Colors for Redheads

[mysterygal]

I've been very interested in getting information about choosing right colors for skin tone and hair color. I just went back to red not too long ago and have been hearing from a couple of people comments like, 'oh, be careful, there are so many colors that just does not look good on redheads!', is this true? and what are great colors ? It would also probably be interesting for women with blond, brunette and gray hair to have a run down on what to look for as well [huh]

[jitterbugdoll]

Red hair is not as limiting as one would think--you simply need to choose colors in the right tones for your hair color and skin tone (and the same goes for blondes and brunettes.) For example, if you are a warm redhead, then in general, warm colors work well for you. A redhead with cooler hair and skin would do well to stick with cooler colors. Greens, pinks, yellows, blues--there is probably a shade of each out there that is perfect for you.

Redheads tend to look especially nice in shades of autumn colors--warm reds, deep/burnt oranges, rich yellows, browns, etc. But, as Ann Sheridan shows us, you aren't limited to just that palette (see post below):

And a few Rita Hayworth pics for good measure:

http://claudia79.tripod.com/images2/ritayellow.jpg
http://claudia79.tripod.com/picture/redflower.jpg
http://claudia79.tripod.com/peecs/favorite.jpg
http://claudia79.tripod.com/photos/leopard.jpg
http://claudia79.tripod.com/images2/bracelet.jpg

[maisie]

I can't seem to see the above pictures??

[jitterbugdoll]

'Tis because I was in a hurry and hot-linked to the Web site. I shall remedy the problem shortly...

[Daisy Buchanan]

I always thought ladies with red hair and fare skin looked fantastic in shades of green.

[jitterbugdoll]

I always thought ladies with red hair and fare skin looked fantastic in shades of green.

This is because red and green are complementary colors (blue and orange, and yellow and purple being the other pairs.) Complementary colors both play off each other, making the total picture "pop" :)

[decodoll]

Having red hair can be slightly more challenging than other colours, but it's nothing to be warned about in dire tones. ;) You do have to pay more attention to colours clashing with your hair unlike other natural hair colours. Personally, with my shade of red and skin tone, bright greens and aquas look particularly good. I also wear a lot of navy (I think navy looks good on most people :) ) and that is how I sneak in the bright red as accents. Too much bright red on me looks ghastly, but I can wear it mixed with other colours. Bright pink is a no no most of the time, but pale pink is fine. Yellows and oranges you have to be careful of which shade you get as well. I remember a particular commercial growing up with a orangey-red haired actress wearing solid bright yellow. She looked horrid. I still don't wear much yellow due to that commercial!

[fortworthgal]

My hair is naturally auburn. I am definitely a warm redhead, with freckles, gold undertones, and dark brown eyes. I find that I look best in warm autumny colors - browns, golden yellows, burnt oranges, brick reds, olive greens. I get the most compliments when I wear dark brown, or a medium dusty pink. The colors that don't work on me are blue reds, bright colors like neon yellows or hot pinks, and although I like wearing black and white, I try to mix them with other colors so I don't end up looking washed out.

[maisie]

I can see the pics now, and they are fab! I love the colour of Rita Hayworth's hair and the way she always had it styled to perfection, but hey, thats Hollywood!;)
I also love leopard print blouse and the red and white outfit in the last picture!!:D

[jitterbugdoll]

I'm going to repost the Ann Sheridan pictures later--they are amazing and show her wearing a variety of colors, from teal to deep yellow :)

[Crookshanks]

with Jitterbugdoll. I'm a natural redhead but I use Henna to make the colour stronger. When I was younger people always said to me I looked great in green and I ended up wearing a green garment every single day. After some years I got sick of it and started to experiment with other colours (that was when I was in to the 60's and thought I would be better off as a hippie). Nowadays I experiment with colours but I'm much more careful about what shades I use. I believe there's a shade in every colour scheme for everyone, you just have to find it.
People also used to tell me I should watch out for red and pink but I'd say the right shade can look great. Pink is difficult but "old rose" can work for me. It also depends on how much of that colour is near your face and hair or how the garment is cut or if it's a lot of it or just a small detail.
Yellow is probobaly the trickiest one but even that one can look good with the right accessories, like in my avatar. I was surprised myself when putting a yellow dress on but I think it looks great. (But maybe I'll always going to need a portable spotlight with my yellow outfit to make it work lol

[jitterbugdoll]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85ff844cda00000015108AatmbRq2ctP The Ann Sheridan photos from my earlier post:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85e62f8dd500000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85e62d8dd700000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85e62b8dd100000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85e6160cdc00000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85e6158def00000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85e6138de900000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85ff9a4cc400000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b85ff864cd800000025108AatmbRq2ctP

