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Hair

Everyday Hair Tips for Redheads

To keep your red hair looking its best every day, follow this simple guide. These dos and don’ts will keep your hair in tiptop shape and fashion-forward style:

1. Wet hair: Comb it. Never brush it when wet. This will help prevent spilt ends.

2. Cold Water: After shampooing and conditioning, rinse your hair with cold water to give it extra shine.

3. Shampooing: With your fingers, do five to six circular motions to get the “proper” shampoo for your red locks.

4. SPF Protection: Use sun care products in your hair to give it extra protection in the sun.

READ: A REDHEAD’S GUIDE TO SUN PROTECTION

5. Dry Shampoo: Use it when you don’t have time to shampoo and when your hair needs a little pick-me-up.

READ: DRY SHAMPOO FOR YOUR RED HAIR 

6. Overnight Treatments: Before going to bed, use an overnight conditioner in your hair. Rinse in the morning and style.

7. Trim Regularly: Frequent trims will keep your hair healthy and allow it to grow quicker.

8. Blast Cold Air: To keep your hair shiner after an at-home blow dry, blast cold air on it for a few seconds. This will keep it in place and make your red hair look extra gorgeous!

9. Don’t Overdo it: Using fewer products in your hair is the key to keeping your hair shiner and more moisturized. Tip: A little goes a long way.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Carmina Alvarez

Makeup Tips For Your Dream Eyes

By: Carmina Alvarez

Eyeliners, eye pencils and eyeshadows are the perfect way to define and enhance your eyes. Not only will certain techniques immediately change the shape of our eyes, but your eyes can appear larger and wider or small and closer together.

Eyeliner comes in various formulas, liquid gel and pencil. An eye pencil is usually more natural looking, and gel and liquid give a glamorous effect. Whatever your look may be, if you’re new at eyeliner, start with a pencil in order to get accustomed to applying eyeliner precisely and then move on to liquid or gel formulations.

READ MORE: REDHEADS, HOW TO APPLY EYELINER

The art of applying eyeshadow can be very tricky and very complex than any other cosmetic; but to become an expert, begin with experimenting with different looks and you’ll soon find yourself able to do some pretty cool effects.

Below are the best makeup tips for your dream eyes (and don’t forget that enhancing your eyes also livens ups your red locks!):

1. Wider and Bigger:

Apply a neutral matte eye shadow in a very light tone all over the eye lid. Then a slightly shimmery eye shadow in the same tone, only in the crease and inner corners. This will light up your eyes and give you a wider, more awake look.  With the eye pencil, draw a fine line following the natural shape of your eyes, upper and lower lashes. Your eyes will be perfectly defined.

READ MORE: HOW TO MAKE YOUR EYES LOOK BIGGER 

2. Closer Together:

If your eyes are a little farther apart, it is always suggested to apply neutral eye shadow in a light tone all over the eyelid and a medium toned neutral eye shadow in the inner corner of the eyes. Then, with your eye pencil, draw a line on your upper lash line, starting thicker from the inner corner and finer in to the outer corner. This will emphasize the inner corners and make your eyes closer.

3. Separate or Farther Apart:

Apply a neutral matte eye shadow in a light tone all over the eye lid and a matte eye shadow in a dark tone in the outer corners of the eye lids, to create an elongated effect. Then take your eye pencil and draw a slightly thick line, just on the outer corners as well, to add extra length.

4. Slightly Rounder:

Apply a neutral matte eyeshadow all around the edges of the upper and lower eye lids. Then apply eye pencil on the upper and lower lash line, thickening the line on the outer.

5, Slightly Oval:

Apply a neutral matte eyeshadow all across the eye lid. With your eye pencil, draw a line all along the upper and lower lash line, thickening the line in the middle to create make the shape more oval. Tip: Remember to smudge your eye pencil with a smudge brush as you go, to soften the lines, to create a natural look, emphasize eye definition and to add depth.

Rock it like a Redhead!  

Confident Lifestyle

Eat Your Way To A Natural Tan With These Foods (Seriously!)

Update on 5/15/2018

As spring reaches its peak and temperatures soar, it is more important than ever to stay protected from the sun.

