When you think of the color red, what comes to mind? Passion? Sex appeal? How about all of the above. Is it any wonder then, that some of the sexiest Hollywood babes are paying homage to red with tresses that scream with a balance of power and sexiness. In a time where celebs change their hair color faster than their boyfriends, most red-heads use their red hair as static and signature.
Celebrity stylist Billy Lowe knows that "red heads make a statement - a bold statement. It's a very self-confidence kind of color. It's pizzazz. When we think of someone with red hair we think of hot tempers. Some women enjoy that "I'll show you" sort of look. And wearing red will definitely give them that. It's been said that we wear how we feel (psychologically) and many women enjoy the attention, and feeling they are in control."
Lowe believes celebs stay red because of the image it projects and the association they reap from it. "I've had the pleasure to work with both Debra Messing and Marcia Cross, who are both known for their lustrous red hair. Tori Amos has been called "that fiery red head at the piano." It becomes part of their image and persona. Red is fun, fierce and it really makes a statement. There simply aren't that many red-heads in Hollywood and the camera loves them."
When we think of natural "red heads", we think of someone from Ireland or Scotland. In fact their populations of natural reds are said to be 10-15%. In the U.S., it's only 2-5% - such a rare color stands out in a crowd and demands attention.
"Red hair is coveted because it's the least common in natural hair color," explains Wolf, of the Jim Wayne Salon in Beverly Hills.
Ready to take the red-hair plunge? Well first of all, red hair comes in a variety of hues from Strawberry blonde, Copper Reds, Blue Reds, Brown Red, Natural Reds, to Golden Red, to name a few, so you'll have to select the perfect shade just for you. But beyond the color choice, red hair is a serious commitment. Reds are the fasted colors to fade.
"You'll need the right shampoo, right products, to stay out of the sun, and visit your professional colorist on a regular basis," explains Wolf. "Red hair, if not natural is a commitment."
"Being a red head is a true commitment with maintenance and up-keep," stresses Lowe.
Dominick Riccardo, from David Alan's Grand Salon and Spa in Paramus, New Jersey, recommends touching-up your roots and color every three to four weeks, at the latest.
You will definitely have to use products, like color depositing shampoos and conditioners, formulated for your hair new color. Just remember - the color shampoo probably isn't the same color that your stylist used. Using a top-coat (or color gloss) in between touch-ups helps to add shine and extend the life of your color.
When you go outside, wear a wide brim hat, scarf or other accessory to cover your hair to help prevent fading.
Going red is a feat best left to the pros, unless you have the expendable income to get a pro fix if you don't get the color just right at home. "If someone absolutely needs red highlights and doesn't want to go to a pro, I recommend going to a beauty supply store and picking up a color wand for a temporary fix. It looks like a mascara wand, and allows easy application of temporary color. It is not permanent and will only last until the person washes their hair, but it is a great way to try out different shades without the commitment," offers Riccardo.
The color needs to be matched to your skin tone more than other colors there is not a "one color fits most" formula.
Wolf admits that people with fair skin and pink undertones are best suited. But most anyone can wear red if the proper shade and tone is used. However red is more difficult on those that have an olive complexion.
If someone uses the wrong red, two main things will happen. If the person goes too deep, with a burgundy or maroon, their skin tone will appear to pale, making them look gothic, harsh and dreary. If they go with a copper or a lighter red, they can appear too orange or brassy, sometimes making their skin look orange as well.
"Anyone can wear red hair," explains Lowe. "Whether it looks natural or not is another thing - but that may just be the look you're going for. Natural reds are red-orange (strawberry blondes, auburns etc) while blue reds (such as mahoganies) aren't found in natural hair color. But then again, it just depends on the look you're going for."
Not ready to take red to the next level? Give some highlights or lowlights a try. "Natural red heads look great with red highlights and lowlights. It really accentuates their features and can sometimes look even better than their natural hair, adding dimension and movement," explains Riccardo. "Also, in my opinion, true brunettes make the best red heads. Pulling out the natural reds in true brown hair really makes a brunettes beauty pop.
Now that you've taken the red hair plunge, it's time for a little change in makeup.
Riccardo offers that "generally shades such as bronzes and golds look good on most red heads." But he explains that make-up shades for red heads really rely on the client's skin tone and coloring as well as the shade of red that their hair is, i.e. deep cool, copper, warm burgundies. So, it's best to stop by your favorite department store or Sephora to get a quick run-down on what colors will look best with your new look.