Why are we so passionate about a redhead beauty line?
We at H2BAR created these products because we know there are different categories of redheads who need clean, custom products. Many redheads struggle with light, almost translucent brows and some have darker brows, but all desire a brow product that isn’t brown or fire-engine red.
Since the launch of our three brow products in Universal Red, we know redheads were searching for a clean, vegan Clear Brow Gel — also formulated with sensitive redheads in mind. We also know some redheads opt for tinting their brows, so the need for extra color isn’t needed. There are also redheads who like their light brows and don’t want to change them; instead, they want to embrace them and we’re here for it.
Why the Clear Brow Gel is special
In honor of National Love Your Red Hair Day, we’re launching Finally Have Brows® – Clear Brow Gel. It can be used to shape and style natural brows, or added into your routine with other Finally Have Brows® products.
Finally Have Brows® – Clear Brow Gel is ‘Redhead-Friendly’, flake and feather resistant, and works seamlessly with our other products. It’s also paraben-free, cruelty-free, non-GMO, vegan, and made in the USA. Finally Have Brows® – We expect it to be a big hit, so make sure you get yours while you can!
Another Halloween has come and gone and we’re still riding the high of the glorious costumes. If you like celeb-watching, Halloween is one of the best nights of the year. Thanks to Instagram and TikTok, we were able to see our favorite redhead celebrities in their Halloween costumes. We are breaking everything down by natural redheads & those who dyed their locks/wore a red wig for this fun “holiday”:
Natural redheads:
1. Madelaine Petsch as Poison Ivy
Madelaine Petsch, the queen of redhead Halloween costumes, debuted another trio look with her Riverdale co-stars. The trio went as Gotham City sirens with Petsch dressed as Poison Ivy.
6. Hailey Bieber as Cady Heron from Mean Girls AND Pebbles from The Flintstones
Hailey Bieber was a redhead for both of her costumes! She posted an Instagram photo of herself portraying the entire cast of Mean Girls — including redhead, Cady Heron (played by Lindsay Lohan).
You may see those girls on your FYP who are effortlessly put together and only need a few minutes to get out the door. Some of them might be blessed, but most of them are putting in the work behind the scenes. If you’re a redhead who strives to be “low maintenance“, but can’t seem to get yourself there, listen up. There’s a secret to being low maintenance and it’s not just not caring. The secret is actually doing “high maintenance” beauty tasks once-in-a while. Hear us out! Here are 7 high maintenance things you can do every so often to become more low maintenance on a daily basis:
1. Tint your redhead brows
If you have light eyebrows, there’s a constant struggle of not feeling “put together” until you apply your brow gel. You might hate finding the time to do your brows and the secret is tinting your brows. You can do this at home every 4-8 weeks and you’ll wake up every day looking ready to go. For makeup days, wear Finally Have Brows® for added volume, shape, and hold.
2. Get a lash lift and tint
Similarly to our eyebrows, most redheads have light lashes and don’t feel ready to head out the door until mascara has been applied. Getting a lash lift and tint every 6-8 weeks will help you feel your best every morning with no effort. If your lash tinting isn’t for you, try the Finally Have Lashes® Auburn or Brown mascara.
3. Master overnight hairstyles
Spending an hour doing your hair in the morning is the least low-maintenance thing in the world. Master the overnight curls so you can be ready in a flash and have gorgeous-looking red hair every single day. Curls aren’t your thing? Teach yourself how to do a killer blowout. When done properly it should last you until your next hair wash day.
4. Perfect your 5-minute makeup routine
Being low maintenance doesn’t mean you can’t wear makeup, it just means it doesn’t take you 45 minutes to put your face on before heading out the door. Master a 5 or 10-minute makeup routine that you feel comfortable in. Concealer, mascara, and brow gel are a quick, easy combo that will help you feel put together.
5. Take care of your skin
The best way to be low maintenance is to have a great canvas to work with. Taking care of your skin will help you to be more confident without makeup, making you more low maintenance. Drink plenty of water, hydrate and nourish your skin with skincare, always wash your makeup off, and always wear SPF.
