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Skin

3 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Tips for Glowing Summer Skin

Timeless tips for any redhead wanting a healthy glow

Updated: May 13, 2020

Guest Author, Lisanne Sanders

Redheads have heard others tell them, “You should avoid the sun at all costs!” It’s true, redheads should keep their skin safe, but they do not need to hibernate all summer long! Knowing how to keep your skin protected is key because it will keep your porcelain skin toned and young. Many redheads use sunless tanners to get a healthy, natural glow because the color looks gorgeous with happy freckles popping out!

But, what about good ol’ fashioned tanning in the sun? Can redheads get a tan? Most would argue and say no, but I believe any redhead can get glowing skin with these following steps:

1. Patience

It is definitely not easy to get color if you’re a redhead. My advice is that you need to have patience and consistently use the right regimen when out in the sun. Remember these following rules:

Try to constantly alternate between sun and shade.

Avoid the blazing mid-day sun.

Use “redhead friendly” sunscreen and reapply every two hours.

2. Wash It Off

After your time in the sun is over, you’ll need to wash off all of the sunscreens. More importantly, you need to give your body a good scrub to get rid of the dead skin cells. Try a product like TapaReef Sunscreen Remover Wipes. Featured in the May H2BAR Box!

3. Moisturize

Finally, after your evening shower, give your fragile freckled skin a decent cool down with Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh. This after-sun lotion feels light, smells amazing and penetrates deeply into the skin.

If you keep up this routine of protection, hydration and cooling off, you’ll notice a healthy glow to your skin in no time.

Enjoy your skin and Rock it like a Redhead! 

Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

 

Get The Look

Lily Cole – Get The Red on Red Look in 4 Steps

I’m a natural redhead who has spent most of my life in front of a mirror. During the warmer months, I love to get inspired by redhead celebrities and re-make their look on myself. One of my favorite inspirations is Lily Cole. She has an effortlessly chic look, and not only on the runway, but backstage too. One of my favorite Lily Cole looks is red hair with red lips. I am urging you to try this look, you won’t regret it! Here are four steps to get Lily Cole’s look:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off you go, glamorous redhead.  Give em’ something to stare at!

 

Photo Credit: Wouter Keuris

 

 

Hair + Beauty

Beauty Balms (BB Creams) – Are They Suitable for Redheads?

Edited: May 16, 2022. By Guest Author: Carmina Alvarez

The heat is terrible outside and you find your redhead makeup disappearing more and more as the minutes go by. You swear that you’ll never be able to wear makeup in the summertime.  Have you been in this situation?

Well, times are a-changin’ because BB Creams are all the rage this summer season. It contains SPF protection and is ideal when you don’t want that heavy feeling of foundation on your face, but still want coverage.

There’s a big hype everywhere about the amazing effects of BB Creams. But are they safe and suitable for pale skin?  BB stands for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm and it hydrates and protects skin, reduces oil, minimizes pores and evens out all skin types. Once applied, it appears like a mix between a tinted moisturizer and foundation. It gives great coverage, brightens skin, covers dark under eye circles and of course, any blemishes.

Sounds pretty perfect right?

Keep in mind BB Creams state that upon using it, all the steps in a beauty routine (toner, serum, hydrating cream, foundation) are thrown out the window. BB Cream lovers claim that you can simply apply a dime size quantity of BB Cream after cleansing your skin and you are ready for the day. At first, your will feel a little hesitant about this, because most of us follow the steps of our beauty routine religiously or we’ll feel something is missing.

To overcome this feeling, it is recommended that you give it a try for at least a week or follow all the steps of your beauty and makeup routine but only replace your foundation with a BB Cream. It’s essential to see if BB Cream or the BB Cream beauty regiment works for your skin.

After testing many BB Creams, it has been concluded that BB Creams are in fact great for redhead skin IF you choose a “Redhead Friendly” brand. In fact, BB Creams are so perfect for my redhead skin that it has covered up by dark under eye circles perfectly and evens out my skin tone reducing all redness (all common on the fairest skinned redheads) and protects my skin from the hot rays.

