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Hair + Beauty

How Redheads Can Treat Dry Skin After A Long Winter

Give your redhead skin the TLC it deserves

Nobody wants rough, itchy, flaky or scaly skin, but it can happen for a number of reasons. Some naturally have dry skin and some have oily skin. Dry skin can also be caused by environmental factors, time of year, diet, and even the skincare products you are using. Treating your dry skin isn’t always fast, but it’s pretty easy once you know the right steps to take. When your redhead skin is dry, it needs moisture, but you also have to reduce the factors that are causing your skin to become dry. Here’s how redheads can treat their dry skin:

Hydrate from the inside

The easiest way to treat dry skin is through proper hydration. This means hydrating not only your skin at the surface level, but hydrating your body from within. Drink plenty of water every single day as this can drastically improve your skin and help to reduce dryness. Most humans (in general) aren’t drinking enough water, so try increasing your intake and reducing your consumption of things like soda, alcohol, and caffeine. 

Moisturize the right way 

Water is hydrating your skin from inside your body, but you’re going to need more than that to hydrate from the outside. Moisturizing your skin constantly will help to reduce dryness, but the products you’re using make a huge difference. You want to ensure you’re using products that will penetrate the skin and nourish it while adding a layer of hydration. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some good ingredients to look for include:

  • Jojoba oil 
  • Dimethicone
  • Glycerin
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Lactic acid
  • Lanolin
  • Mineral oil
  • Petrolatum
  • Shea butter

Reduce drying agents

Not only should you look for hydrating ingredients in your skincare, but you also need to actively avoid things that are drying your skin out. This includes ingredients like alcohol and fragrance that are common in skincare products, and also in household products like laundry detergent. Bad habits like taking too hot of showers, going out in the cold without adequate skin protection, and not moisturizing your hands after washing or sanitizing can also contribute to having dry skin.

Redhead skin, like any other skin type, can be sensitive and prone to dryness. Ingredients that may exacerbate dryness for redheads include:

1. Alcohol: Certain types of alcohol, such as denatured alcohol, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
2. Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances and certain essential oils can be irritating to sensitive skin, potentially causing dryness and inflammation.
3. Harsh Cleansers: Cleansers with sulfates or other harsh surfactants can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight.
4. Exfoliants: Over-exfoliating or using harsh physical exfoliants can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to increased dryness and sensitivity.
5. Retinoids: While beneficial for many skin types, retinoids can cause dryness, irritation, and peeling, especially when first starting to use them.
6. Benzoyl Peroxide: This common acne-fighting ingredient can be drying and irritating, especially when used in high concentrations or without proper moisturization.
7. Salicylic Acid: Another acne-fighting ingredient, salicylic acid, can be drying, particularly if used excessively or without proper hydration.

It’s important for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, including redheads, to choose skincare products specifically formulated for their skin type and to patch-test new products to avoid adverse reactions. Additionally, incorporating a hydrating moisturizer and gentle cleanser into their skincare routine can help alleviate dryness and maintain healthy skin.

Add moisture to the air

We spend a lot of time in our homes, and often the interior air can cause dryness in our skin. Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help to soften and hydrate the skin. A humidifier alone won’t solve your dry skin concerns, but it can be very helpful when used in addition to proper hydration, consistent moisturization, and good skincare habits.

In addition to softening and hydrating the skin, using a humidifier can offer several other benefits for redheads:

1. Relief from Dryness: Humidifiers can alleviate dryness not only on the skin but also in the nasal passages and throat, which can be especially beneficial for individuals living in dry climates or during the winter months when indoor heating can parch the air.

2. Improved Skin Comfort: Redheads with sensitive skin may experience less irritation and discomfort when the air is properly humidified, as dry air can exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

3. Enhanced Healing: For redheads with skin conditions or those recovering from dermatological procedures, a humidifier can create an optimal environment for skin healing by maintaining moisture levels and preventing excessive dryness.

4. Preservation of Skin Barrier: Adequate humidity in the air helps support the skin’s natural barrier function, which is crucial for protecting against environmental aggressors and maintaining overall skin health.

5. Reduced Signs of Aging: Properly hydrated skin tends to appear more youthful and radiant, so using a humidifier can potentially help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

6. Better Product Absorption: When the air is sufficiently humidified, skincare products may penetrate more effectively into the skin, maximizing their benefits and ensuring optimal hydration.

