9 Things Every Redhead Should Know

Whether you get your fiery locks from a bottle or you’re born with them, let’s face it: Redheads really have the most fun. These nine tips will help you keep your color fiercely bright and your styling choices flattering and fun.

Or, for a more DIY solution, look no further than your pantry. Naturally strong pigments from beet juice, cranberry juice and Kool-Aid (seriously) will give you an at-home hue boost. Just apply any of those liquids to wet hair, leave for at least 20 minutes and rinse out for a prolonged red.

While blondes and brunettes have their own special qualities, part of what makes red hair so stunning is that it’s usually made of varying shades of vibrant red and shiny gold. Every four to five washes, swap out your normal shampoo for a clarifying cleanser that will wipe away any previous product or gunk and reveal super-healthy locks that shine on their own.

Another trademark of a natural red: light blonde eyebrows. Especially in such a brow-dominant time, it’s important to add a little color to your brows. If dyeing them is too much of a hassle or expense, find a pencil or powder in a shade that matches the darkest part of your hair, without going too orange. Although it might feel odd at the beginning, eyebrows can be an incredibly powerful face-framing tool.

Whoever said redheads should avoid red lipstick has clearly never seen Christina Hendricks in Mad Men. Be sure to stick to blue-toned reds, rather than orangey ones, so your lips complement rather than clash. And since you’ve got a built-in attention-grabber on your head, remember that less is more; keep your eyes neutral for a nice contrast.

A seriously misinformed rumor about copper-haired ladies is that they look good in only a few colors (see: emerald green). But in reality, redheads can wear any color of the rainbow—yes, even orange and red—as long as they’re smart about the tones of the color. A good rule of thumb is to focus on what colors go well with your skin tone: So a warmer-toned redhead looks fab in burgundy wine, while a cooler-toned redhead is complemented by a light peach sorbet shade.

Although it can be fun to throw on big statement earrings or an oversize necklace, at the end of the day, your hair is the star of the show. Keep it healthy and lustrous with a leave-in conditioner and play around with fun hairstyles that highlight the many beautiful shades in your mane.