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Hair

Why Redheads Should Choose Apple Cider Vinegar for Shiny Hair

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is more than just a kitchen item. It can be used to strengthen and revitalize your red hair. ACV is naturally high in acetic acid and has a PH level close to that of human hair – around 3. When diluted with water, it can form into a great rinse to help bring your scalp and hair to its ideal acidity, meaning it balances the pH of the hair. It also works wonders on oily scalps. In other words, this rinse makes your red hair super shiny and healthy!



Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

1 part apple cider vinegar
1 part cool water

Directions:

To revive your red hair to its days of smoothness, mix the apple cider vinegar and water together. After shampooing, pour the mixture into your hair. Let the apple cider vinegar concoction sit for a few minutes before rinsing fully with water. No need to use conditioner! The apple cider vinegar will leave hair feeling smooth and soft.

Tips: 

1. Use a spray bottle to spritz the ACV mixture into your hair.

2. First time trying this rinse? Use a little at first, a tbsp or two to start, to see how your red hair takes to the rinse.

3. We recommend doing this rinse on your hair every 7-10 days. If you have super thin, opt to only 1-2 times a month.

4. Don’t worry! Your hair won’t smell like ACV once it dries.

5. Three ‘redhead friendly’ ACV options:

Bragg Organic & Eden Foods for a standard ACV product

dpHUE Apple Cider Hair Rinse (seen in the H2BAR Box)

Would you try this at home? Rock it like a Redhead! 

 

This post was edited on December 5, 2017

Hair

Embracing Red with Boston’s Salon Mario Russo

How to be a Redhead teamed up with Salon Mario Russo, a well-known salon on Newbury Street in Boston, MA.

Julie Balewicz, a stylist of eighteen years, transformed Victoria Desmond from a brunette to a stunning redhead!

Julie specializes in red hair and sat down with H2BAR to give readers the inside scoop on tips and tricks for redheads (natural or not).

H2BAR: What advice do you give to someone wanting to dye their hair red?

JULIE: A variety of factors goes into having red hair, the main one being: personality. If you are vibrant and don’t mind being the center of attention, then red hair is the right color for you! Other factors are skin tone and natural hair color. If you’re olive skinned, go violet toned and if blonde, go strawberry blonde.

H2BAR: What recommendations do you have for maintaining red hair,  natural or not?

JULIE: Wash your hair every other day because washing it too much will cause dryness and/or a depletion of the color.  I’m also a big fan of glosses in between dye jobs because it maintains the color and treats the hair.

H2BAR: What are your favorite products for women who dye their hair red?

JULIE: I can’t find a product line strictly for redheads that I like, but I do love Oribe, Shampoo and Conditioner ($36 each) and Kerastase, Chroma Sensitive ($42). The products are beautifully made and you’ll have no fading. Sometimes, women go too brassy, so it is important to use products that will wash out the brassiness but keep the color in place.

H2BAR: What is a common myth about red hair?

JULIE: You can get the same color red over and over if you keep proper records.

Style

Dana-Maxx: Fashion Designer,Entrepreneur and Redhead

Who do you think of when you hear: fabulous redhead, inspirational designs and fashion forward clothing?

Only one woman comes to our mind, Dana- Maxx.

H2BAR had the pleasure of speaking with Dana-Maxx about her fashion line, her life passions and how being a redhead has inspired her life as a fashion designer.

H2BAR: What is the Dana-Maxx fashion story?

DM: I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and then worked in design for Betsey Johnson and Marc Jacobs before launching Dana-Maxx in 2007. The line is very architectural, mixes bright pops of color with neutrals, and is always feminine, edgy, sexy and effortless.

H2BAR: Has having red hair inspired your career as a fashion designer?

DM: I love the color red because it has so many different meanings. It represents everything from anger and strength to love and sensuality.  I loved red so much that I chose to use it as one of the main colors in the new fall/winter 2011 collection. We even worked with a gorgeous red haired model in our lookbook!