6. Set up a hair wash schedule
There’s nothing worse than realizing your hair is way too many days past wash day and you have to carve hours out of your time to wash, dry, and style. Instead, put yourself on a hair-washing schedule and stick to it. Learn how many days your hair can go between washes and wash it like clockwork. This ensures your hair is always up to par and you’re never caught with dirty hair on a bad day.
7. Weekly “everything showers”
Hair washing isn’t the only place a schedule is helpful. 1-2 times per week, schedule yourself an “everything shower”. This is when you wash, exfoliate, shave, scrub, use hair masks, and really get all bubbly things done. This will help you to feel your best the rest of the week and it’s well worth it. This also means your daily showers can be shorter and more focused on getting clean.
We polled redheads of different ages to get an answer
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This statement has been heard by redheads around the world: “Don’t dye your natural red hair, you’ll ruin it!” But many of us redheads want to experiment with other shades of red, or take a brunette/blonde plunge. You might think to yourself, “It’s fine to try other colors because my natural red will simply grow back.” Is this true? Or, is your natural hair going to be different when it grows out?
2. It’s hard to remove color once the dye has processed through the hair
But is there any truth about dye impacting new growth? Here’s what we know.
It depends on your age
We polled two natural redheads between 20-35 years of age, and two natural redheads between 55-70 years of age about their experience with dyeing their hair red.
The younger natural redheads reported that their red roots grew back practically “the same shade”. If there was any issue with the new growth after dyeing or bleaching, their hair felt brittle and sensitive to breaks, but only because of the impact of the chemicals.
The mature natural reds reported to us that when their roots grew out, their red hair wasn’t as vibrant. But, don’t rush to conclusions! You may think the dye caused this, but it has more to do with age than with the chemicals used on the strands. For many redheads, as we get older, our hair begins to darken, and then once we hit middle age, our hair begins to fade. Chances are that the change in root color is due to age, not the dyeing process.
You may be dyeing over the best shade your hair will ever be
If you want to dye your hair, do it. It won’t impact your natural color in the long run, but you may miss some of those peak years of vibrancy in your color. Our co-founder, Stephanie, has shared her struggle with dyeing her hair blonde for 7 years of her life during the prime of her vibrancy time. She was between the ages of 12-19 when she dyed her hair and regrets it because, “My hair will never be as vibrant as it was then. Now, thanks to color depositing shampoos and hair glosses, I can get close to what the red was but I wish I appreciated it when I was younger.”
It’s important to come into your own, but we’re always preaching at H2BAR to feel confident and rock your red hair. Red hair is more than a color, it’s a lifestyle. Rock it like a Redhead!
Fall and winter are the perfect time to get cozy and elevate your shower and bath game. Taking a shower or bath is a great way to relax, unwind, and give yourself some pampering. Adding in-home spa elements and quality products to your routine can make it feel more like an experience than a chore. Here are some of our favorite products to up the game during shower and bath time:
Scap stimulation is essential for scalp health and promoting hair growth. Use an in-shower scalp massager to help stimulate the scalp while washing your hair.
Try adding an aromatherapy shower steamer to your next shower. They are great for relaxation, comfort, and stress relief. Plus they make your shower and bathroom smell amazing!
If you’re not a robe person, and much prefer your towel, upgrade to a spa wrap instead. It stays put better than a towel does but gives you the same feeling.
If you wear glasses, you know there’s a lot of thought that goes into picking your next pair of frames. For some, they prefer a statement glass frame, others want neutral options and some want the frame to elevate their signature redhead look.
Choosing glasses that complement your red hair are usually warm-toned frames like tortoiseshell, earthy greens, or warm browns. It’s best to avoid colors that clash, like bright pinks or reds. However, personal style and face shape also play a role, so it’s essential to try on various options to find what suits you best.
Having trouble finding your next pair? Or maybe you want a new addition to add to your collection. Here are 5 glasses frames we love for redheads:
As we wrap up October, we’re looking back at all our beauty favs for the month. Redheads require specific beauty products and this is the true foundation and purpose when HowtobeaRedhead.com was founded in 2011. We have unique hair and skin characteristics that can greatly benefit from specialized care. Here are a few reasons why we need specific redhead-approved items:
1. Skin Sensitivity: Many redheads have fair and sensitive skin, which can be more prone to sunburn and irritation. We may need sunscreen with higher SPF, hypoallergenic makeup, or skincare products designed for sensitive skin.