Overall, incorporating a humidifier into the environment can complement a redhead’s skincare routine by promoting healthier, more comfortable skin conditions.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: The Lowdown on Dry Skin Brushing for Redheads

READ: 6 Products to Keep Your Redhead Skin from Drying Out

Hair + Beauty

Timeless Renaissance Makeup Looks for Redheads

Get Inspired by Paintings

When you think of the Renaissance, you probably picture redheads. Most people do because redheads were often depicted in Renaissance paintings and art. As more subtle makeup becomes more popular, we’re seeing a resurgence in Renaissance-style beauty. This minimalist makeup style helps to highlight one’s natural features and also embraces fair skin and a rosy complexion — perfect for redheads. You may remember our How Redheads Can Apply Renaissance Makeup post. We’re back with more inspiration on how to incorporate this trend in your routine: 

Let’s recap on why redheads have a connection with the Renaissance

Redheads were depicted in Renaissance paintings for various reasons, including aesthetic appeal, symbolism, and social status. Red hair was considered exotic and beautiful during the Renaissance period, so artists often included redheaded figures to add visual interest to their works. Additionally, red hair was associated with certain symbolic meanings, such as passion, power, and even otherworldly qualities. Furthermore, red hair was sometimes associated with specific historical or biblical figures, leading artists to depict them with red hair for accuracy or to convey certain traits. Additionally, some noble families in Europe had members with red hair, so artists may have depicted redheads to reflect the social status of their subjects.

How redhead TikTokers are inspired by this time period

TikToker @CarewithKate posted a video recently showing a gorgeous makeup look inspired by Renaissance paintings. The inspiration for the video came after one follower commented “your face is very pretty and it reminds me of a Renaissance painting” on her “no makeup” makeup look for pale redheads. 

She shows a few Renaissance-style paintings and then does her own rendition of the look. Similar to another Renaissance makeup look we shared, the look starts with a very natural-looking base with some glow to it, simple brows, and a warm eye look with white liner, natural lashes, and a rosy pink lip. 

We absolutely love this look on Kate and love the idea of redheads embracing their features, coloring, and hair with makeup looks that were really made for them. 

@carewithkate

Replying to @marlena ✨ this sweetest comment ever 🥹 I only have one signature makeup look so I’m happy I was able to pull something together on the first try! #renaissancemakeup #redheadmakeup

♬ Waltz No.2 – Cihat Aşkın

To perfect a no-makeup look for redheads, consider the following tips:

1. Skincare: Prioritize skincare to ensure a clear and healthy complexion. Cleanse, moisturize, and use sunscreen daily to protect your skin and create a smooth canvas for makeup-free beauty.

2. Even out skin tone: Use a lightweight tinted moisturizer or BB cream to even out your skin tone without looking heavy or cakey. Opt for a shade that matches your natural skin tone closely.

3. Conceal imperfections selectively: Use a small amount of concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. Dab it only where needed to maintain a natural appearance.

4. Enhance brows: Groom your eyebrows to frame your face. Use a brow gel or pencil to fill in sparse areas and define the shape, but keep it subtle for a natural look.

5. Define lashes: Curl your lashes to open up your eyes and make them appear brighter. If desired, apply a clear mascara to enhance their natural length and volume without adding color.

6. Flush of color: Choose a cream blush in a soft, rosy hue to add a natural flush to your cheeks. Blend it well for a subtle, healthy glow.

7. Lip balm or tint: Moisturize your lips with a hydrating lip balm or opt for a sheer lip tint in a soft pink or peach shade to enhance their natural color.

8. Highlight strategically: Apply a touch of highlighter to the high points of your face—such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow—to add a subtle luminosity and enhance your features.

9. Finish with setting spray: Mist your face with a hydrating setting spray to help your makeup last longer and create a fresh, dewy finish.

10. Embrace your natural beauty: Remember that the key to a no-makeup look is to enhance your natural features rather than covering them up. Embrace your unique redhead beauty and let your natural radiance shine through.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: 5 “No Makeup” Makeup Tips for Redheads

READ: 5 Makeup Tips Every Redhead With Freckles Should Know

Hair + Beauty

6 Beard Tips for Redhead Men You Must Know

Keep Your Red Beard Looking Amazing

If you grew a beard or are just thinking about it, you might be wondering how to care for it. Growing a beard is the easy part, but now it’s time to learn some beard maintenance. Just like the hair on your head, your beard needs to be washed, groomed, and maintained. A properly cared-for beard can add a lot to a man’s face, and these beard tips for redhead men can help make your beard look great: 

Step 1: Wash your beard

Washing your beard helps to keep it clean and sanitary, but also helps to keep the hair soft, shiny, and looking its best. If your beard is short, you might be able to get away with washing it with your face wash, but if your beard is more than an inch or so long it’s time to bust out the shampoo. Use a gentle, sensitive skin skin-safe shampoo and massage your beard to ensure it’s fully cleansed. You can also follow up with a conditioner if you like. 

Step 2: Trim & clean up

The best beards are the ones that are kept trimmed and in tip-top shape. Shaping your beard can be done at home or by a barber. If you opt to clean up your beard at home you can use hair scissors or an electric razor to shape the bottom and sides, and either your electric razor or a standard facial razor to clean up the areas where your beard connects to your face. Don’t forget to clean up under your beard to avoid stray neck hairs. 

Step 3: Protect your sensitive skin

Redheads have sensitive skin, and that means it’s important to keep your skin free of irritation. For many redhead men, growing a beard is actually a good way to avoid irritation because you’re shaving less. That being said, having a beard does still require some shaving, so be sure you’re using a good shaving cream and a nickel-free razor. 