H2BAR: What does 2011/2012 have in store for Dana-Maxx?

DM: It’s a really exciting time for my company! I am on a new fashion TV series called All On The Line with ELLE Magazine’s creative director, Joe Zee. My episode aired on April 26th @ 10 PM on the Sundance Channel. Viewers will be able to catch some of the red pieces I did on the show!

H2BAR: How to be a Redhead reader’s are wondering, what is your favorite trend this season?

DM: I love the minimalistic look that is big right now. Women can look and feel effortless, but accent their outfit with great pair of heels and an accessory, and they are good to go.

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

DM: OMG it means everything! My hair is naturally auburn, but I feel that I should have been born with bright, bold red hair, so that is what I have now.

Having red hair is like wearing a great red lipstick: you can never go wrong and it gives you a sense of confidence.

H2BAR: We love your hair! Where do you get it done? What is your secret for keeping it so beautiful?

DM: Thank you! It’s very hard to find a colorist who understands red hair. Plus, I also have very curly hair, so you put the two together, and it’s almost impossible to find someone good! I travel to a wonderful salon in New Jersey called Solace Day Spa. I have the BEST stylist named Diamond. He turned me bold red a few years ago and I haven’t looked back since.

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?

DM: Kevin Murphy makes a great shampoo & conditioner that helps maintain my red hair color and texture.

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?

DM: Be true to who you are. Redheads are pretty lucky- we naturally exude a sense of fearlessness and strength just with our hair color. There is a lot of power in the color red, learn to use it to your advantage.

You can purchase Dana Maxx’s clothing featured above in specialty stores in the U.S. and online at www.dana-maxx.com.

 

Skin

The Best Natural Remedy for Your Sunburn

Even though redheads are constantly reminded to apply sunscreen, a bad sunburn happens to the best of us.

READ: 16 Best Sunscreen Picks for Redheads in 2017

There’s no need to suffer through a sleepless night when this simple natural remedy will help cure your sunburn: VINEGAR.

Vinegar contains acetic acid, a component in aspirin that can relieve itching and inflammation.

At-Home Instructions: 

Grab a spray bottle and fill it with 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar. Apply it to the burn.

Tip #1: Make sure to not wipe it off. Let it drip dry because a towel will irritate the skin.

Tip #2: Don’t have a spray bottle handy? Dip a washcloth in vinegar and gently pat it on the sunburn. Do not rub.

WATCH: Redhead Guide to Applying Sunscreen 

Rock it like a Redhead!

*Updated April 2018

Confidence

Love Your Redhead Skin: An Interview with Meghan Rothschild

Redhead-Meghan-Rothschild1-Interview-How-To-Be-A-RedheadMeghan Rothschild is a 27-year-old proud redhead, seven year cancer survivor and co-founder of survivingskin.org.

H2BAR met with Meghan to get the scoop on her life as a redhead and her message to everyone about taking care of  your skin:

MR: SurvivingSkin.org is actually the homepage for my business, Surviving Skin, that I founded over 3 years ago. I have been speaking on the topic of melanoma and skin cancer for over 6 years and Surviving Skin is the “name” to what I do. I travel around the country educating young men and women (mostly at high schools and colleges) about the dangers of UV exposure, both indoor and out.

At the young age of 20, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Melanoma caused by excessive tanning. Post diagnosis, I have an extensive surgery that included the removal of 8 lynph nodes, and a large chunk of skin on my abdomen. Since my experience, I have had over 30 moles removed because once you’ve had melanoma you’re at a greater risk to get it again.

My goals are to educate has many people as possible about this deadly diseae and break down the misconception that skin cancer is an “easy” cancer to overcome. The mission of Surviving Skin is as follows “Our mission is to inform men and women of all ages about the dangerous effects of sun exposure and indoor tanning bed use.”

H2BAR: We always ask: How has being a redhead shaped your life?