Redhead locks typically coat ivory colored skin which produces less melanin, making it more susceptible to skin cancer – the #1 form of cancer in the United States. YIKES!

However, you can still achieve a healthy summer glow without having to sacrifice your health.

An alternative (aside from sunless tanner) is eating certain foods that actually make your skin tan from within.

A recent study proved that people who ate mostly fruits and vegetables had more of a healthy looking golden hue than they did when they actually had a suntan.

Why? Certain fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, when frequently consumed these antioxidants are stored in the fat just below skins surface adding a glow to pigmentation actually mimicking a tan. Plus, they prevent wrinkles, improve eyesight, strengthen the immune system and can’t hurt our dress size!

READ: Why Eating Tomatoes is the Best Way to Avoid Wrinkles 

Here are some foods listed and the antioxidant they contain to bring out the golden hue in you:

1. Carrots (alpha-carotene)

2. Spinach (beta-carotene)

3. Tomatoes (lycopene)

4. Plums (carotenoid)

5. Cantaloupe (beta-carotene)

6. Oranges (alpha-carotene)

Experts say, it takes approximately two months to notice results and more than 1 serving per day, so eat up. Have you tried this? Rock it like a Redhead!

 

Confident Lifestyle

Aromatherapy Oils and Benefits for Redheads

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art that has many present-day benefits. It has been around for more than 6000 years and has been used in Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Persian, and even Chinese cultures where flowers and herbs were burned for scented baths, massages, and skin care for medicinal and cosmetic uses.

The aromatherapy technique using essential oils derived from plants to provide therapeutic benefits to both the mind and body. These days there are many cool beauty products that incorporate aromatherapy into their formulas to not only make you look good but feel good too. Aromatherapy can enhance the productivity of your body and mind in many different areas of your life.

Here are some of the best “redhead friendly” products for your daily routine:

Aromatherapy beauty products are an excellent way to indulge your senses and balance your mood which will result in a beautiful you- both inside and out!

Rock it like a Redhead! 

 

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

 

Hair + Beauty

Eating Tomatoes is a Great Way to Avoid Sunburns and Wrinkles

This is not a joke!

Post Updated on 5/15/2020

It has been found that tomato sauce actually prevents sunburns.

Research is beginning to show there is a magical component in tomatoes that could protect our skin from UV damage from sunburn.

An MSNBC article stated, “Scientists think an antioxidant, lycopene, which gives tomatoes their colour, can neutralise harmful molecules produced in skin exposed to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. Tomato paste of the sort used to make pizza toppings is rich in lycopene. Skin levels of procollagen, which helps the skin stay supple and youthful…”

Volunteers in one study consumed 4-5 tablespoons of tomato paste daily for three months and discovered a 25 percent increase of protection against sunburns. They also found the skin to have more collagen, which prevents aging.

Increase the use of tomatoes in your diet and continue to apply sunscreen on a daily basis. Your skin will thank you for it!

READ: 10 Approved Sunscreens for Redheads in 2020

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! 

 

Confident Lifestyle

5 Ways to Streamline Your Morning

By: Guest Writer, Autumn Witts

Soft sunshine filters through your curtains and the birds tweet outside the window . . . and you jolt awake with the realization that you have to speed off to work all too soon. For many of us redheads, this is a daily routine, and we can all benefit from some painless tips on how to streamline our hectic morning routine.

1. Picking out your clothes the night before is a common practice that many of us have been doing since childhood. But how many times do you hurriedly change your mind the next day after seeing that the pieces don’t seem to fit you quite right? Therefore, actually try on the clothing the night before to see how they complement one another. If you find yourself caught off-guard with little time to spare, have a few “go-to redhead friendly” pieces selected that you know will always look good no matter how bloated you are – jeans with a nice blazer is always a safe bet.

2. A lot of time can be wasted when you have to rip apart your house to look for your keys, so do yourself a favor by keeping the items in the same, designated place on a daily basis. Furthermore, keep your shoes and jewelry organized so you don’t have to squander away the minutes by searching for a matching pair of heels or earrings.