Must-Try “Redhead Friendly” BB Creams on the market: 

1. Clinique BB Cream SPF 20

2. Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

3. The Body Shop ‘All In One’ BB Cream

Will you give it a try? If you have, which is your favorite BB Cream? Will it replace foundation from your makeup routine?

Rock it like a Redhead! 


 

Interviews

Exclusive! Interview with ‘The Hangover’ Trilogy Actress, Sondra Currie

Sondra Currie is best known for her role as Linda Garner (Zach Galifianakis’ mom) in The Hangover trilogy and is currently playing Miss Vivian (Hattie Mae’s vival) on the hit OWN/Tyler Perry series Love Thy Neighbor.

She talked with How to be a Redhead about living life as a natural redhead, her time on set for The Hangover trilogies and her many beauty secrets.

H2BAR: What was your favorite part about working with The Hangover cast,  Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis?

SC: We are a family. Zach is a redhead! Bradley Cooper is very kind and very focused, his success has never got to his head. Todd Phillips, the producer, will let Zach rip on certain things so creativity and tremendous things happen. The guys are pals when you hang out with them and they include you in everything. I feel very lucky and blessed to have worked with such a great team of people.

H2BAR: Do you think there will be Hangover 4?

SC: I am not sure. But, I do have some fun plot ideas for a “Hangover 4.” Jeffrey Jones is a redhead and would be the perfect stepdad for Zach!

H2BAR: Why do you love being a redhead?

SC: I was born a natural redhead and feel empowered by my hair color. I am unique and can inspire others to love their red hair too. Being a redhead is just like an ethnicity and bullying can occur, especially during the younger years. I always reminded myself that with many challenges come many gifts. Once you get older, you grow into your look and blossom. “Your hair is your shining glory,” my mother use to tell me.

H2BAR: You look so fabulous, how do u stay looking so young?

SC: I take care of myself. I take care of my skin and have a trainer. I am good to myself. I eat good foods, never smoked. My advice is to eat right, do your workouts and be kind.

Screen Shot 2013-07-29 at 8.05.31 PM

H2BAR: What are your top beauty secrets?

SC: Take care of your skin! My grandmother, who I got my red hair from, taught me about a great face mask. Just use egg whites and leave on skin for 15-30 minutes. And, apply cucumbers for the eyes. Make sure to get regular facials, stay out of the sun and see a dermatologist regularly to check on freckles.

And, take care of your red hair! My hair hasn’t changed since I was born. I use a color depositing shampoo to give it life.

H2BAR: What summer product can you not live without?

SC: Sunscreen!

H2BAR: You’re involved with SHARE, a charity devoted to helping abused, developmentally disabled and mentally challenged children, and children with HIV and AIDS. Tell us more about it.

SC: This is a place where I might really be able to make a difference. I see it first hand.  The children are so receptive, and it’s such a positive experience.  It helps me keep everything else in perspective.  My life is very rich.

H2BAR: If you could give advice to young girls who are going into the acting field, what would it be?

SC: Studying is the most important thing that you can do. Make sure you know your craft and pay attention to everything around you. Fine tune your instrument—- YOU! Get into it for the right reasons because you have to really love it. And, if you feel passionate about it, never give up. It will happen.

 

Hair

Natural D.I.Y. Red Highlights

By: Sassy Auburn

I embrace my terrific red tresses all the time because my hair is usually is the first thing someone notices about me. I like my hair to be bright, shiny and in the best condition possible. Highlighting and special conditioning treatments can set you back several dollars at a salon and, in turn, set you up for some damage. With the wonderful summer sun upon us, there are two DIY options that can give your red hair a little bit of POP:

1. Take the juice of two fresh-squeezed lemons and add it to two cups of water*. In addition, I take the zest of one lemon and put it in the mixture as well (the oils in the zest help keep your hair healthy). Put the mixture in a spritz bottle, grab a wide tooth comb and head outside. Once you have applied your SPF on your body and face, spritz your hair from root to ends and comb the lemon mixture through the hair. Let the sun do its work for approximately 30 minutes. If it completely dries, you can re-apply the mixture up to two more times (remember to reapply your sunscreen as well!)