2. Hair Care: Red hair is often finer and more delicate than other hair types, so specific shampoos and conditioners can help maintain its color and texture. Additionally, red hair can be more prone to fading, so products formulated for color-treated hair may be beneficial.
3. Makeup Shades: Redheads often have unique undertones in their skin and require makeup products in shades that complement their hair and complexion. This includes choosing the right foundation, lipstick, and blush colors.
4. Sun Protection: Given our stereotypical fair skin (although redheads are from all ethnicities and nationalities around the world), redheads may need to be diligent about sun protection. This may involve using specific sunscreens, wide-brimmed hats, and protective clothing.
While redheads may not always require entirely separate beauty products, choosing items that cater to their specific needs can enhance their beauty routines and help them maintain their unique look. From haircare to skincare and everything in between, we know you will love these 10 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Approved products just as much as we do:
The weather is getting colder, and nobody wants to leave the house with wet hair. Give your red hair a quick style and a dry with this all-in-one styling brush. It makes for easy at-home blowouts and is a great alternative to pricier options like the Dyson Airwrap or the Shark FlexStyle.
Dermaplaning is a great way to exfoliate the skin, remove unwanted hair, and get a nice soft finish to the skin. However, it can be a time-consuming process that for many redheads can be irritating to the skin. As an alternative, try this painless hair remover that leaves no irritation!
Skip the trip to the nail salon and apply these easy-to-use nail wraps instead. You can get a foolproof manicure in minutes with less mess than regular polish.
Just because fall is here doesn’t mean we can slack on SPF. This daily moisturizer + sunscreen is a great multi-purpose product we are loving this fall. Featured in the Fall Deluxe H2BAR Box.
For silky smooth skin this fall and winter, try this rich, hydrating, and deliciously scented argan oil body butter. Like your body butter unscented? There’s an option for that too.
October is Bullying Awareness Month and this singer/songwriter is here to talk about the topic...
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Unfortunately, bullying is something many redheads experience over the course of their lives. October is Bullying Awareness Month and we couldn’t think of a better guest to discuss bullying, and what her experience was like growing up with red hair in Scotland.
Stephanie “Steph” Cheape is a natural redhead + singer/songwriter from Scotland. She has 300K followers on TikTok where she posts about Scottish culture, her music, and of course, life as a redhead. Follow her on TikTok
It seems like there is a stigma in the UK surrounding red hair. Do you think this is true? And if so, why the cultural difference?
Is there anything, you believe, we can do better to stop the UK stigma of redheads? Do you think it will ever stop?
We know you wear our Finally Have Lashes mascara in Perfectly Auburn! We have more shades coming out this winter. Do you feel like redhead makeup has helped you embrace your red hair even more? If a redhead beauty line were more readily available in the UK, do you think it would help the redhead stigma?
You’ve commented that TikTok users tend to be nicer than Instagram users. Do you think this has to do with a younger, more accepting generation? Do you feel like users are more accepting of your red hair on TikTok than Instagram?
You share fun facts about redheads on social media. What’s your favorite fun fact you like to pull out?
We know you’re a musician! Tell us about your music career, how it’s going + what’s next for you professionally. Any projects you can tell us about?
You can hear Stephanie and Adrienne interview Steph on the latest episode of the How to be a Redhead Podcast available directly below, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts:
Want to help us spread the news about the How to be a Redhead brand and this podcast? Please give us a 5-star review and tell your friends (redheads and everyone else) to subscribe.
Want your questions answered on an episode of the podcast? Email H2BARPodcast@gmail.com, or DM us on Instagram @HowtobeaRedhead or TikTok @HowtobeaRedhead. We answer 2-4 questions per podcast so be sure to tune in to hear if we answered yours.