3. Applying certain cosmetics can be time consuming while others are quick and easy; additionally, certain ones are worth the effort and some can be a waste of your precious time. While only you can be a judge of what makes you feel polished and ready to face the world, below are some tips to consider:

-A tinted moisturizer or beauty balm are handy, as they will provide your skin with a youthful, dewy look and even out inconsistent complexions while providing critical SPF protection. The best part? It requires very little blending so you can quickly rub it on without the worry of streaking. Dab concealer underneath your eyes and on blemishes, and your skin is ready to go!

–Eyeliner on the top lid and mascara will help to add definition to your eyes and make you look more awake, but skip the eye shadow. If you apply it in a rush, chances are that it will appear sloppy, which will unnecessarily ultimately detract from your look.

-Because the upper half of your face is minimalistic, don’t be afraid to add some quick color to your lips with a few swipes of tinted gloss or lipstick to easily add extra class to your look. Consider purchasing a cheek and lip stain, a two-in-one product that effortlessly adds hints of pink to your skin and mouth.

4. Your hair can be another source of frustration when you’re battling the clock to get ready in the morning. Luckily, there are simple styles you can perfect. The loose side braid is now popular and is easy to pull-off no matter your hair’s texture. When pulling your hair into a high ponytail or low knot, remember that the redhead bobby pins are your best friend, and it’s always wise to store a couple in your purse in the scenario that your hair falls out of place throughout the day. If your hair is looking on the greasy side, dry shampoo is a quick way to get rid of the excess slickness while also adding fun volume.

5. Skipping breakfast is never advisable, as it will leave you feeling depleted of energy, can set the tone for the day and skipping will have you feeling grumpy and hungry. However, sometimes a gal has to grab breakfast on the go, so have an assortment of foods that can easily be snatched up and gobbled while driving to work, like an apple, bagel or snack bar. As tempting as it may be to reach for coffee, don’t forget to stay hydrated with water as well!

Tell us redheads, what do YOU do to streamline your morning routine?

 

Carmina Alvarez

The 5 Best “Redhead Friendly” Styling Products

By: Carmina Alvarez

Heat is redhead’s worst enemy and best friend.

Let me explain. Heat can easily destroy our beautiful red hair but can also beautifully enhance our locks and gives us the hair we were born to have! As a curly redhead myself, I have extensive experience with all kinds of heat protectants.  On a daily basis, I use a flat iron on my curls and for years, I was not using a protectant on my hair. I noticed extreme drying and coarseness. Once I began using a heat protectant, my hair became glossy and manageable, and also looked vibrantly red!

If you frequently use blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons and hair rollers; then preparing your hair with a heat protectant is a must! Heat styling products will keep our our red hair from hair weakening, excessive dryness and unmanageability because the products coat the hair strands for protection, but also add smoothness and shine to the hair, eliminates frizz and straightens hair with a healthy looking finish.

Most heat protectants come in a spray or serum bottle presentation and both will give you a glossy coat to your gorgeous red hair. Here are the 5 best “redhead friendly” heat styling products:

READ MORE: THE BEST BLOW DRYERS FOR YOUR RED HAIR 

Rock it like a Redhead! 
Get The Look

Show Off Your Red Hair With A High Bun

Bella Thorne was rockin’ a high, red bun a few weeks ago. We love how she whipped it up on top of her head and the bun was original and didn’t take away from her overall look. Buns are interesting and are fun when paired with good nail art, patterned dresses and red lipstick.

Showcase your red hair in a bun in 5 quick & easy steps:

1. Blow dry your hair to increase its volume and straighten it after using a bit of heat-protection hairspry.

2. Pull your hair into a high ponytail (you can do this upside down if you need help getting more height or if you have very long hair).

3. Next, spray some extra hairspray on. It’s extra important to have your hair stay on it’s own so you don’t need to fix it throughout the day or night.

4. Instead of wrapping the hair tightly around the hair elastic, wrap it loosely, tugging it up so that it creates the same shape. Fasten it in place with a few extra redhead bobby pins.

5. Like Bella, make sure your bangs are pulled out before you begin styling your bun or do a fun crown braid.

Rock it like a Redhead! 
Confident Lifestyle

Tips for Summer-Ready Luscious Red Locks

By: Jacqueline Arthur

Flame-haired and lavishly freckled, Julianne Moore grew up acutely aware of being perceived as different. She embraces and loves her red locks, as we all do. All redheads soon realize that as they walk down the street, people are drawn to the fiery hue.