2. Rinse you hair with 100% natural cranberry juice. This trick is a celebrity favorite, even Nicole Kidman has admitted to using it! Let it set for a few minutes, then apply a deep condition right over the juice. After 5-10 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Cranberry juice is a great way to naturally boost the red color in your hair.

The result? A head full of gorgeous red locks that are shiny, glimmering, healthy and inexpensive to maintain! Don’t let that sun keep you inside. Protect your skin and pamper your hair while enjoying some beloved rays,

(*Note: Lemon acid can remove dyes and artificial colors from your hair faster than normal. If you color your red hair yourself, keep this in mind.)

Photo Credit: Kara Kochalko,  © How to be a Redhead

 

Sassy Auburn

Top 9 Things You Need To Know About Sunscreen

By: Sassy Auburn

It’s summer. It’s getting hot. It’s getting humid. It’s getting to be the time where us redheads have to protect ourselves from the sun. It is easy to go out to the drugstore and grab a sunscreen to protect yourself. But, there are some things you may not know about sunscreen and your skin that are VERY IMPORTANT before you step one foot outside into the sun this season. Take heed:

1. The term “broad-spectrum” means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

2. If the SPF is 15 or higher, the FDA says the sunscreen can state that it can protect your against skin cancer.

3. Redheads are considered Skin Types I and Skin Type II, which means they easily burn and very seldom tan. These skin types can sustain damaging burns in as little as 17 minutes.

4. Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent skin damage. Redheads are suggested to use an even higher SPF.

5. Make sure you use enough! It is suggested to use enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass. Don’t skimp to save money–you’ll pay in the long run.

6. Don’t forget to cover the most often missed spots with sunscreen: behind the knees, the tops of the feet, the tops of the hands, your ears and of course your head. If you want to stay protected, but still look fab get yourself a chic hat.

7. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, no matter if you are wearing SPF 50. ALWAYS reapply after swimming or going into the water.

8. Some sunscreens have an expiration date. Throw it out if it has passed. If it doesn’t, and you know when you bought it, it will retain its original strength for three years after application. However, if you use the right amount, a bottle should last you a year or less.

9. Fight those rays and keep your skin happy and healthy. You’re going to need it for the rest of your life. Always use your sunscreen and always use it right. This year, I’ve been using L’Oreal Paris ‘Sublime Sun’ Advanced Sunscreen Oil SPF 50+ for body and L’Oreal Paris ‘Sublime Sun’ Advanced Sunscreen SPF 50+ Liquid Silk Sunshield for face. They are “redhead friendly,” I love the scent, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and I find it really blocks damaging rays.

There you go, redheads. Let the shine and be safe. Rock it like a Redhead!

 

Featured Post

Pretty – or Not So Pretty – in Pink?

By: Hannah Marr

As redheads, we’re often told that we can and should only wear certain hues to make sure we don’t wash out our pale complexions or clash horrifically with our vibrant hair. The most common thing that I’ve heard redheads are supposed to stay away from is the color pink. But, as a lover of all things bright and fun, pink is one of my favorite colors. So, how can I stay away from such a summery staple? I can’t!

To decide whether or not redheads really belong in pink, I discovered some of my redheaded celebrities in this rosy color. Take a look:

These celebs prove that it’s time to ditch the age-old belief that redheads should steer clear of pink hues. Let’s save the browns and greens for fall and winter and relish our love for pink all summer long.

 

 

Photo Credit: Kara Kochalko,  © How to be a Redhead

Interviews

An Interview with ‘Boy Meets World’ Star, Maitland Ward

Girl Meets World is officially a go! The highly anticipated Boy Meets World spin-off has been picked up to series by the Disney Channel. Maitland Ward played redhead, “Rachel McGuire” on the 90’s hit show and talks to How to Be a Redhead about Boy Meets World, Girl Meets World and what she is up to in Hollywood.

H2BAR: It’s official! The “Boy Meets World” spin-off “Girls Meets World” is premiering in 2014. Will we be seeing you on any episodes?