Well, I think with so many of us fellow redheads out there, it was a complete PITA (Pain In The Ass) when I was growing up. I was teased for my fair skin and “ginger” hair, I was called names, told I looked like “Casper the ghost.” You name it, I was called it.

Being a redhead was the reason I turned to tanning booths at the age of 17. I wanted to have a “normal” complexion and look like everyone else… I thought about dying my hair and completely changing my appearance many times.

After 2 1/12 years of indoor tanning, I was diagnosed with cancer.

It wasn’t until a year after my initial diagnosis that I began to LOVE my unique appearance. Over the past 7 years I have come to absolutely love the fact that I am a redhead and wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve learned the makeup tips, the hair styling and any other trick you can think of to work what I’ve got! Now that I think of it, I can honestly say that being a redhead has shaped about 90% of who I am today (as she smiles)!

H2BAR: Do you have any regrets about the way you treated your skin?

Of course! I worry everyday about the potential for another skin cancer and of course, wrinkles. I’m 27 and use an anti-wrinkle night cream! I don’t however, regret having skin cancer. It has made me the strong person I am today and even if I could, I wouldn’t change a thing. I was diagnosed for a reason, and skin cancer awareness is my life’s mission.

H2BAR: Do you have any tips or recommendations for redheaded skin?

Moisturize, exfoliate, and have a professional help you pick your makeup colors. They know best and us redheads can be a challenge! And make sure to pamper yourself... your skin is the largest organ “in” our body. We need to treat it with love and care.

H2BAR: Do you have a favorite product/ product line?

I love Ava Anderson non-toxic. They have a fantastic line of skin care products and most of the ingredients (if not ALL) are a zero on the cosmetic database. I also love Sevin Nyne and Clarins sunless tanners – my pasty legs’ best friend.

H2BAR: What is your favorite sunscreen?

Ava Anderson SPF, Eucerin daily SPF lotion, and Neutrogena tinted facial moisturizer with a 30 SPF.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Makeup

Interview with Celebrity Makeup Artist and Redhead, Lauren Gott

How to be a Redhead had the distinct pleasure to interview Lauren Gott, celebrity makeup artist and redhead for the past thirteen years. She is known for her  flawless application, acute attention to detail, and unique amount of creativity!

H2BAR: What is the Lauren Gott story?

LG: I grew up in Louisiana. My home town is Lake Charles which is in the heel of the boot of Louisiana and right off the Gulf of Mexico.

Upon completion of high school I was asked to go to NYC to model with Wilhelmina Models; my older sister was a model and I believe she had inadvertently shown her booker a graduation photo of me. I thought the notion a joke due to my underwhelming height and childlike ballerina frame. I knew I would never be offered an experience quite like modeling again, so I bit the bullet and decided to spend what I thought would be a summer in NY. My academic aspirations to study medicine were soon put on the back burner when I made the tough decision to accept agency offers in Europe. I thought, school will always be there, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity I can only do when I’m young. It’s baffling how one decision can alter your entire life and career course.

H2BAR: Has having red hair inspired your career as a makeup artist?

LG: Well, I suppose I would never have become a makeup artist had it not been for my red hair and coloring. This made me unique as a model and then also as one of the few makeup artists in the industry…believe me I can count them all on one hand, myself included.

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

LG: Redheads certainly stand out in a crowd! Let’s just say we wouldn’t make the best serial killers. All jokes aside, I think there is a lot of mystery and curiosity regarding redhead’s allure, demeanor, and sexuality. We are so few and far between that I do believe we all share an inherent connection.

I also believe we redheads are more sensitive in most respects whether it be to others, to pain, emotionally, or the sun for that matter.

H2BAR: What is your secret for keeping your red locks so beautiful?

LG: I have naturally wavy curls and generally do not heat style my hair. I wash, condition, and occasionally put in a leave in conditioner; I like paraben-free organic brands. I’ll sleep on it damp and scrunch it on my pillow. When I wake up, my hair is ready to go.

H2BAR: What is your number 1 beauty secret?