[Caledonia]

I don't think there's many restrictions on redheads except graying tones, ie watching out for anything that has an ash effect against the skin. I'm a strawberry blonde, ie light red with some darker auburn tones, but mostly go blondish in the summer. I am also going seriously grey - upside is the grey is coming in totally white. Great because I can't do ash'ed out tones at all. Can do orange but it has to have a warm red tone. Can't do red/purple, but can do red-orange/blue-purple if that makes sense. Teal is fabulous. I wear copper or rose gold for warm jewellery, silver otherwise. Never yellow gold. Clear sky tones are fantastic as are some of the storm clouds. Early autumn works, but not early spring. Winter is too harsh, although I love it as a season. And against all advice, I look great in black, also dark green, clear but dark blue, red but not purple red, never white, but ivory, cream. It's a confusing world!:D

[jitterbugdoll]

A few more photos of Ann:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b8538d30c7600000015108AatmbRq2ctP

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b8538d68d4300000025108AatmbRq2ctP

As Caedonia mentioned, Ann shows that teal looks smashing on a redhead:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d910b3127cce8b8538de8d4b00000015108AatmbRq2ctP


I am also going seriously grey - upside is the grey is coming in totally white.

I was once told that blondes darken with age, and redheads fade to a blondish-white color. A friend of the family had very striking strawberry blonde hair, and her daugher had a deep red color. Apparently, the mother's hair had originally been the same color as the daughter's :)

[Rebecca D]

My hair is orange/coppery red, and my skin is pale with very yellow undertones; I even have light green eyes with big gold speckles in them, making me look like I have yellow eyes (just like Scott Farkus in a Christmas Story). In other words, I’m REALLY yellow.

Strangely, I look great in red, especially dark red. Of course, I look good in green, but I also look good in white (which always surprises people). Aqua and turquoise always look good, and my best colors are peach and certain shades of pink.

As mentioned before, brown always seems to go great with red hair, and I like the way redheads look in black.

And I had a yellow nightgown that strangely looked amazing against my skin and hair, and butterscotch is another great color for me.

There really isn't much of a limitation for redheads, short of certains shades, but that goes for all people, regardless of their hair or skin color.

[Shimmy Sally]

Speaking as an actual natural redhead myself, I can say these products have worked well for me:
http://just4rh.stores.yahoo.net/

[Mad Molly]

I am a "redhead-by-choice". ;) Light to medium auburn shade, usually, because my skin is slightly sallow and I don't want to look like a jaundice victim!

So mostly cool tones for me - greens, blues, some purple - along with the typical redhead-friendly colors of brown, black, ivory shades of white.

Yellows and true red as accents only - a real pity. Love the colors, but I look sick in them!

Burgundy works, though, if I'm in that mood, but mostly I stick with the cool shades.

[decodoll]

My hair is orange/coppery red, and my skin is pale with very yellow undertones; I even have light green eyes with big gold speckles in them, making me look like I have yellow eyes (just like Scott Farkus in a Christmas Story).

Sounds like we have the same colour eyes, Rebecca. :) I remember my mom telling me years ago what that gold ring around the pupils is called, but I've forgotten now. And hair too...although, nowadays, mine is helped along by hair colouring. When I was younger though, we used to go play tennis during the summer, and I remember one friend telling me I had an unfair advantage because the sun hitting my red hair was blinding him! lol I am very fair with pink tones to my skin. :)

I also look good in black even though apparently I should look horrible in it.:)

[decodoll]

I was once told that blondes darken with age, and redheads fade to a blondish-white color. A friend of the family had very striking strawberry blonde hair, and her daugher had a deep red color. Apparently, the mother's hair had originally been the same color as the daughter's :)

In my family, when it starts going white, you start dyeing it and gradually going lighter and lighter as you age, so that you don't end up the 80 year old woman with the unnaturally bright red hair! Eventually, you end up blonde for a while, then just let it all go and embrace the white! :D That might explain the gradual fade in other redheads as well! ;)

[fortworthgal]

In my family, when it starts going white, you start dyeing it and gradually going lighter and lighter as you age, so that you don't end up the 80 year old woman with the unnaturally bright red hair! Eventually, you end up blonde for a while, then just let it all go and embrace the white! :D That might explain the gradual fade in other redheads as well! ;)

My grandmother, mother, and myself all have the same color of auburn hair naturally. When my grandmother was quite elderly, her hair was a strawberry blonde color - almost a bright orange, but very light. Almost the color of the inside of a cantaloupe. It had lightened up so much, but she never colored it. It stayed so red that it almost looked unnatural! I don't even remember her having any grays, although I'm sure she must have had a few.