MW: The news of the pick-up is really exciting. I went to the taping of the pilot and I have to say it was fantastic. Several of us were on hand to cheer everyone on.  I saw Will Friedle for the first time in years.  Such a great reunion.  It was like no time had passed.  A lot of the crew is the same as Boy Meets World, so it was special to see everyone again.  I’m really looking forward to seeing how the show unfolds. Michael Jacobs (the Creator/Executive Producer of Boy Meets World/Girl Meets World) has promised that the old cast will be integrated. I’m so curious to see what Rachel has been up to all these years.  Jack and Rachel left for the Peace Corps, so it will be interesting to see if they stayed together. Are they married with kids?  Matt Lawrence and I joked that Eric would’ve never left Rachel and Jack alone, so he probably came after us in Guatemala or wherever we ended up!

H2BAR: How is it to reconnect with the “Boy Meets World” after 13 years of being off-air?

MW: Going to the ATX Television Festival in Austin last month, we got to have our first official reunion.  It was so great being able to connect with everyone again.  We had stayed in touch over the years, but this was the first time all of us were together in the same room since the show had ended. And when we saw each other, it was like no time had passed.  Being able to connect with the fans that weekend was special, too.  Boy Meets World has become such an iconic and beloved show over the years and the fans had so much love for everyone.  It was really special to see that.  I am so happy and proud that I was a part of a show that has brought so much joy to so many.

H2BAR: What’s your story?

MW: I was born in Long Beach, CA (with auburn hair-that later changed to a golden blonde). I am an only child who grew up performing and wanting to be an actress. My parents wouldn’t let me do it until age 16. I got my first job on The Bold and the Beautiful while still in high school. I did that for three years (as a blonde). When I left the show I needed a change and after experimenting with different hair colors, I found red. It changed the direction of my career completely. I got cast in Boy Meets World and my short, sassy red hair helped landed me the job. It set me apart from everyone.

H2BAR: Has having red hair inspired your career as an actress?

MW: Not many people can truly wear red, so I’m lucky it goes perfect with my paler skin tone. That being said, it has set me apart from all the blondes in Hollywood and made me unique. Plus, I get to be sexier and have more fun with my roles without the blonde stereotypes. I really feel comfortable with my hair color. It showcases my personality.

H2BAR: We believe being a redhead is more than just a hair color, but a lifestyle! What does being a redhead mean to you?

MW: It’s definitely a lifestyle. Even though I color my hair I feel a kinship with other redheads I meet. It’s like a secret club. The confidence and uniqueness it gives me is a huge part of my daily life.  I get a lot of compliments on it, too.  Everyone thinks it’s my natural color and I don’t usually correct them!

H2BAR: All of our redheaded readers want to know, what is your number 1 beauty secret? Are there some essential “redhead friendly” products you can’t live without?

MW: I like Kerastase color care shampoo (in a pink bottle). I also use their leave in conditioner that has a sunscreen which is very important to prevent fading- especially in summer.  And make sure to always put a little shine serum in-it will make your hair pop.

H2BAR: What’s next?

MW: I’ve just completed a screenplay.  It’s about a washed up soap opera actress who will stop at nothing to get her career back.  She finds out her old fan club president (whose life she made miserable and nearly ruined) is now a big time Hollywood producer with a hot new show.  She decides to hunt him down so he will give her the lead role.  It’s a Bridesmaids style comedy with a dark comedic twist.  I’ve had a lot of fun writing it.  It ties in loosely with my soap opera past.

H2BAR: You are a strong woman who has worked hard to succeed. If you can give any advice to our redheaded readers, what would it be?

MW: Be proud of your hair and wear it with confidence. It really is something unique and beautiful!  I can’t understand why natural redheads would change their color- they are so lucky to be born with it!  And freckles are sexy.

Hair

GIVEAWAY: Give a Lustrous Gleam To Your Red Locks, Hosted by Arganesse

 

Many natural redheads are born with frizzy, sometimes-puffy, “mane-like” hair. There are tons of products available on the market that claim to cure all traces of frizzy hair. So, what do you do? You go to the store and purchase products and end up with not-so-great results.