LG:Suncreen. I love the sun but the sun does not love me! DeVita Sunscreen is incredible, natural, and won’t clog your pores.

H2BAR: What makeup tips do you have for redheads?

LG: Keep it simple. Suncreen, concealer, lip balm, lip color which can also be used on the cheeks, and little mascara (curl the lashes first to open the eyes up).

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

LG: If there is one trait we all have in common, it’s relentless, fiery, determination! Plant the right seeds, tend it, and watch your aspirations grow. It’s a often a long and arduous road, but, if you love what you do, it’s always worth it.

H2BAR: What does 2011/2012 have in store for Lauren Gott?

LG: Oh dear, I would love to be doing more makeup for beauty editorial and advertising. Beauty makeup is my passion and treats the face like a canvas which tends to be more whimsical and fun. I’ve been dividing my time between NY and LA; LA keeps me more busy with celebrity work.

Want more Lauren Gott? Visit her website

Photo Credit: © Lauren Gott

Confident Lifestyle

Why Redheads Have an Aversion to the Summer Heat

Once the summer months hit, it's all about a redhead and her aversion to summer

Edited: May 16, 2022; By: Guest Writer

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.  ~Russel Baker

Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE summer. It’s just not conducive with red hair and a fair complexion.

I’m a redhead who is part pasty white and part freckly. Fifteen minutes in the summer sun sees me ‘glowing’ an unhealthy shade of red, the sun having commenced its roasting process.

I was a bit worried the other day when I looked in the mirror after attending a barbecue.

I never usually venture out of the shade to swim, but I believed that I was actually melting therefore didn’t hesitate to prun-ify myself in the pool. But after getting home and looking at myself in the mirror, I realized that my freckles had taken it upon themselves to get busy and breed. An explosion had occurred all over my face, with a whole lot of baby freckles as a result.

Excellent.

Note: For those sun-smart individuals who may want to lecture me on the perils of not ‘slipping, slopping and slapping’, I was wearing sunscreen…that just doesn’t seem to stop my freckles. Nothing does – except maybe winter or living the life of a vampire and only venturing out at night.

I have considered the possibility of moving to a place with a cooler climate – but I hate the cold (rumour is that redheads feel the cold more…I’m living proof!).

What about trading it in for somewhere humid, and not so ‘harsh’. Hmmm – that would bring with it increased occurrences of melting and a whole lot of frizzy hair.

Hibernation? Well, I do love to sleep, but I don’t think I could handle the associated weight gain.

No. I can deal with ‘suffering’ through summer. I may just need to adopt of a new summer ‘style. I’m thinking 1950’s – wide-brimmed woven beach hats, bathing suits and pretty umbrellas?

I think us redheads would rock this classy, big-hat, chic look. What do you think?

Rock it like a Redhead! 


 

Hair

3 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Want To Dye Your Hair Red

Red: A Forever Beauty Statement

Many magazines are claiming red hair is just a “trend,” but it’s more than that, it’s a forever fashion statement.

Jason Backe, Celebrity Colorist with L’Oreal Professionel at Ted Gibson Salon recently did an interview with Hollywoodlife.com about the questions women should ask themselves before dying their hair red.

He’s right! Everyone taking the “red plunge” should ask themselves these questions:

  1. Does it fit your personality? “I always think that a redheaded woman is not a wilted flower. She’s either the smouldering temptress or the funny friend (think Lucille Ball)… “
  2. Are you ready for the comments? “When you dye your hair red, you’re making a statement so be ready for reactions, both good and bad. Not ready for the opinions? You might reconsider.”
  3. Can you handle the commitment? “Red is a lot of maintenance, so you have to commit to your colorist, the salon and the money it will take to make sure it looks great. You’ll need to visit every three weeks to keep it looking fresh. “

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Skin

Why Exfoliating The Lips Is Super Important for Redheads

Your Lips Need that Extra Va, Va Voom!

