 45mm Square Sunglasses will give you a timeless retro-inspired silhouette mixed with a cool minimalist look.
“I was born in the Dominican Republic with a truly fun personality and fiery spirit. I can’t see myself being anything other than a freckled redhead. I love turning heads wherever I go!”
Approved by a redhead who has battled with cystic acne her entire life
Growing up as a redhead with cystic acne, I was put on tons of different medications and over-the-counter treatments. For those unfamiliar with the term cystic acne, this type of acne involves deep, painful lumps or boils under the skin called nodules or cysts. It’s unlike regular acne that consists of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples that disappear fairly quickly.
I finally went on Accutane* treatment to help clear my skin. While Accutane made my skin unbelievably dry and even more sensitive than normal (especially for a redhead), it left me with clear skin and a wealth of knowledge on acne products. Accutane is not a medicine for everyone, mainly because it causes the skin to dry rapidly and you must be very cautious about sun exposure — even more so than normal for redheads.
As a redhead with cystic acne, trying to find products that work and are gentle on the skin can be difficult.
Here are seven products that have helped with my cystic acne:
My everyday face wash, Clean & Clear Acne Cleanser, works like magic. Whenever I have a breakout, I feel like my redhead skin is clearer in a matter of a week. Made with 10% benzoyl peroxide, this kills bacteria lying on the skin long after using the face wash. For redheads using any products containing this chemical, be careful because it does cause the skin to dry. Still, this face wash is sure to help clear your skin of any unwanted bacteria lying around.
This dermatologist-recommended face wash is the number one acne wash in the U.S. PanOxyl helps cleanse one’s back, face, and chest from acne-causing bacteria. Plus, it helps prevent new acne from forming. While as a redhead, one has to be cautious with products containing benzoyl peroxide; they have been my skin savior in fighting off stubborn acne.
From Sunday Riley, All About Acne is your go-to acne kit. This kit targets acne, enlarged pores, and surface redness. Complete with a ceramic slip cleaner, lactic acid cleanser, ultra-clarifying face oil, high-dose retinoid serum, and a sulfur spot treatment is everything for your skincare needs. These products are sustainable and cruelty-free, ideal for the redhead looking to live a greener lifestyle.
4. JossLyn Witch Hazel Deep Cleansing Peel-Off Mask
Featured in the March H2BAR Box, this peel-off face mask is for all your skin needs. Made with natural ingredients, this mask helps removes extra oil from the skin to help protect against acne formation. This redhead-approved product is paraben, phthalate, and sulfate-free, perfect for sensitive skin.
While acne-fighting products with benzoyl peroxide are powerful in getting rid of stubborn acne, products like Neutrogena’s Acne-Fighting Face Wash made with salicylic acid are ideal for a redhead’s sensitive skin type. This face wash uses skin-soothing technology to protect against irritation and over-drying perfect for the redhead who is always rushing out the door in the morning and can’t worry about moisturizing. This face wash is ideal for redheads who want a benzoyl peroxide strength but is gentle on the skin. Being a redhead, have always been careful about benzoyl peroxide, but it has been the only product to keep my acne away. For any redhead who is limited to benzoyl peroxide products, make sure to have a strict moisturizing regime.
Those who have acne may skip the moisturizer step because they are afraid to clog their pores. This is a great moisturizer for the morning and night, even though it is marketed for morning use. It is a fragrance free, oil free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free moisturizer. It doesn’t clog pores and keeps the skin soft — especially if you’re using a product with benzoyl peroxide. This product is also amazing because it has SPF 30 in it. Those with acne need to prevent sunburns because it can aggravate the skin; this CeraVe face moisturizer has SPF 30 in it too!
Formula is oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores as it hydrates skin. The tone-evening moisturizer is also non-greasy and wearable under makeup. It also contains SPF 15 to give you some sun protection.
Cheers from one redhead with cystic acne to another! Here’s to finding products that work on our unique skin type. Rock it like a Redhead!
*We have not tested or approved Accutane as redhead-approved. This is simply a story about the author’s road to acne-free skin. Please consult your doctor and/or dermatologist before using any medications.
But many think Debra Messing should play the part. What do you think?
Nicole Kidman is filming the upcoming Aaron Sorkin-directed film Being the Ricardos, which follows late comedy icon Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, played by Javier Bardem. The film will focus on Ball and Arnaz’s life while filming the sitcom I Love Lucy. It will explore the challenges of working together and their marriage, later ending their marriage in 1960.
Kidman was photographed in Los Angeles this week and we must say, she really fits the part. Thanks to social media, we have an inside look into the film:
Cate Blanchett was initially set to star as Ball before a scheduling conflict got in the way.
Last year, the cast of Will & Grace filmed a special I Love Lucy tribute episode and Messing was almost an exact replica of Ball. Now, many are turning to Twitter to share that Debra Messing should have been cast to play Ball, instead of Kidman.