Step 4: Wear SPF

Having a beard doesn’t make you exempt from needing SPF. Depending on how long and thick your beard is, you could still be at risk of sun damage, sunburn, and harmful UV rays. For shorter beards, apply an SPF or moisturizer with SPF all over your face, and get in between your beard hairs too. For longer, thicker beards you might not need it underneath, but you do still need it around your beard and any sparse areas where skin shows through. 

Step 5: Apply beard oil

The best way to keep your beard looking, feeling, and smelling it’s best is beard oil. Not only will it help with shine and appearance but it will keep your chin and neck from feeling itchy or dry. Beard oils can also help your beard and face to smell amazing, which is always a bonus. 

Step 6: Brush/comb your beard

Beard grooming is a must, so comb or brush your beard daily. This will help to keep it clean, but also to help remove any loose hairs you’ve shed, and also remove tangles. If you’re experiencing tangles in your beard try using a wide-tooth comb and some conditioner in the shower. Apply the conditioner and then comb it through before rinsing. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner or a detangler once you’re out of the shower to help reduce tangles. 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: Why Males Have Redheaded Beards

READ: The Best Grooming Products for Every Redhead Guy

Photo by Mitchell Griest on Unsplash

Featured Post

How Redheads Can Wear: Yellow

Learn to Rock Yellow Like a Redhead

This is another installment in our “How to Wear” series where we break down colors and styles and show you how redheads can rock anything. This series gives you the basics on colors and what to wear them with, as well as how to choose the right ones for you. This time we’re talking about yellow:

All About Yellow

Do you know what color is most commonly said to be the hardest to pull off? Yellow. Redheads are often told not to wear yellow because it will clash with their hair and wash them out. Redheads aren’t the only ones who are told to stay away from this color, it’s common for most people to think of yellow as a no-go. Yellow can be a hard color to wear, and sometimes even harder to style, but if you have the confidence and the color knowledge redheads can absolutely wear yellow.

When most people think of yellow, they think of bright school bus yellow, or neon but there are so many different types of yellow you have to think outside the box. The way yellow looks also really depends on the colors it’s paired with. Yellow’s complementary color is purple, which can help to accent yellow and make it pop. For many of our How to Wear series installments, we’ve focused on the “true” version of a color, but for yellow we want to explore all the options. 

Finding the Shade 

Colors come in different shades (hues) and saturations (intensities), and finding the right ones for your red hair is key to loving any color. Yellow can also be more orange-toned, or more green-toned and it can be “true” yellow too. Yellow can also be dark and rich like a jewel tone, or light and airy like a pastel. Darker shades of yellow are often referred to as shades of brown. It can also be every color in between. Below is the saturation of the color. If you don’t like a certain color, try going for a different shade, or even a different saturation of the color. 

If you already know which shade of yellow you like, you’re well on your way. If not, here are a few things to consider. 

  1. Your shade of red hair: If your hair is a “true red” you may also want to opt for rich “true” yellow colors. If your hair runs more orange to strawberry blond, you may want to opt for more of an orangey yellow. If your hair is a darker red, or perhaps a faux cherry cola red you may want to opt for more green shades of yellow.
  2. Your complexion: Most redheads have fair to medium skin, but redheads can have any complexion. Consider your complexion when it comes to choosing how dark or light you want your yellow to be. Fairer-skinned redheads may want to opt for a darker shade of yellow, while redheads with a more medium skin may choose to go lighter towards the lighter end of the spectrum. Of course, you can go either way, but lighter colors may wash out a lighter complexion. Choose a saturation that contrasts your skin a bit. You can also consider if you are high, medium, or low contrast. 
  3. Your undertones: Similarly to the shade of your red hair, you want to consider your undertones. If you have cool undertones, you may want to opt for a more green yellow, and if you have more warm undertones you may want a more orange-toned yellow, and neutral undertones, a more “true” yellow.

Pairing Yellow with Other Colors

We already know purple is yellow’s complementary color, but what other colors go well with yellow? In fashion, there are a couple of colors we consider neutral. This includes black, white, off-white/tan, and denim. So denim isn’t one specific color, but blue jeans go with every color so they are considered a fashion neutral. You can pair any shade of yellow with any of these colors. Monochromatic looks are also a great option. Pairing shades of yellow together can help create a cohesive look that still feels dimensional. 

Other colors that look amazing with yellow include the colors found in yellow’s color family which are shades of orange and shades of green. These are called analogous colors. Since yellow’s complementary color is purple, its secondary complementary colors are blue and red/pink which are found on either side of purple. 

Different shades of yellow will pair better with different colors. For example, if you want to pair yellow with red/pink, opt for a more orange-yellow, and if you want to pair yellow with blue, opt for a more green-yellow. 