Whether it is winter or summer, the lips are always forgotten when protecting the skin. Or, sometimes, no matter how much medicated lip balm is applied, the lips may still crack and peel. It is also frustrating when matte lipstick is applied and lips suddenly look more chapped than ever.

Sometimes the simple issue will chapped lips is forgetting to exfoliate the lips. Exfoliating the lips takes off the excess skin from the lips. In more cases than most, you’ll find that your lips are not chapped… they just haven’t been exfoliated! Exfoliating the lips is as important as exfoliating the skin and body.

This is the process every redhead should follow when exfoliating lips:

1. With a warm, wet washcloth, clean the lips.

2. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with an natural oil, like the preferred Vitamin E oil. The sugar will exfoliate your lips and the Vitamin E will replenish them.

3. Apply the concoction on your lips and move your lips up and down to rub in the mixture.

4. Rub off the concoction with the washcloth.

Lips will appear baby soft and lipstick will look flawless. Rock it like a Redhead! 

Hair

5 Timeliness Redhead Summer Beauty Tips

Updated: June 2, 2017 

Summer has unofficially arrived and that means it’s time to share with you our top redhead summer beauty tips to help kick off this gorgeous season ahead.

It is known that redheads have a greater risk of developing melanoma than a non-redhead, so it is very important to always wear sunscreen and stay extra sun protected while enjoying the outdoors. We all want to keep our red hair looking fabulous and skin glowing while doing so. If you’re escaping from the cold climate on a vacation or waiting impatiently for warmer days, try these ‘redhead friendly’ beauty tips to prepare your skin and red hair for the summer:

Hair:

Shiseido Refreshing Sun Protection, SPF 16: Many redheads forget to apply sunscreen on their red hair and scalp, but it burns in the sun, too! This product is great because it is water-resistant, lightweight and prevents any sunburn from happening.

Sunless Tanner:

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse: We always talk about different sunless tanners, but this is our top favorite. It will give every redhead that perfect glow while keeping your delicate skin safe from harmful rays. We apply this product a few hours before bed and wake up with bronzed ready-for-the-sun skin.

Makeup:

We always apply these two products (with SPF!) on our skin to stay protected all day long.

It Cosmetics CC+ EYE Color Corrector Full Coverage Cream

Superbalanced Silk Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Lips:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint SPF 15: This lipstick lasts all day and includes SPF. What more could you want?

Eyes:

Recently, we have invested in UV-Blocking Silicone Hydrogel contact lenses. When we aren’t wearing our sunglasses, the contacts help our light colored eyes from being damaged from the sun.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Confidence

The Power of a Redhead: Interview With Kimberly Benson

H2BAR spoke with Boston entrepreneur and redhead, Kimberly V. Benson. She is founder of the graphic apparel company, Heretic City and has laid the foundation for an Independent Designers Market in Cambridge, MA. Heretic City offers a women and mens line titled “A Devastating Love,” which graphically demonstrates love, lust, sex and tragedy.

From the start of our interview, you could sense her confidence and self assuredness and there is no doubt that her personality stems from being a natural born redhead.

H2BAR: Do you think being a redhead has empowered you to start your own business?

KB: Yes. I grew up in an Italian family, so when I was younger, I was always stood out because I was a redhead. Even now I find I am treated differently, but it empowers me and I love that I am different. Being a redhead definitely influenced the start of my graphic apparel line.

H2BAR: What skin products are your favorite?

KB: My skin is sensitive, so I use Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers. I also love Shiseido’s Super Restoring Cream, they are a Japanese based company and the results are great. Because I am so fair, I stay out of the sun. I am always the one putting on SPF 70 with a hat and umbrella!

H2BAR: What about hair products? 

KB: My hair is long and wavy, so after I wash it, I let it air dry- I never use products.

H2BAR: Do you have any recommendations/beauty advice for redheads?

KB: When redheads see each other, there is an instant bond and there are some tips I wish all redheads knew. I think all redheads should color in their eyebrows to add definition to their face and never forget to wear mascara over those blonde eyelashes!

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