So, fans assumed Messing was unavailable for the film. Debra tweeted back saying, “Oh no, I’m available.” But, in a 2020 Variety interview, Messing went on record stating she would never portray Ball saying she “would not even touch it” if offered to play the legendary comedian. “Like she is untouchable,” Messing said.
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.
Redheads are usually overwhelmed with skincare sets. Are they going to work? Are they worth the money? This kit has our stamp of redhead-approved on it! This high-performance anti-aging skincare set provides excellent results.
There’s nothing more gratifying than a self-care beauty moment after a long day. This glow-enhancing Honest Beauty Sleep Bright Kit is what skin dreams are made of! Say goodnight to makeup, impurities and stress with the calming Gentle Gel Cleanser. Next up, the Beauty Sleep Resurfacing Serum for gentle overnight exfoliation, followed by the cult-favorite Hydrogel Cream to help attract and bind moisture with hyaluronic acid while you sleep. Sweet dreams, redhead babe.
If the redhead mom you know is on the go but always like to look put together, she’ll love this sweatsuit. They come in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. Purchase a few or choose her favorite shade to rock with her red hair!
Redhead mom’s will love to wash away the day’s cares with a soothing foot spa. This foot bath with vibration gives you everything you need to relax away the stress you put your feet through the day. A great gift idea is to pair this at-home pedicure spa with a few of her favorite redhead-approved nail polishes!
For the redhead moms who want to keep their skin glowing and enjoy the healthy life, This bowl contains a special mixture of superfood masks that are guaranteed to replenish, hydrate and boost tired skin!
This little book contains fill-in-the-blank lines to describe why this redhead mom is the best. Just complete each line and voilà: you have a uniquely personal gift mother will read again and again. Make it as hilarious, honest, or heartfelt as you choose!
Last but certainly not least, what mom doesn’t want to have the perfect redhead eyebrows and lashes? In shade Universal Red, all redheads can use this shade! The brush-on eyebrow gel tints, locks and tames redhead brows in a single stroke. It is long-wearing & natural-looking. Go from no brows to “hello, brows” in 5 seconds.
“I am so proud to be a redhead. I have always loved the color of my hair –– even when bullies would call me ‘carrot top’. My red hair is a part of who I am and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Erika shares.
Every year, the H2BAR beauty team comes out with the list of the top ‘redhead friendly’ color depositing shampoos for redheads. Since the beginning of 2021, we have been testing other color depositing shampoos and also staying true to a few of our favorites.
Are you wondering what color depositing shampoos are? They naturally deposit color in red hair without the use of permanent dyes.
If you’re a natural redhead, you can add this hair care product to your beauty routine a few times a week. Great for natural reds who are experiencing natural fading and want to “up” their red.
If you’re a redhead ‘by choice’, use this regularly to lengthen the time in between your trips to the salon.
It’s important to know some key tips and facts before opting for a color depositing product. Here are 7 things you should know:
1. If you’re a redhead ‘by choice’, consult with your stylist or colorist before using it.
2. Color depositing shampoo and conditioners do not work for blonde or grey shades of hair. Warning: If you have blonde highlights in your red hair, using these products will turn them pink.
3. Rinse your hair after conditioning with cool water. This will help close the cuticle and seal in moisture.
4. The product may stain so use a dark towel (or t-shirt) while drying your hair.
5. If you’re nervous to take the color depositing plunge, we recommend adding a few drops to your currently used shampoo and conditioner. This is a great way to ‘up’ your red a tiny bit.
6. We advise conducting a strand test before using one of these products below.
7. For best results, lather on a color depositing shampoo. Rinse. Apply and lather a color depositing conditioner. Rinse with cool water.
HERE ARE 6 OF OUR 2021 ‘REDHEAD FRIENDLY’ APPROVED FAVORITE COLOR DEPOSITING PRODUCTS:
Great for: natural redheads and redheads ‘by choice’.
Another cult-favorite product from the Italian brand, Davines. This is an excellent option if you’re a copper redhead and looking for a shampoo and conditioner duo to get the job done.
Great for: natural redheads and redheads ‘by choice’.
As seen in the H2BAR Box, this affordable color depositing shampoo contains anti-fade technology to preserve color while pomegranate extract and Vitamin E help to boost softness and magnify shine. Grab the duo with the red boosting conditioner if you’re looking to really ‘up’ your red.
This is a new recommendation from the H2BAR team! It’s great for natural redheads and redheads ‘by choice’.
As seen in the Deluxe Spring H2BAR Box, it is designed to bump up the intensity, shine, and lasting power of the richest redheads. Boosts shine and smoothness! Fights fading and contains UV absorbers. Paraben-free.