Now these rules aren’t hard and fast, but they are a good jumping-off point if you’re trying to create a cohesive look. You can easily find any colors complementary colors by going across the color wheel from it, and you can find the analogous colors or the colors in the same color scheme, on either side of any given color. 

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: How Redheads Can Wear: Purple

READ: How Redheads Can Wear: Green

Confidence

Ask a Redhead: The Complicated Feelings Around Not Having Redhead Kids

A new series we're excited to feature on H2BAR social platforms

Every week, we’re asking our Instagram and Facebook communities to send us your questions in a new series called: ASK A REDHEAD. This gives you a chance to ask our team of redheads whatever questions you may have. We will answer one question weekly right here on HowtobeaRedhead.com, and will feature the answer in our Sunday lifestyle newsletter and on social media.

From beauty and fashion to lifestyle, redheads are in a unique boat, and we want to help make this community a place where you can turn to for all of your redhead needs. 

This week’s question comes from Instagram and reads: “How do you feel about having children without the possibility of them having red hair?”

For many families, a conversation happens during pregnancy about what the baby will look like. Many expecting parents hope their children will inherit specific traits from them or their partner. For redheads, there’s always the question if the baby will have red hair. Unlike other hair colors, red hair is much harder to predict. The red hair gene is recessive which means that more often than not another hair color gene will be stronger.

A redhead child can be born to two redhead parents, one redhead parent, and one non-redhead parent, and even two non-redhead parents, as long as both parents carry the redhead gene. A redheaded child cannot be born to parents if one or both do not carry the gene; carrying the redhead gene doesn’t mean you have red hair. It’s unknown exactly how many people carry the redhead gene, but it has been estimated that in Scotland (where up to 13% of the population has red hair) around 40% carry the gene. 

For most parents, hair color is just one factor, but for many redhead parents, it’s something they wait on with bated breath. Having a child is exciting, and the idea of being able to share the redhead experience is something many redhead mothers and fathers look forward to.

On the contrary, you will find some redheads do not wish for their children to have red hair. This is often due to bullying, teasing, and other hardships experienced by the parent at a young age. Having red hair is a beautiful thing (and obviously something we’re very passionate about here at H2BAR), but it can also come with a host of issues including increased skin cancer risk, altered sensitivity to pain, increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and increased risk of endometriosis. 

We asked Stephanie, H2BAR’s co-founder, her thoughts on this topic because she is a natural redhead with two non-redhead children. Here’s what she had to say: “My son, Beau (3) and Isla (almost 1), weren’t born with red hair. My brunette husband’s maternal grandmother was a redhead, so we always wondered if our kids would be redheads. Who knows if they have the gene and will pass if it down if they choose to have kids later in life – we’ll have to see!”

When it comes down to it, Stephanie and many parents, just want their children to be happy and healthy — their hair color isn’t as important as it may seem. She also noted that her young daughter looks more and more strawberry blonde as she gets older, so she may get a little redhead after all. This reminds us of a popular H2BAR Instagram post which proves not all redheads are born with flaming red hair: 

Want your redhead question answered? Find us @howtobearedhead on Instagram and Facebook and look for the Ask a Redhead question box.

RELATED:

READ: What Is The MC1R Gene, AKA: The Redhead Gene

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Confidence

Redheads Say No: Kim Kardashian Tries To Normalize Tanning Beds

If there is one group that should say "no" to this trend, it is the redhead community

As trends cycle over decades, each generation sees things come back into style from their younger years. For millennials, you’re seeing makeup, hairstyles, and clothes you wore in the 90s and 2000s making their way back into our lives. One trend we need to leave in the past? Tanning beds!

redhead tanning

That’s why it’s so surprising that Kim Kardashian showed off her tanning bed in a recent TikTok video. The video follows the “I’m ____ of course I ____” trend, and Kim gives a tour around her SKKN office. One of the statements she makes is, “I’m Kim Kardashian, of course, I have a tanning bed (and a red light bed) in my office.”

If you do a little digging, you may know SKKN is a newer brand launched in 2022, replacing Kim’s old KKW Beauty. As she mentions in the video, her tanning bed is custom made in what (we think) must be a new office due to her new brand. Kim must be tanning enough to justify having one installed in her office.

@kimkardashian

♬ original sound – Kim Kardashian

Another reason this is so surprising and potentially harmful is that SKKN is Kim’s new makeup and skincare brand. On the brand’s website, you’ll find a statement that reads, “At SKKN BY KIM, we embrace the philosophy that confidence begins with the glow of healthy, radiant skin, and that self-expression is the essence of beauty.” Kim Kardashian has been a staple in the pop culture world, and at age 43, she’s looking gorgeous. For many people, they are going to think whatever she’s doing is working.

But here’s the problem, tanning (both outdoors and indoors) is proven to lead to skin cancer. Encouraging the use of tanning beds is dangerous, and even more so for redheads who are at the highest risk of all. Redheads, and individuals with fair skin in general, have less melanin in their skin. Melanin is the pigment that provides some protection against UV radiation from the sun. Because redheads have less melanin, their skin is more susceptible to damage from UV radiation, including from tanning beds. This means they have a higher risk of sunburns, skin cancer, and other UV-related skin issues compared to individuals with darker skin tones. 