My mother colors her hair so it is still fairly dark. I color mine now as well - just re-dying to the natural color, as I started going gray at an early age.

[jitterbugdoll]

The woman I mentioned didn't dye her hair--she was the one who told me about the fading process (and my hairdresser confirmed it as being quite common.)

Yes, there is nothing quite like an elderly woman with bright red hair (or even better, inky black hair :))

[decodoll]

Must just be my family then! For awhile before my mom decided it was time to start dyeing hers, she had what looked like a perfect frosting job, but it was all natural. :) We just go straight from red to white.

[Tourbillion]

I regularly break all the color rules, so I might not be the best person to follow. However, here is what I have been told not to wear:

Orange, as in bright shades (I do anyway, some are scary on everyone)
Pink (OK, some shades don't look good)
Magenta (clashes, even I don't wear most magenta shades)
Red (I wear some reds anyway, I just keep toward yellow reds and true reds)
Grey (not fair! I wear some "warm" greys anyway)
Muted middle tones - like mauve, dusty pink, etc. (these aren't my favorite anyway)

I get complements on black, warm peachy pinks, rust, brown, tan, camel, apple green, some purple shades.

As for the hair fading thing, some redheads do, some don't. My mom's sister went red to white, but it was really noticeable, she dyes it. My dad just faded out. He had fiery red hair when young, strawberry blond in his 50's, blond later then white white.

It seems like my hair used to be more red, it might be just a touch more golden-red than it used to be. I am crossing my fingers that it will fade instead of having white hairs come in...

[Shimmy Sally]

My grandmother, mother, and myself all have the same color of auburn hair naturally. When my grandmother was quite elderly, her hair was a strawberry blonde color It had lightened up so much, but she never colored it.

Must just be my family then! We just go straight from red to white.

All of my family has either red, curly hair -or- the very light auburn, wavy hair that I have. Both tend to turn a beautiful snow white. I am getting a white streak at the widow’s peak now. I prefer that to the salt&pepper look, or yellow, which luckily does NOT run in my family.

One thing that cracks me up is color charting to determine what "season" of colors one should wear. I really frustrate color analysts. It's funny, because my hair/skin/eye coloring doesn't fit any predetermined seasonal code. Hey, some of us are unique.

[Caledonia]

I can confirm the fading bit. I used to be a quite red strawberry blonde, with auburn tones underneath. Now I pass regularly for a blonde in the summer, with light red tones! And I'm only 42 :eek: But, the up side is that while there is a tonne of white in there, which is also causing the lightening, I will go pure white by my late 50s, which I think is going to be a really great look for vintage 40s and 50s styling. I hope. :D

[Shimmy Sally]

I used to be a quite red strawberry blonde, with auburn tones underneath. Now I pass regularly for a blonde in the summer, with light red tones!
Your hair looks very light in your icon picture. Does your hair wave that way naturally, or do you have to set it? Your style is gorgeous.

[Paisley]

The redhead in my avatar looks smashing in her orange dress with yellow, red and green details.

[mysterygal]

jitterbug, that teal sweater looks great on that redhead! With being blond for so long, I've found that red does a whole different 'thing' to my appearance! it's getting some time to get used to :)
color fading; my grandmother is a redhead and her hair is still a vibrant red. She swears by taking vitamin B..whenever she stops, her hair starts to fade again.

[jitterbugdoll]

Another redhead wearing orange and black:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d620b3127cce8b8fd6cf13e400000025108AatmbRq2ctP

[decodoll]

oh! Yummy! I adore that hat!!!!!

[jitterbugdoll]

oh! Yummy! I adore that hat!!!!!

Doesn't it make you long for autumn? :)

[decodoll]

Yes, it does!! Well...that is if San Francisco actually had different seasons! lol

[jitterbugdoll]

Well, it's not like Arizona really has a cold season, but I still pretend lol

[mysterygal]

oh lets not talk about autumn yet!:eek: I feel like I've just begun to really enjoy my summer! but yet, the leaves are already starting to turn colors on some trees :( time just goes way too fast :mad:
hair fading; I saw in the store (I think by pantene) but there's hair glaze for blonds , brunettes and redheads. was eyeing it myself, but wanted to know if anyone tried any kind of glaze for hair yet.