Shade: Infuse Red
Price: $18
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.
You should definitely consider adding this anti-aging ingredient in your redhead skincare routine.
I recently discovered the benefits of squalane oil when a skincare brand, ClarityRx, sent us over their Nourish Your Skin 100% Squalane Moisturizing Face Oil. After trying it on my redhead skin for several days, I noticed my complexion was brighter, a small dry patch near my mouth was gone and my skin felt super hydrated.
So, what exactly is squalane oil and why should you be applying it on your redhead skin too? We asked a few experts to weigh in on this anti-aging oil.
What is squalane oil?
US board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Anna H. Chacon, MD FAAD shared with us the important attributes of this oil. “Squalane oil is a common lipid produced by human cells and is a component of sebum. Though we produce it naturally, its production is drastically decreased after we reach our 30s, which contributes to the dryness we commonly observe with aging. It can be found in animal and plant sources and helps to protect the surface of the skin from peroxidation due to UV light.”
What are its benefits?
“Squalane oil has advantages as an emollient and antioxidant due to its hydration and anti-tumor benefits. Squalane benefits the skin’s physiology and is commonly used as a moisturizing agent. Other advantages include that it does not have an oily feel, is safe for sensitive skin and also is odorless, antibacterial, and non-comedonal, meaning it doesn’t contribute to breakouts. It is also helpful at treating conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis,” Dr. Chacon shares.
How can it be used?
Celebrity dermatologist and the creator of TheA Method®, Tina Alster MD, FAAD, tells us, “Squalane is used as a hydrator. When applied topically, squalane can hydrate and moisturize the skin, making it appear to be healthier and look more vibrant. Squalane also has anti-inflammatory properties and is lightweight on the skin, unlike some other hydrators that may clog pores.”
Is it for all skin types?
“Squalane is safe and can benefit all skin types, especially those with dry or aging skin. However, one would want to check a small area for an allergic reaction,” Dr. Alster shares. “While squalane is great for any skin type, those suffering from dehydration or blemish-prone skin can get extra benefits.”
How to incorporate squalane oil in your skin routine?
After cleansing and toning, apply a thin layer to the face, neck and décolleté morning and night. Lock it all in with a moisturizer and don’t forget your sunscreen.
This was the first squalane oil product I ever tried –– and I fell in love with it instantly. This 100% Squalane oil is an antioxidant that shields the skin from harsh environmental aggressors while increasing oxygen flow to the skin. It’s quick-absorbing so you’ll notice hydration instantly.
Adrienne and I were so excited to try this product from Found Active. It’s lightweight and very moisturizing. We both noticed our skin was smoother, too.
If you’re into skin then you’ve definitely heard of The Ordinary. This serum will hydrate the skin to improve the look of its elasticity and suppleness. You can also apply it to your hair to reduce frizz.
I wasn’t familiar with the word ‘bakuchiol’ until recently. It’s essentially a natural alternative to retinol and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This moisturizer contains Omega-3-packed sacha inchi oil and squalane to hydrate and nuture the skin.
My hair is an auburn red and oVertone’s ‘Ginger’ shade was in a few 2020 H2BAR Boxes. It worked well on my hair. I was interested to see what the ‘Golden Brown’ color would look like. I put it on dry hair with gloves and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then I rinsed it off in the shower. It definitely made a mess in the shower, but it easily came off the tile with soap and water. My hair looked more vibrant, but naturally red still. I really liked it! I would say it is a little subtler than the ‘Ginger’ shade. I wouldn’t use it all the time, but from time to time it will be really nice to refresh my style. I also enjoyed having the brush to use in the shower to distribute the color more evenly.
Subscribers received either this Hairstory product OR Crack Restorative Hair Mask ($25 Value)
This is a very interesting approach to washing your hair. I had to get used to using it in the shower and not having it lather. It doesn’t contain detergents like other shampoos do that tend to strip your scalp and damage your hair. I also didn’t need a separate shampoo and conditioner. It left my hair shiny and airy feeling. I was surprised that my red hair felt so clean afterward. It has a unique bottle, but I learned that the company has a refill program that helps to reduce waste. The scent is a natural fragrance with notes of rose, ylang-ylang, clove, and other essential oils. It also works well with my oVertone to not strip out the deposited color.
First of all, this smelled amazing and like I was at the spa. It has eucalyptus and spearmint oil in it to help nourish the hair and scalp as well as calm and stimulate the hair follicles. It was hard to see a thickening effect in just one use, but my hair felt very clean and hydrated after using this product. It left me with a tingly and fresh sensation and I wish I had more.
This full-size duo smells amazing! It has a fruity raspberry scent that lingers in my hair. I used both products about once a week to help intensify the red in my naturally red hair. I would recommend using gloves because it can stain your hands, but if you don’t then a little soap and water will take the color off. It makes my hair very shiny, but I wouldn’t use it for every wash because it can tend to be a bit drying. Don’t be afraid to use this as a natural redhead because it just helps to enhance your already gorgeous hair and isn’t permanent.