We know Kim isn’t pushing tanning on anyone with a fun TikTok trend, but we just hope tanning is not one of the trends that makes its way back to popularity. It’s important for redheads to avoid all excessive UV exposure and to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: Would You Try A Custom Self Tanner for Redheads?

READ: We CANNOT BELIEVE Tanning Beds Are Still A Thing

Confidence

Kathy Griffin Agrees Redheads Are Still Bully Targets

Why is bullying still accepted when it comes to those with red hair?

Kathy Griffin is a redhead actress and comedian, and is best known for her abrasive and self-deprecating humor. She’s recorded numerous stand-up specials and even broke the Guinness World Record for most stand-up comedy specials by a comedian, which she received in 2013. She’s also cameoed in several television series and movies. 

Kathy has naturally curly red hair which she talks about often. She is back on tour with her stand-up show called “My Life on the PTSD List”. In honor of her new show, she’s been conducting interviews and radio spots. Recently she spoke with hosts on i95 (a radio station out of Connecticut) where she spoke about her experience being a redhead.

Lou, one of the i95 hosts and also a natural redhead, tells Kathy, “I am a redhead, you are a redhead. Did you know that redheads are the last human beings on Earth that you can openly ridicule for the way they look to their face and in public?”

Kathy thanks him for sticking up for gingers and talks about how redheads are special and sensitive. The two redheads then talk about how much being a redhead hardened them and being picked on helped them develop the comedic voice they have today. Kathy goes on to talk about how girls in her Catholic school would “jump her” and the nuns wouldn’t stick up for her.  

Kathy isn’t the only celeb who said being a redhead changed their life experience and helped their career, and we’re sure she won’t be the last.

Here are some famous redhead comedians who discuss being teased but now celebrated for their hair:

1. Conan O’Brien
2. Carrot Top (Scott Thompson)
3. Tim Minchin
4. Jessica Chaffin
5. Kathy Najimy
6. Kevin Rooney
7. Janeane Garofalo
8. Marcia Wallace (known for her voice work as Edna Krabappel on “The Simpsons”)

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: 8 Redhead Women Comedians You Should Know About

READ: Comedy & Curly Red Hair with Mary Patterson Broome

Featured Post

6 Different Ways to Exfoliate Your Sensitive Redhead Skin

Discover the pros and cons of each method

Exfoliating is an important part of keeping your redhead skin happy, healthy, and glowing. Exfoliating helps to remove dead and dry skin, as well as remove build-up from makeup and skincare products. For many redheads, the wrong kind of facial exfoliating can be harsh on the skin causing redness, breakout, and inflammation. Here are six different ways you can exfoliate your sensitive skin to get gorgeous and glowing:

1. Scrub Exfoliant

The form of exfoliating you’re probably most familiar with is scrub exfoliating. Facial scrubs that have tiny microbeads or some other form of “grit” in them, can be rubbed on the skin to help loosen and remove dry and dead skin. While this is an effective form of exfoliation, it’s sometimes too harsh for redhead skin. Let’s break down the pros + cons: 

Pros:

1. Exfoliation: Scrub exfoliants can help remove dead skin cells, promoting a brighter complexion and smoother skin texture.

2. Stimulates Circulation: Gentle scrubbing can improve blood circulation, which may contribute to healthier-looking skin.

Cons:

1. Risk of Irritation: Scrubbing can be too harsh for sensitive skin, leading to redness, inflammation, or even micro-tears in the skin’s surface.

2. Increased Sensitivity: Redheads often have more sensitive skin, making them more prone to irritation from abrasive scrubs.

3. Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some exfoliating ingredients or fragrances in scrubs can cause allergic reactions or exacerbate sensitivity.

4. Not Suitable for Certain Skin Conditions: Individuals with conditions like rosacea or eczema may find that scrub exfoliants worsen their symptoms.

5. Over-Exfoliation Risk: Using scrubs too frequently or with too much pressure can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its barrier function.

2. Chemical Exfoliant

A form of exfoliation that sounds harsh, but is actually gentler. It’s called chemical exfoliation and is applied directly to the skin. This type of exfoliant helps to get rid of dry/dead skin without the damage that can be caused by scrubbing. Chemical exfoliants come in different forms and different strengths, so sensitive-skinned redheads should start slow until they find the perfect amount. Here are more pros + cons: 

Pros:

1. Gentle Exfoliation: Chemical exfoliants often provide gentler exfoliation compared to physical scrubs, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

2. Targeted Treatment: Chemical exfoliants can penetrate the skin more deeply, targeting specific concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, or uneven texture.

3. Less Abrasive: Chemical exfoliants don’t involve physical scrubbing, reducing the risk of irritation, redness, or micro-tears on the skin’s surface.