[jitterbugdoll]

Are you thinking of the John Frieda glazes? I have heard good things about them from redheads and blondes (I haven't heard any brunettes' comments on the product.)


oh lets not talk about autumn yet! I feel like I've just begun to really enjoy my summer! but yet, the leaves are already starting to turn colors on some trees time just goes way too fast
hair fading; I saw in the store (I think by pantene) but there's hair glaze for blonds , brunettes and redheads. was eyeing it myself, but wanted to know if anyone tried any kind of glaze for hair yet.

Are you kidding? It's over a 100 degrees here and so hot--probably the hottest summer I have spent here. I can't wait for it to cool down again :)

[maisie]

http://claudia79.tripod.com/photos/rest.jpg

[jitterbugdoll]

Myrna was a redhead:

http://themave.com/Powell/cc/myrnacolr.jpg

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d623b3127cce8bb0b98f1a0c00000015108AatmbRq2ctP

[mysterygal]

Are you thinking of the John Frieda glazes? I have heard good things about them from redheads and blondes (I haven't heard any brunettes' comments on the product.)

Those are more than likely the one's I saw.

Are you kidding? It's over a 100 degrees here and so hot--probably the hottest summer I have spent here. I can't wait for it to cool down again :)
lol ...see here it's a whole different story, we get 3 months of great weather then it's just plain cold :(

[fortworthgal]

I've seen those John Frieda glazes. I read a lot of negative reviews over on Makeup Alley so I haven't purchased one yet. Matrix has a really nice color conditioner for redheads that really boosts color and adds a ton of shine - I'll have to look in my bathroom cabinet and see what it is called.

I also like Aura's clove shampoo for brunettes. Since my hair is auburn, it adds a lot of warm honey/chestnut tones.

[mysterygal]

You know, I never realized Rita Hayworth was a red head! I always figured her for a brunette [huh] I just bought the Frieda red hair glaze last night to try it out. It works fine, I did notice a difference with my hair color, there's diffinetely a 'boost' in the red!. I've had better results though with another hair glaze that I've bought at the salon that I go to....just goes along with what I've been learning lately, when you find something that works, stick to it!

[maisie]

[QUOTE=mysterygal]You know, I never realized Rita Hayworth was a red head! I always figured her for a brunette [huh] [QUOTE]

She changed her hair colour lots during her time!! Naturally she was a brunette though:) , but then wnet through lots of shades of red and then to blond later on!!

[maisie]

Brunette:
http://claudia79.tripod.com/fotos/icall4help.jpg
Redhead:
http://claudia79.tripod.com/pictures/redress.jpg
http://claudia79.tripod.com/images/yellow.jpg
http://claudia79.tripod.com/picture/auburn.jpg
http://claudia79.tripod.com/fotos/poorviccutout.jpg
Blond:
http://claudia79.tripod.com/ritapix/colblonde.jpg

But then later on i think she went back to being red as this was her trademark hair colour!!

[Caledonia]

Your hair looks very light in your icon picture. Does your hair wave that way naturally, or do you have to set it? Your style is gorgeous.

Thanks Sally. I've got naturally really wavy hair so I only need a bit of mousse or some other creamy curl hold product to sharpen it up, and a bit of frizz ease on less stylised days. The style there has loads of mousse first then big rollers, followed by brushing through over the head to push the curl and wave to the bottom or round my face. Hairspray if it's going to be windy. If it gets misted with rain I end up with corkscrew curls round my face which look marvellous, but I can't force them or the hair rebels and goes straight! :rolleyes:

[fortworthgal]

She generally appeared as Rita Cansino, not Rita Hayworth, during her pre-movie-studio-makeover brunette days.

[jitterbugdoll]

Rita started out dancing with her father's troupe, The Dancing Cansinos. Originally, the movie studios played up her ethnic look, then decided to make her look more "all-American" by dying her hair. She even underwent electrolysis to raise her hairline.

Another interesting tidbit--Myrna Loy was a natural redhead, but her early movies played her up as an "exotic" Theda Bara type, and she often was cast in the role of a gypsy, etc.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6d625b3127cce8ba5e338e85700000015108AatmbRq2ctP

[rubyredlocks]

I think everyone knows that I'm a sucker for Lucille Ball,one of my fave redheads.
Thought I'd post a few 1940s glamour pics,so ya'all can see her less zany side.(though it's the fact that she could be slapstick and zany while retaining her glamour that I love)

http://www.skylighters.org/photos/pinups/lucy00.jpg

http://www.filmposters.com/images/posters/10269.jpg

A great black and white:
http://www.rrauction.com/content/images/scans/3128/3128886.jpg

She looked great in black,white,and silvery blue.