I love serums! This natural serum works to rejuvenate, brighten and firm while reducing the appearance of dark spots, pores and fine lines. I use this every day before applying moisturizer. I’ve noticed my dark spots, from previous blemishes, have become less noticeable and it didn’t make my skin feel tacky like some other serums do. It doesn’t break me out and leaves my skin nice and smooth. My face feels more youthful and I have this serum to thank.
6. Babe Lash Essential Serum, $65 Value
This is an amazing serum that helps to grow, condition and strengthen your eyelashes. I have naturally long eyelashes, but they aren’t always thick. I tried this serum for a couple of weeks and I have noticed my lashes growing a little longer and the lashes aren’t falling out as often. I’m so excited to see how beautiful my eyelashes look after a couple of months. It is very easy to apply. I tend to use one swipe on each lash line after washing my face before bed. I have had no eye irritation. I often get asked if my eyelashes are extensions –– which is pretty amazing!
This eyeliner is everything you love about eyeliner but better. It helps to enhance both the health and appearance of your lashes. It is a jet-black formula and is easy to use with its felt tip. It delivers a clean, precise, and dramatic line while the peptide-rich formula conditions your skin and lashes.
8. Mystery Item: Full-Size Beauty Product, $10-25 Value
My mystery item was the SolarDerm After Sun Facial Moisturizer. I used this product in the past because it was featured in a previous H2BAR Box. I love this product. It is great in the summer because it calms sunburnt skin. It contains green tea and oats which help to calm, hydrate and refresh the skin.
This is a light to medium copper red color for your eyebrows. It is formulated to blend naturally with your natural red coloring. It is waterproof and comes with a spoolie brush and sharpener to help blend and perfect your redheaded brows.
10. Morpho Cosmetics Lip Pencil, $15 Value
I received ‘Puca Panga’. It is the perfect natural, light nude pink with a touch of sheer light golden sheen. Handy and slim, this easy-wear shade for all skin tones was created to mimic the natural sheen of lips. The natural sheen makes it perfect to wear alone as a convenient long-lasting lipstick without looking matte or cakey. It matches my redheaded coloring very well and is not drying. I like to put a clear lip gloss over it sometimes to add a little more definition.
“My red hair is so much a part of my personality and really defines me as a person. During this mask-wearing year, it may be difficult to recognize someone with their mask on –– but not me and my red hair. My red hair is like a beacon and I secretly refer to it as my crown.”
In recent years, studies have shown redheads feel more pain and need more anesthesia. A new study led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) contradicts what we have heard in the past; this new study has have found that people with red hair feel less pain and have a higher threshold.
The study, published in Science Daily, found that natural redheads have a much higher pain tolerance than blondes and brunettes and it also has to do with a redhead’s skin. Yes, you heard it right. Due to a mechanism that ups a redhead’s susceptibility to sunburns, the skin cells lack the function of a certain receptor. The study goes on to say that a “lack of this receptor function causes changes that tip the balance between pain sensitivity and pain tolerance.”
The pigment-producing cells (cells that determine your pigmentation) are called melanocytes and contain a variant form of the melanocortin 1 receptor. “This receptor sits on the cell surface, and if it becomes activated by circulating hormones called melanocortins, it causes the melanocyte to switch from generating yellow/red melanin pigment to producing brown/black melanin pigment.” Meaning, these cells are crucial in deciding a person’s pain threshold.
Redheads boast a faulty melanocyte and they can’t process enough dark pigment to tan. This has the added effect of elevating their threshold for hurt.
The study, led by David E. Fisher, MD, Ph.D., 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 that “contains a variant that lacks melanocortin 1 receptor function and also exhibits higher pain thresholds.” Dr. Fisher led a previous study that found redheads cannot create dark pigment and tan due to their genetic mutation and loss of melanocytes.
We are excited and honored to have Dr. David E. Fisher on the How to be a Redhead podcast! Listen to Season 3, Episode 12 where he breaks down in simple terms more about his incredible study and why redheads feel less pain. Listen directly below or search for us wherever you listen to podcasts):
This means that redheads feel less pain and have a higher pain threshold. “These findings describe the mechanistic basis behind earlier evidence suggesting varied pain thresholds in different pigmentation backgrounds,” says Dr. Fisher in Science Daily. “Understanding this mechanism provides validation of this earlier evidence and a valuable recognition for medical personnel when caring for patients whose pain sensitivities may vary.”
Now we know what Julianne Moore meant when she talked about feeling pain and being “a very tough redhead.” Watch the clip below:
This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Melanoma Research Alliance, the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation, and Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation.