Now it is time to “up” the ante and make our red hair shine! Keep looking beautifully red and use these top 5 tips for radiant red hair:

1. Let’s Clarify: 

Some hair products can contain a lot of ingredients that can bog down red hair. Using hair products regularly can cause build up on our fiery manes, and make them look dull and a bit unhappy. Make your hair smile again by using a clarifying shampoo to shift all the excess product that can cling to your hair. Use a product like Alberto Balsam Coconut and Lychee Shampoo & Conditioner because it clears hair of any residual products and leaves it smelling amazing too!

2. Treat Your Tresses: 

Just like our skin needs a bit of a pamper, so does our hair. Shop around and choose a hair mask that is designed for your hair type to help battle any issues your hair might have such as dryness, flyaway hair or frizziness. I treat my hair to a mask once a week to make it feel loved. The L’Oreal EverRiche Nourishing Intense Mask is a great choice, especially for thick tresses that are susceptible to dry areas. This product works really works to detangle and nourish hair for a smooth result.

Tip: Use a hair mask once a week instead of your conditioner to obtain the best results.

3. Hydrate: 

Water.

It’s the best beauty product there is out there.

You learned about the benefits of drinking water. It is the best and easiest way to achieve an overall appearance of health. If there is one beauty rule you follow every day, make it that you drink plenty of water. If you get yourself into a good routine of increasing your water intake  you will soon be reaping the benefits!

4. Cut it Out: 

“Practice what you preach.” I need to use this advice because I myself hate getting hair cuts. I am always afraid they’ll cut off a bit too much and I’ll leave frightened! However, regular haircuts is really important for long, thick locks. A good trim every 6 weeks or so will prevent split ends and make your hair grow longer.

5. Protect, Protect, Protect! 

We redheads know that our hair is our livelihood.

There are so many nasty things out there that can damage our hair that, just like our skin. To avoid problems resulting from heat, use a hair protector. This will keep your locks from unwanted damage that can dry them out, cause breakage, or make them look lifeless!

And we can’t have that, redheads!

To avoid damage during hair washing, steer clear of brushing your hair when it is wet. Instead, opt for a wide-toothed comb to detangle your locks, or a product like the Tangle Teezer. This simple solution will help avoid any unwanted breakage, and keep your hair in tip-top condition.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

 

 

Skin

6 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Natural Deodorants That Actually Work

All cruelty-free!

Post Updated: June 17, 2020

Redheads are known to have sensitive skin; which is why How to be a Redhead has a rigid process when deeming products safe for redheads. If approved, the product receives a “redhead friendly” stamp of approval.

Because of our skin sensitivity and trying to be aware of what we put in our bodies, it’s important to make the switch and start using a natural deodorant. The aluminum in deodorants (known as antiperspirants) has been linked to cancer, allergies, toxicity and irritation. Avoiding the harmful ingredients in most drugstore deodorants is important to living a healthy lifestyle. However, most natural deodorants simply don’t work.

You want to feel fully confident with your deodorant. No one wants to smell bad. That’s why we’re rounding up our favorite natural deodorants that actually work. It’s important to note that natural deodorants mask, eliminate and control order but not sweat. You can reapply throughout the day to ensure you smell good 24/7. We’ve tested and approved a handful of natural deodorants that neutralize order and absorb sweat. Keep scrolling to find your next favorite ‘redhead friendly’ deodorant.

1. Rustic MAKA Natural Deodorant, Luna Bliss, $15

Rustic MAKA creates amazing natural deodorants. This one offers a blissfully clean, powder-crisp scent with a fresh aroma to effectively neutralize body odor.   

Rustic MAKA Natural Deodorant, Luna Bliss, $15

2. Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick, $7

The Original Mineral Deodorant contains one ingredient: pure mineral salt. It’s long-lasting and completely natural and cruelty-free.