[LolitaHaze]

I'm a fan of Lucy too. I went as her for Halloween back in 2000... I think... Dyed my hair red-orange just for it!

[maisie]

She looks so different in that last picture compared to when she was dong comedy!

[maisie]

http://204.50.24.183/bewitched/asherinterv/lucy.jpg
http://data1.blog.de/blog/h/horse1/img/lucille-ball.jpg

[rubyredlocks]

Me too,I've borrowed from her lots.Sometimes on purpose and others with out realizing it.

Went to a hangar dance in this,it was a 40s theme,but I just felt 50s that night and went with it.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db02b3127cce89df80444db000000015109AbOXLFk0bS

The hubby and I as Lucy and Ricky one halloween:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db31b3127cce9a3b43ee813100000055119AbOXLFk0bS

My fave pic,Ricky finally puts Lucy over his knee inspired Naughty X-mas cards:
http://img4.modelmayhem.com/060711/08/44b3a25631823.jpg

So that I'm still somewhat on topic, note the navy and white dress with red accessories,fab on a redhead,but I do love my black.

[LolitaHaze]

Me too,I've borrowed from her lots.Sometimes on purpose and others with out realizing it.

Went to a hangar dance in this,it was a 40s theme,but I just felt 50s that night and went with it.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db02b3127cce89df80444db000000015109AbOXLFk0bS

So that I'm still somewhat on topic, note the navy and white dress with red accessories,fab on a redhead,but I do love my black.

Bwhahaah wait until you see the dress I wore!! Let me go find the photo!

[LolitaHaze]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/LolitaHaze/ween6.jpg

Lolita as Lucy as Betty!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v112/LolitaHaze/ween7.jpg

[rubyredlocks]

lol
I think Lucy must have been known for polka dots,I always think of her when I see them.
You look adorable!

[LolitaHaze]

I think you are right. Big polka dots. That seems to be what all the impersonators wear. But I am try to think back to her wearing polka dots and now I can't. I will keep an eye out since I watch the show everyday at 5:30. :)

Thank you!! ;)

[Shimmy Sally]

If it gets misted with rain I end up with corkscrew curls round my face which look marvellous, but I can't force them or the hair rebels and goes straight!
I get the tiny tendrils around the hairline when it rains also. It looks nice with an up-do. Too bad I’m not into the Victorian look. When it’s humid my hair curls up, when I try to straighten it, I just end up with big, poufy hair. There's no controlling it.

There is a big difference in what looks good on someone with naturally red hair, as opposed to someone who dyes or wears a wig. Generally speaking, we redheads (the real ones) tend to have unusual coloring, be fair (very light skin), strawberries & cream (pink tones) rather than peaches & cream, a sprinkling of freckles, pale blue/grey/green eyes, with hair that is thick and has more body. We have our own set of issues involving hairstyles and which colors are flattering. I've found that many colors I was told would look bad on a red or golden hair, look fab on me. That dark "pumpkin spice" orange, peanut butter yellow, and rust red/brown for example. One must experiment. Don't go with the cool/warm, autumn/winter/spring/summer season BS, it's much too confining. Like I stated before, the color analysts get frustrated when it becomes clear that I am both warm and cool, which breaks the rules. We can't all fit into 2-4 color catagories for heavens sake! lol

[mysterygal]

[QUOTE=jitterbugdoll]Rita started out dancing with her father's troupe, The Dancing Cansinos. Originally, the movie studios played up her ethnic look, then decided to make her look more "all-American" by dying her hair. She even underwent electrolysis to raise her hairline.

Since I've really become quite a fan of Rita Hayworth as of lately, I got ahold of a biography of her at the library, 'If this was happines'. Great book for anyone who loves biographies. It's just so dang depressing, yet, I can't stop reading!

[Shimmy Sally]

Most every celebrity biography I've read/reviewed has been depressing.

[jitterbugdoll]

Can't forget Maureen:

http://www.classichollywoodbios.com/Images/Vintage%20Movie%20Magazine%20Images/M.%20O'Hara%20Silverscreen%2012-1951.jpg

Or Greer:
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b374/panda_pops_/tn_Greer_Garson_enlarged.jpg

Ginger, too:
http://www.things-and-other-stuff.com/images/a-prices%20realized/Movies/dixie/0399%20dixie%20rogers%201a.jpg

[fortworthgal]

Me too,I've borrowed from her lots.Sometimes on purpose and others with out realizing it.