National Chocolate Day is celebrated on October 28th just a few days before one of the chocolatiest days of the year — Halloween! The main ingredient in chocolate* is cocoa and it has a number of health benefits. Some of the benefits are improved heart health and boosted brain function. It’s also believed that cocoa can help to lower blood pressure and even prevent liver damage. Chocolate is also a food that makes us feel good, and when eaten in moderation it can be a great way to raise endorphins and give yourself a much-needed treat.
1. Antioxidant properties: Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, contains high levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids. These antioxidants help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors, potentially reducing signs of aging.
2. Hydration: Cocoa butter, derived from chocolate, is often used in skincare products due to its emollient properties. It can help moisturize and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
3. Mood enhancement: The scent of chocolate can be mood-boosting and comforting. Some beauty products incorporate chocolate fragrances to provide a pleasant sensory experience during your skincare routine.
4. Stress reduction: The scent of chocolate is believed to have stress-reducing and calming effects, which can enhance your overall well-being when using chocolate-based beauty products.
5. Skin nourishment: Chocolate is rich in vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for the skin. For example, it contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, which can promote skin health and rejuvenation.
6. Anti-inflammatory properties: Some components in chocolate, such as theobromine, may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing skin redness and irritation.
7. Exfoliation: Cocoa powder is sometimes used as a gentle exfoliant in skincare products. It can help remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking refreshed and revitalized.
Let’s remember chocolate isn’t just a yummy treat, it can be in beauty products too. Many beauty products have cocoa in them or are chocolate-scented. These are the perfect way to celebrate this tasty holiday. Here are some of our favorite redhead-approved favorites:
*It’s important to note that while chocolate-based beauty products may offer these potential benefits, individual results can vary, and the effectiveness of any product depends on its formulation and skin type. Always check the ingredients of a product to ensure it contains real cocoa or chocolate extracts and is suitable for your specific skin needs.
The holiday season is fast approaching and that means it’s time to start thinking about your gift list and also your holiday wish list. We love gift sets for the holidays because often they are more affordable and give the recipient a chance to try something new they might not buy for themselves. Looking for some amazing gift sets to give the redhead in your life, or add to your own wish list? We’ve got you!
This is the ultimate holiday gift set for redheads. It’s a 7-piece set that comes with 3 pieces from the Finally Have Brows® collection, the entire Finally Have Lashes® collection, and the new Finally Glossy® Shine and Luminosity shampoo for redheads.
For the nail polish lover, this 3-piece polish set is a perfect stocking stuffer. The set includes a solid berry color, a metallic rose gold shade, and a pink glitter polish. These make the perfect addition to any nail collection!
This eco-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free set of 5 travel-sized facial bars is a wonderful gift. It’s great for those who like to travel, or just want to try something new.
For a little seasonal-inspired body care, this set from The Body Shop is sure to be a hit! It’s got 3 vegan items all in a delicious spiced orange scent.
Give the gift of relaxation with spa in a box. This complete spa set comes with vanilla lip balm, a tangerine soap bar, a hydrating rose facial mist, a deliciously scented candle, a satin eye mask, a second travel-sized soap bar in lemongrass, a moisturizing heel balm and foot filer, and a linen gift pouch for storage.
We know overuse of hot tools, like straighteners, can damage your red hair, but did you also know it can actually affect your natural color? If stress alarms are going off in your brain right now, you’re not alone. You might be thinking: “I never thought of this!” or “I knew my red hair was fading prematurely!”
If you do a simple Google search on this topic, you will see heat of any kind can fade chemically treated red hair. However, those who color their hair aren’t the only ones at risk: natural redheads, we are in the same boat. Excessive heat can strip away color molecules, causing the color to fade or become dull over time. Let’s see how we can minimize this effect:
Why does this happen? Why isn’t it talked about more? What can you do?
So many questions and we have the answers. The fading of hair color when exposed to high heat from hair straighteners happens primarily due to the following reasons:
1. Loss of Moisture: High heat can strip the hair of its natural moisture, which is essential for locking in the color. Dry hair is more prone to losing color molecules.
2. Opening of Cuticles: The high temperatures can open the outer protective layer of the hair, known as the cuticle. When the cuticle is raised, it allows color molecules to escape more easily.
3. Color Oxidation: For those who dye their hair red, heat can accelerate the oxidation process of hair dyes, causing them to break down and fade.