Cons:

1. Potential for Sensitivity: While generally gentler than physical scrubs, some chemical exfoliants can still cause irritation, especially for those with extremely sensitive skin.

2. Sun Sensitivity: Can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, potentially leading to sunburn or other sun damage if adequate sun protection is not used.

3. Risk of Over-Exfoliation: Using chemical exfoliants too frequently or in high concentrations can disrupt the skin barrier and cause dryness, redness, or peeling.

3. Face Masks

Exfoliating face masks come in a variety of forms, some are chemical exfoliants, while some are more manual (scrub) or peel off exfoliants. Different masks will give you different results, and you can also make your own exfoliating facial masks at home. 

Pros:

1. Convenient Application: Face masks offer a convenient way to exfoliate and treat the skin without the need for multiple products or steps.

2. Deep Cleansing: Exfoliating face masks can help remove impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.

3. Relaxation: Applying a face mask can be a relaxing self-care ritual, providing a moment of pampering and stress relief.

Cons:

1. Risk of Irritation: Some exfoliating masks contain abrasive ingredients or strong chemical exfoliants that may be too harsh for sensitive skin, leading to redness, irritation, or inflammation.

2. Over-Exfoliation: Using exfoliating masks too frequently or leaving them on for too long can strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its barrier function, causing dryness, sensitivity, or even breakouts.

3. Allergic Reactions: Certain ingredients in exfoliating masks, such as fragrances or botanical extracts, can cause allergic reactions or exacerbate sensitivity in individuals with sensitive skin.

4. Dermaplaning

If one of your goals with skin exfoliating is to leave it looking softer, brighter and smoother, dermaplaning might be the right choice. Dermaplaning is not only a facial exfoliant, but a hair removal technique. It is the act of taking a very small, sharp facial razor and removing the peach-fuzz like hair all over the face. Dermaplaining can be done at home or by a professional. Dermaplaning leaves the skin soft, hair free and helps makeup and skincare adhere better

Pros:

1. Exfoliation: Dermaplaning removes dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the skin’s surface, resulting in smoother, brighter skin.

2. Improves Product Absorption: By removing the top layer of dead skin cells, dermaplaning allows skincare products to penetrate more deeply, enhancing their effectiveness.

3. Instant Results: Dermaplaning provides immediate gratification with noticeable improvements in skin texture and radiance after the treatment.

Cons:

1. Potential for Irritation: While dermaplaning is generally safe for sensitive skin, there is still a risk of irritation, redness, or inflammation, particularly if the procedure is not performed correctly or if the skin is overly sensitive.

2. Temporary Results: The effects of dermaplaning are temporary, lasting only a few weeks before dead skin cells and vellus hair begin to regrow.

5. Facial Brushing

Similarly to using a scrub exfoliator, facial brushing is form of manual exfoliation. You can use different types of facial brushes, electric, manual, silicone, etc. to help exfoliate the face. The difference between using a brush and using a scrub with grit is that you have more control with the brush. You can use products that work well with your sensitive skin and also control the pressure. 

Pros:

1. Gentle Exfoliation: Facial brushes provide a gentle exfoliation method that can help remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from the skin’s surface without harsh abrasion.

2. Deep Cleansing: Facial brushing can help unclog pores and remove impurities more effectively than manual cleansing alone, leading to clearer skin.

3. Customizable Intensity: Many facial brushes come with adjustable settings, allowing users to control the intensity of exfoliation based on their skin’s sensitivity level.

Cons:

1. Risk of Over-Exfoliation: Even though facial brushes provide gentle exfoliation, using them too frequently or with too much pressure can still lead to over-exfoliation, causing irritation, redness, or sensitivity, especially for those with sensitive skin.

2. Potential for Spread of Bacteria: If not cleaned properly and regularly, facial brushes can harbor bacteria and other microbes, increasing the risk of breakouts or skin infections.

3. Not Suitable for Active Acne: Facial brushing may exacerbate active acne or inflamed skin conditions like rosacea, making it unsuitable for individuals with these concerns.

6. Double Cleansing

Double cleansing isn’t your typical form of exfoliation and some don’t consider it a form of exfoliation, but for sensitive-skinned redheads, it can be a good option. Double cleansing is the act of using two different cleansers, first an oil-based one and then water based one to clean the face. This helps to remove excess oils from the face, clean the pores and also remove sebaceous filaments. Double cleansing will leave your face brighter, softer, and smoother much like exfoliating. Here are pros and cons: 

Pros:

1. Thorough Cleansing: Double cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, effectively removing makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface.

2. Gentle Exfoliation:*Oil-based cleansers in the double cleansing routine can help loosen dead skin cells and unclog pores without abrasive scrubbing, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

3. Customizable Routine: Double cleansing allows for flexibility in choosing products tailored to individual skin concerns, making it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin.

Cons:

1. Time-Consuming: Double cleansing involves two separate cleansing steps, which can be time-consuming, especially for those with busy schedules or limited time for skincare routines.