Screen-Shot-2013-02-13-at-10-1.03.27-AM-e1360767765186The best way you can tame your red hair, but still keep it vibrant and full of life is by using all-natural products that work with your hair– not against it. This is why all redheads must try the “redhead friendly” tested and approved hair treatment from Arganesse. It is an argan oil that naturally hydrates for silky, shiny, frizz-free hair and will never, ever leave your hair greasy.

Argan oil is grown exclusively in southwestern Morocco from the argan tree. High in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, pure argan oil moisturizes skin and adds a frizz-free shine to hair. Arganesse rigorously tested and through countless revisions has received success. It is a blend of argan oil with the perfect combination of complementary ingredients resulted in the winning secret formula. When applied to hair, this incredible serum gave a lustrous gleam to dull, lifeless red locks.

red-hair-shiny-how-to-arganeese-product-review-how-to-be-a-redhead

It doesn’t matter if you have thick or thin, curly or straight, coarse or fine hair.  Arganesse will enhance the natural beauty of hair unlike any other product.

HOW TO USE: 

1. Wash, condition and towel dry hair.

2. Pour a small amount of Arganesse into your palm and massage through damp hair, concentrating on the ends.

3. Style as usual.

4. You’ll immediately notice and feel the difference! And, the smell is incredible.

You will be amazed with the quality of this hair serum and that’s why How to be a Redhead has teamed up with Arganesse to give TEN lucky redheads this revolutionary hair product.

ENTER BELOW AND YOU MAY WIN THE ARGANESSE HAIR TREATMENT: 

CONTEST IS NOW OVER. PLEASE USE CODE : arganesse10 for 10% discount on your order!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Note: This product review contains the true beliefs of How to be a Redhead and were rightfully provided by Arganesse® .

Photo Credit © How to be a Redhead

Model: Kelly Kirsten at the Rock it like a Redhead Event

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    Skin

    Did You Know Most Redheads Have Couperose Skin?

    Your life might make so much more sense now.

    Edited on July 12, 2017 & Edited on March 4, 2021

    Those with natural red hair have thinner skin than people with darker hair. Redheads are prone to what doctors call “couperose skin.” Couperose skin is defined as visibly dilated capillaries; these capillaries are most likely to show up around the nose and cheek area and can look and feel similar to rosacea. Because a redhead’s skin is thinner, you might even feel like you bruise more too.

    Characteristics of couperose skin: 

    1. Capillaries can be seen on the cheeks and nose.

    2. Red patches on the face, neck and décolleté.

    3. Uneven and blotchy skin tone.

    4. Sensitive skin prone to irritations.

    5. Skin is dry and feels tight.

    How to avoid reactions: 

    The best news is that couperose skin reactions can usually be avoided. Take the advice below and you’re on your way to beautiful, healthy skin:

    1. Watch Your Foods: 

    Some common factors that can aggravate this condition include spicy foods and alcohol.

    2. Stay Healthy:

    Doctors suggest moderate exercise to improve circulation and supplements such as vitamins E, B2 and C which all can strengthen our capillaries.

    3. Know What To Avoid:

    Make it a habit to avoid hot water, steam, and harsh exfoliating scrubs. They can aggravate sensitive redhead skin causing those unsightly broken capillaries.

    4. The Sun:

    Many redheads avoid the sun anyway, but over-exposure can not only cause a sunburn but cause your skin to become irritated. Wear sunscreen, hats and stay in the shade and out of the heat.

    We talk with NO B.S. CEO on the How to be a Redhead podcast about redhead skin, couperose skin and so much more:

    Check out our YouTube page! Adrienne talks about her redhead skin, acne battles and how she manages a glowing complexion:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXSas_RF4fA&t=18s

    With a little extra care and vigilance, we redheads can keep our delicate skin healthy and beautiful.

    Rock it like a Redhead! 

     

     

    Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Products tested & deemed ‘Redhead Friendly’ for those with couperose skin. Use code: REDHEAD for 15% off. Subscribe now!

     

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