4. Damage to Hair Proteins: Excessive heat can also damage the proteins in the hair shaft, making it more porous. This increased porosity can lead to color molecules leaching out.
To minimize these effects and protect your hair color, it’s essential to use heat-protectant products, lower the straightener’s temperature, and limit the frequency of heat styling. Additionally, using color-safe and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can help maintain your hair color for longer periods.
What temperature should you set your hot tools to?
Many hot tools go up as high as 450º+, but it’s really unnecessary to use heat that high. Most people can get the same effect without all the damage at a heat of around 300º – 350º. If you have fine hair, you may not even need to go that high and may be better off with temps under 300º. It’s tempting to crank your straightener or curling iron up to get the job done faster, but it will leave your hair damaged and faded. Another alternative is to use air tools like the Dyson Airwrap or the Shark FlexStyle. These products style your hair with heat + air for less damage.
Our co-founders, Adrienne + Stephanie, talk about this very topic on the last episode of the How to be a Redhead podcast, Season 4 (2022). Check it out:
It feels like there’s a new skincare trend circulating around social media every few weeks, and while some of them are total game changers, this newest one is downright dangerous. There’s a new trend involving sunscreen, and you know we had to look into it for you, redheads. Have you heard of SPF cocktailing? It’s the latest TikTok skincare trend, we’ve got the lowdown on what it is, if it works for redheads and what dermatologists are saying:
What is SPF Cocktailing?
You might be thinking this is about sipping on cocktails while slathered in sunscreen laying out in the sun (under an umbrella, of course). Sign us up — especially if Seasonal Depression Disorder is starting to sink in right about now. But unfortunately, that’s not what this trend is all about.
SPF cocktailing is the method of mixing together sunscreens with other skincare and makeup products. Many like this because it helps to save time in the getting-ready-routine by not applying skincare and makeup in the proper layers. Some TikToker’s claim SPF cocktailing also helps to remove the white cast that can be caused by sunscreens because it’s being mixed with other products.
What are dermatologists saying?
Like most trends, this idea was created by consumers and not advised by professionals. As much as we love a time saver, unfortunately, this hack can be quite dangerous for your skin and will leave you exposed to the sun. “In order for sunscreen to protect us from skin cancer and photoaging, it must be applied liberally and adequately to ensure it covers all areas of exposed skin,” Dr. Dennis Gross, practicing dermatologist, former skin cancer researcher, and co-founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, shared with Coveteur.com. “When you mix sunscreen with makeup, there is a high chance that you aren’t using enough SPF to effectively protect your skin, leaving you vulnerable to sun-related damage and burns.”
SPF cocktailing can be potentially dangerous if not done correctly for several reasons:
1. Inadequate Protection: Mixing or layering sunscreen products haphazardly can lead to an insufficient level of sun protection, as the combined SPF may not add up as expected. This could leave your skin vulnerable to harmful UV radiation.
2. Incompatibility: Some sunscreen ingredients can interact negatively when combined, reducing their effectiveness. Mixing certain products might lead to decreased sun protection.
3. Dilution: When you mix sunscreen with other products like moisturizers, there’s a risk of diluting the sunscreen’s active ingredients, which can compromise its ability to shield your skin from UV rays.
4. Patchy Coverage: Layering products may result in uneven application, leaving some areas of your skin underprotected while others are adequately shielded.
5. Allergic Reactions: Combining different products increases the likelihood of skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies to specific ingredients.
6. Misinterpretation: There’s a risk of misunderstanding or miscalculating the total SPF level, which can lead to a false sense of security.
To ensure your skin is properly protected from the sun, it’s generally recommended to use a single, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an adequate SPF level for your needs, applied correctly and reapplied as directed on the product label. If you choose to SPF cocktail, do so cautiously and make sure the products are compatible and applied effectively to avoid these risks.
What can we do to same time instead?
If you want to A) save time and B) reduce white cast, you should use a tinted SPF. It will provide some color and coverage for your skin, without the white cast caused by many SPF products. It’s safe and effective because it’s formulated this way, and not being mixed by you at home.