2. Potential for Over-Cleansing: While double cleansing can effectively remove impurities, excessive cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.

Do you exfoliate? Share your experience. Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: 5 Facial Exfoliators That Won’t Irritate Your Redhead Skin

READ: Why Redheads Should Be Exfoliating & How To Do It Safely

Hair + Beauty

7 Trending Spring Nail Designs for Redheads

It's all about mermaid colors...

Ready to start thinking about your first set of spring nails? We love a trending nail design, which is why we’ve found some of the hottest redhead nail inspo for you to take on your next trip to the salon: 

1. Cherries & Berries

It’s spring! It’s the season of fresh juicy fruits and not just for eating. Cherries have been having a moment, and their moment isn’t over, but berries are joining them. Strawberries, blueberries, and cherries are the perfect little spring accents for redheads.

2. Mermaid Shimmer

Glazed, velvet, and chromed nails have been hot for a while, and for spring it’s all about the mermaid colors. Pinks, purples, and blues are hot for spring and we’re sure to see these colors get the chrome treatment in what we are lovingly calling the mermaid nail. 

3. Floral Accents

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking! (IYKYK) .. but all jokes aside, florals are hot right now. Floral accents on a neutral nail are going to be a must-have. Choose your favorite flowers or colors and rock this trend straight into summer.

4. Not Your Average Neons

Neon colors have gone in and out of style but always seem to pop up in some form or another during the spring and summer. This spring and summer, we’ll be seeing neon in a new way. Darker, more saturated neons like chartreuse, fuschia, and cobalt will be taking over.

5. French Alternatives

Another look that’s gone in and out of style? French tips. They were hot in the 2000s and early 2010s but dipped out of style until a few years ago when they made a full comeback. Now we’re seeing alternatives to the French tip with angled tips, micro tips, and reverse French tips all in style. 

6. Multicolor Tips

Speaking of French tips, multi-colored tips are super hot for spring and summer. Mulit-colored nails became more popular last summer when Taylor Swift debuted hers for the Eras Tour. As that tour continues, we expect to see more multi-colored nails in different variations. 

7. Blue, Blue, Blue

Blue beauty is a huge trend for 2024, and nails are no exception. We expect to see blue in every season this year. For spring, lighter shades of blue are going to be hot, both in solid colors and patterns.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: 8 ‘Redhead Friendly’ Spring Nail Styles to Try

READ: 7 Nail Colors Redheads Should Try This Spring

Hair + Beauty

How Can Redheads Find the Right Foundation?

An In-Depth Guide on Finding the Right Foundation

Finding the perfect foundation as a redhead can be a big struggle. You have to think about your skin tone, your undertones, your skin type, and what type of coverage you want, but you also have to consider that most redheads have sensitive skin, which may rule out some brands. So, how do you go about finding the right foundation? Here are some great tips for redheads: 

Determine what you want in foundation

There are endless options when it comes to foundations, and they all have similar names and claims. It can be extremely overwhelming trying to find what you need if you’re looking at everything. First, you need to determine what you’re looking for in a foundation. Do you want full coverage? Or are you looking for more of a sheer skin tint? Do you want something dewy? Or does a matte finish suit you better? Knowing what you’re looking for will help you determine which brands you should look at and which products to exclude from your search. 

Coverage

  • Sheer to light coverage is best for those who want a more natural makeup look. This may be a skin tint, a light foundation, or even a tinted moisturizer. 
  • Light to medium coverage is best for those who want something between a natural face and a full face. Light to medium coverage foundations are often buildable. 
  • Full coverage is best for those who want full glam. You want your makeup to look like makeup and cover up everything. 

Finish 

  • Dewy or radiant finish foundations are best for those who want a glowy look. Avoid if you have naturally oily skin.
  • Matte finish foundations will help to reduce shine and are best for those with oilier skin types. 

Know Your skin and undertones

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to talk colors. Most redheads struggle to find foundations that are light enough. If you are a fair-skinned redhead, look specifically at brands that have wide shade ranges. If your skin is more light to medium you may have more options. Aside from knowing where you might fall on the skin tone range, you should also know your undertones. 

Most foundation shades are named by number. The numbers will start low with fairer shades and increase as the shades darken. Finding the right number can be accomplished by swatching the foundation (jawline, cheek, forehead, and neck are all good places to swatch for color match), checking the color against a foundation you already own and love, or being color matched by a makeup professional (more on that later).

Once you find the right number, you need to find the right undertone. If you have cool undertones you need a more yellow-based foundation. These are often marked with a “C” after the number. If you have warm undertones, you will need a more orange-based foundation. These are often marked with a “W” after the number. If you have a more neutral undertone, you will want a neutral foundation. These are often marked with an “N” after the number. 

Try to get color matched: more than once

We talked about how to find the right shade of a foundation by swatching it on yourself or comparing it to a foundation you already know and love. Another option is getting color-matched. You can get color-matched by a makeup professional at most makeup stores. You will choose the foundation you want to try and they will apply it to you. Most makeup store professionals should be able to help you find the right shade by comparing options, but it’s important to get color matched more than once, because it’s not always accurate. 

