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The Power Behind My Natural Red Hair and How I Care for It

Happy National Love Your Red Hair Day! One redhead shares what makes red strands so unique and her hair care regimen for vibrant locks.
The Power Behind My Natural Red Hair and How I Care for It

Although I’ve worked in beauty for years, I’ve never fallen subject to the pressure this industry can have on you when it comes to dyeing your hair. My natural hair color is red, and I’m a proud redhead. Red hair naturally occurs in between one to two percent of the population, making it the rarest hair color in the world. Aside from my grandmother, I’m the only one in my immediate family with this shade—for this reason, I love my natural hair and don’t ever plan on dyeing it. I’m reminded of this sentiment when holidays like National Love Your Red Hair Day roll around.


What Is National Love Your Red Hair Day?

National Love Your Red Hair Day was started by Stephanie and Adrienne Vendetti, co-founders of How to be a Redhead (a lifestyle and beauty brand for redheads), after noticing a rise in online bullying toward redheads. It’s celebrated annually on November 5th as a reminder to appreciate the unique beauty of red hair and to promote confidence and self-love among redheads.

My Hair Journey

I never experienced a ton of bullying as a kid, but when I did, the insults almost always referenced my hair—cue “carrot top” comments. It never bothered me, however, because my red hair is personally one of my favorite features and is tied to some fun facts that remind me why it’s so special.

Did you know having red hair is potentially good for the body? Research shows that those with red hair may be able to absorb vitamin D more efficiently, which is essential for good bone health. (On the flip side, redheads are also more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, so I have to bundle up in the winter!)

Additionally, red hair has symbolized strong emotions like power, love, and feistiness, and a 2014 study even found that redheads were featured in about 30% of all TV commercials in the US. Why? Red hair sells. This is clear given the current red hair color trend happening in the beauty world: ginger, auburn, and copper are more popular than ever.

red-hair-quote from author writer

Good hair day by madeleinecolette

How I Care for My Red Hair

My hair is thick and fine, which means that although my individual strands are quite thin, I have a lot of hair on my head. It’s pretty difficult for my hair to hold styles—curls fall out within minutes when I use a curling iron—and if I air dry my hair, it’s both flat and frizzy, which is my least favorite combination.

My redhead routine starts at the scalp, so I tend to reach for an oil, like the Kérastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp & Hair Serum, and apply it at night before I’m due to wash my hair. When I begin my wash routine—which I typically do every other day—I like to do a pre-wash hair mask once a week to keep my hair looking vibrant and to help prevent damage.

I generally try to avoid heavier shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments, as those can weigh down my hair and make it appear greasy. With conditioner, I want something that gives my hair volume and detangling benefits. I’m also partial to products designed to consider my environment, like L’Oreal Professionnel’s Metal Detox line. These formulas help detoxify hair and neutralize metals trapped inside the hair fiber due to hard water exposure. This, in turn, helps preserve the vibrancy of my hair color while maintaining its softness—a redhead’s dream. When using the shampoo, I lather, use a scalp massager to work the product into my roots, then rinse twice and follow it up with conditioner from my mid-lengths to ends. (Read one Hair.com editor’s L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Metal Detox Review for more info on how the collection works.)

I usually let my hair air dry to about 80% before hitting it with heat. Prior to grabbing my blow-dryer, I’ll reach for something that protects my hair from heat damage. Lately, I’ve been loving Redken’s All Soft Moisture Restore Leave-In Treatment. It’s an all-in-one product that I can use to tamp down frizz, add some shine, and shield my hair from heat damage when I blow dry it. During the winter months, my hair gets extremely dry, so I like to grab some hair oil for extra protection—I’m partial to the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil because I can use it before, during, or after I blow dry my hair. This combination of products gives my red locks a healthy-looking glow that really makes them pop.

Lastly, I absolutely love using dry shampoo to keep my hair from getting too oily in between washes. Currently, my holy grail hair formula is Redken’s Deep Clean Dry Shampoo since it instantly absorbs oil and leaves behind a cooling sensation. I can quickly spray it onto my roots, throw my hair up into a claw clip, and head out the door in seconds. And just like that, my red hair instantly becomes my greatest superpower.

5 Red-Hot Shades To Try Now

If you’re ready to dabble in red hair, here are five of Hair.com’s favorite red hair color trends to take to your colorist.

Good hair day by @hairbylisamathews.

Cowgirl Copper

Cowgirl copper (or cowboy, depending on who you ask) is a warm, earthy shade reminiscent of the deep reddish tones seen in Western leather. It boasts a mix of caramel, golden brunette, and deep amber for a wearable yet eye-catching look.

Tip: Ask your stylist about Redken Shades EQ Hair Gloss in 06CB Amber Glaze, 07CB Spicestone, and 06G Tropez Gold to replicate the color pictured above.

Calico Hair Color

Calico highlights are a playful foray into the world of red hair. The look is inspired by the distinctive coat of its namesake cat, which typically features a blend of vibrant coppers, soft creams, and deep blacks. To experiment with the trend without the commitment, pick up some clip-in extensions in varying shades to mimic the tri-color effect.

Good hair day by @starkmaya.

High-Contrast Highlights

The ‘90s called, and they want their highlights back—just kidding, we’re keeping them. We love how chunky highlights create serious contrast against a red base without having to abandon your signature hue.

Just keep in mind that your colorist will need to bleach your hair to create those brightened streaks. As such, you’ll want to arm yourself with reparative products to help undo some of the damage. Consider the Matrix Instacure Build-A-Bond range, which is designed to strengthen overprocessed hair from the inside while softening it on the outside.

Lived-In Copper Curls

Intense bleaching—even at the hands of a skilled pro—can sometimes run the risk of relaxing curls into a looser pattern. If you have dark, curly hair and are interested in going red, opt for a color only one to two shades lighter than your base hue. This will give you a bright pop of lived-in color while maintaining the integrity of your curls.

Good hair day by @tanarosehair.

Chili Pepper Red

Those unafraid to make a bold statement should consider a red-hot chili shade. Incorporating a money piece highlight around the face can help accentuate your features and add extra brightness to your hair and skin. Scoop up an at-home hair gloss like Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Copper to help keep your color looking shiny and vivid in between salon touch-ups.

Next Up: How to Transition Into Red Hair, According to a Colorist

Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist in your area.

Header photo credits (left to right): @Redken and @madeleinecolette

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