Crystal Mineral Deodorant Stick, $7

 

3. Primal Pit Paste All-Natural Vanilla Lavender Stick Deodorant, $11

Primal Pit is one of the most popular natural deodorants on the market. We are obsessed with their Vanilla Lavender Stick Deodorant. They also have a paste-type deodorant.

Primal Pit Paste All-Natural Vanilla Lavender Stick Deodorant, $11

4. Each & Every Natural Aluminum Free Deodorant. $15

We love this lavender and lemon deodorant featured in the Summer Deluxe H2BAR Box! Made with 6 clean, effective ingredients (and all-natural essential oils) that are verified safe by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

 

Each & Every Natural Aluminum Free Deodorant, $15

 

5. Wren Natural Deodorant Paste Cream, $12

Wren Natural’s Deodorant Paste Cream is made for those with slightly more sensitive pits. Made with natural essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, sandalwood, and clove. Just reach in the jar and rub a small amount on your pits.

Wren Natural Deodorant Paste Cream, $12

 

6. Native Deodorant Coconut & Vanilla, $12

Native is another popular natural deodorant brand that actually works. It’s strong enough for both men and women.

Native Deodorant Coconut & Vanilla, $12

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Confidence

13 Signs You’re A Natural Redhead

1. Your nickname will always be “red.” 

…and you will always be called a “ginger.”

2. In school, you were the only redhead in your class. 

3. People always ask, “Is your hair color natural?”

4. You are an expert on sunscreen.

…and sunless-tanner.

5. You get sunburnt no matter where you are.

Even if you’re outside for just 5 minutes.

6. Your ‘go to’ makeup color is ivory. 

7. You’re used to being asked by strangers to touch your red hair. 

8. You’ve heard this from a hairstylist once or twice: “People would kill for your red hair!” or “People pay so much money to get your color!” 

[flips your red hair]

READ: 7 Things People Say to a Redhead at the Hair Salon 

9. Ariel is and will always be your favorite Disney princess. 

10. When acting out the British music group, you always had to be Ginger. 

11. When you see another redhead, you nod at each other. It’s like being a part of a secret club. 

12. You have freckles.

…and sometimes they blend together to look like a tan.

13. You’re obsessed with your red hair. 

We’re rare, unique and amazing!

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! 

 

Carmina Alvarez

Part II: How To Boost & Volumize Your Red Hair

By: Carmina Alvarez

Many redheads lack volume and texture. With the use of the right products and hair tools, your flat red hair can be transformed to a full body of gorgeous red hair. Hair volumizing products add thickness and hydration to to hair, keeping it healthy and full of body. But, you also need the right tools and knowledge of what products to avoid:

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOLS:

1. Purchase a hair dryer that is fit for your red locks. Tip: When blow drying fine hair, do it with your hair upside down and then flip your hair back. This trick will give you tremendous volume!

READ: THE BEST BLOW DRYERS FOR YOUR RED HAIR

2. It is important to use hair dryer attachments, like an air concentrator or styling pick. The concentrator focuses airflow on a specific part of the head. This attachment comes standard on most professional blow dryers and gives you more control and direction. The styling pick comes in all different shapes and sizes, and, like hair picks, the pick dryer attachment is used to create volume and lift because it allows you to comb your hair while you’re drying.

3. The hot air brush rotates and blow dries on its own! You no longer have to struggle with tired hands as you blow dry your hair a round brush and blow dryer. The hot air brush gives hair incredible volume because of its anti-frizz bristles that ensure body and shine. Tip: If you have long hair, the hot air brush can be difficult to use because it is designed for shorter hair.

4. Large velcro rollers can be used on dry or wet hair. Comb your hair and starting from the tips of the hair, roll up the velcro rollers and secure with a bobby pin. It’s a great idea to do roll your hair before bed, spray a volumizing spray over the hair and sleep. In the morning, you’ll wake up with incredible volume.

5. It’s best to invest in good quality round brush. If your hair is very fine and flat, opt for a large round brush to instantly increase volume while hair drying.

6. Go to a professional for a blow out. The hair stylist will be able to give you incredible volume while you relax!

AVOID THESE PRODUCTS:

1. Oil based products like serums will only weigh down the hair and give it a life-less look.

2. Hair gel also weighs down hair and will make it look limp.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

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