Get samples

If you have already been color-matched, or have done it yourself and determined which shade and undertones you think are right for you, is it time to buy? Hold on. If you’re shopping in a makeup store (think Sephora) you can ask for samples. Get a few samples and try the product at home. Look at the foundation on your skin in natural light, and see how it wears before committing to a full-size product. If you’re shopping in a drugstore or somewhere that doesn’t have samples, try to buy a travel size of the product to test at home. You can also check the return policy because many places will allow you to return lightly used makeup if it doesn’t work for you. 

Your hair color doesn’t matter as much as you think

We’re writing this article because you (our redhead community) had questions and you wanted some redhead advice on how to choose a foundation. One question that came up in addition to this was if the shade of your red hair matters when choosing a foundation. The answer is no, and the reason for that is that while your red hair matters when choosing other makeup, the point of a foundation is to match and complement your skin. When you take your red hair out of the equation, your skin tone doesn’t change. 

What is your favorite foundation?

Rock it like a Redhead!

RELATED POSTS

READ: 7 Vegan ‘Redhead Friendly’ Approved Foundations

READ: 5 Powder Foundations for Redheads

Hair + Beauty

Millie Bobby Brown Goes Red for ‘Damsel’

And we ask why redheads are so popular in fantasy films + books:

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown has gone red for her new role. The new Netflix film Damsel tells the tale of young Princess Elodie who agrees to marry a prince. However, it turns out to be a trap and must survive a fire-breathing dragon. This dark fantasy was released on March 8, 2024.

Millie Bobby Brown, stars as Princess Elodie, the redhead heroine of the film. Her look features long red locks worn in regal waves, and (later in the film) a perfectly tousled red bob. Although the color fits her nicely, it does appear that Millie Bobby Brown wore some sort of red wig(s) during filming.

Why are redheads featured in fantasy genres frequently? 

This film isn’t the first in the fantasy genre to feature a redhead heroine. Fantasy books also often describe their main female characters as redheads, but why is this? Well, nobody can really know besides the film crews and authors behind these works, but one theory is that red symbolizes power, a fiery temper, and passion. Redheads are also considered unique and visually striking, which aligns well with the fantastical and otherworldly themes often present in those genres. Additionally, red hair has historically been associated with mystical or magical qualities in various cultures, further enhancing its appeal in fantasy narratives.

In addition to their visual appeal and historical associations, redheads are often depicted as characters with bold personalities, adding depth and complexity to their roles in fantasy stories. Their vibrant hair color can symbolize strength, and even rebellion, making them compelling protagonists or antagonists in fantastical worlds. Furthermore, the contrast between their striking appearance and the often fantastical settings helps these characters stand out and capture viewers’ attention. Overall, the inclusion of redheads in fantasy films and shows adds an element of intrigue and magic to the storytelling, enriching the overall narrative experience.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: Natural Redhead Abigail Cowen Went Blonde for a Movie Role: Could You Do It?

READ: Opinion: Ariel Isn’t The Only Representation For Redhead Girls

Featured Post

The Redhead Stars at the 2024 Oscars

And the Academy Award Goes to...

The 2024 Academy Awards (Oscars) was on Sunday, March 10th. Between the pre-show, the actual award ceremony, the after-parties, and some other celeb-studded viewing parties, we’ve got a lot of looks to fan girl over. Regarding redheads, we didn’t see some of the big names on the carpet, but we still witnessed some redhead representation:

Emma Stone

Emma Stone won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her part in Poor Things. The redhead ‘by choice’ wore a gorgeous peplum style Louis Vuitton gown to the award show and a sequined sheer silver number by Louis Vuitton to the Vanity Fair party after her original dress “broke” at some point during the night.

 

Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher attended the Vanity Fair party alongside her husband/actor Sasha Baron Cohen. She wore a simple, yet stunning black strapless gown with a slit. Her long red hair was worn sleek and straight to one side.

 

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan was another Vanity Fair party attendee and looked absolutely stunning in a strapless metallic silver Balenciaga gown that hung in a fringed almost tinsel-esque style. Her red hair was worn long and slightly wavy.

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury, the redhead makeup mogul, attended the Elton John AIDs Foundation Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in a stunning red and black floral gown complete with red and gold fringe. She was also photographed with fellow redhead Lindsay Lohan.

Finneas

Finneas attended the Oscars alongside sister Billie Eilish where the two became Oscars’ Youngest Two-Time Winners when they took home the award for Best Song for ‘What Was I Made For?’

 

Lisa Ann Walter

Lisa Ann Walter also attended the Elton John AIDs Foundation Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in a gorgeous 60s-inspired lavender gown complete with black feather accents. The look was by Christian Siriano.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: The 11 Best Oscar Dresses From Redheads In The Last Decade

READ: Fellow Redheads Name Their Favorite Redhead Celebs

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