Went to a hangar dance in this,it was a 40s theme,but I just felt 50s that night and went with it.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db02b3127cce89df80444db000000015109AbOXLFk0bS


I think you look darling! Besides, if it was the Meacham hangar dance, nobody would have known the difference between eras anyway. lol

I adore Lucy for the reasons you mentioned - she could be beautiful or she could be zany and silly. I love watching the old episodes late at night.

[Caledonia]

Wow ladies, you look amazing! I think we can concur that redheads are pretty much the most outstanding group of all, but then I may be a teensy biased ;).

[mysterygal]

Redheads
cosmetics
foundation: golden-beige, cream-beige, peach-beige
blusher: tawny, peach, apricot, coral
eyeshadow: sludge-green, russet, teal, golden copper
eyeliner: moss green, charcoal, brown
mascara: dark brown, green
lipstick: brick red, coral, peach
lip pencil: light brown
nail polish: coral, brick red

Accessories
Jewelry: ivory, wood, coral, amber, tiger's eye, jade, turquoise, emerald, topaz, yellow diamonds, pearls with a yellow cast.
shoes and handbags: Bone, tan, brown, olive
Hosiery: Flesh toned, bone, gray-beige, olive. Avoid pink.

[thebadmamajama]

Hail to my redheaded kin on this thread! I'm a natural redhead--yup-the pale skin and eyes and all. I'm an artist and have studied color for most of my "natural" (sorry for the bad pun) life. I find that contrast is the key for redheads. Yes, we do look great in colors that go on our palette such as the warm oranges and reds, but it's the JEWEL TONES--the deep royal purples, teals, emeralds, and striking royal blues that really make us pop. We're worth royal colors, ladies. Flaunt them.

Try checking out color theory through the probably now-defunt "Color Me Beautiful" line of cosmetics and books--you can test yourself and find out just what "season" you are and just what colors you should wear. You'll know it's right when people step back and comment about how great you look, but they can't really figure out what it is--you're dazzling them with color and it affects their mood and how they see you. Amazing, really. There is such power in color and redheads really have the advantage of that power if they know how to use and balance it.

Again, hail to my redheaded sisters out there.

[thebadmamajama]

also, heather gray is usually pretty stunning

[mysterygal]

I find this also works for me, is that, even as a brunett, if you have red highlights, the colors to pick should be of those of a redhead. Though, with going back to my natural hair color, I can use some colors that are more darker whereas before looked way too stark on me.

[Kim_B]

I'm a redhead by choice - colored my hair as an alternative to chopping it all off as a deal with my hubby. :) He just doesn't understand why I change my hair style every 6 months or so by letting it grow out then chopping it all off, so he suggested a new color. Smart boy, he is! I even let him pick it out, as I tend to lean toward colors that won't stray far from my natural color (which if I remember correctly is a dark blond/light brown...) but he chose a lovely deep auburn red - I believe the color is by Garnier and is called Pomegranate (True Red). To keep the color as vibrant and long-lasting as possible, I use John Frieda Radiant Red Shampoo and the Radiant Red Hair Masque. I also use, on days where I'm out in the sun a lot, the Radiant Red Anti-Fade Serum - puts a nice sheen on it and protects it from the sun and things.

I never really gave it much thought before now as to what colors to avoid - I just wear what I've always wore. Even with fair skin (read: pale as a ghost!) I've never really been concerned about it. When I started reading this thread, I was a little worried that I'd been breaking some fashion rules! But I say as long as you're comfortable and it doesn't make you look like you're ill, go for it. I think it's more of a personal choice than anything...

I find that blacks, warm reds, pinks (yep, even pinks!), greens, blues...well, pretty much anything looks good with my hair color/skin color combination. I have one shirt that I don't really wear a lot, and it's a bright pumpkin orange. I'll usually wear it when my color has faded to more of a brownish shade instead of the vivid red.

[mysterygal]

Kim, believe me, even hair dying can be very addictive!:eusa_doh:
As long as you like what you seeing, great! That is what I think the biggest thing about looking good, being happy with yourself. And there are the rare like you who can pull off with wearing just about anything.

[ohairas]

How did I ever miss this thread before? LOL!
As I said in the blonde thread, sometimes if you just darken your eyebrows you can wear more vairety of color than you think.

I always get compliments when I wear aqua, turquoise or teals. I think the dusky pinks look fab on natural redheads with brown eyes.

I think lilac is pretty on most redheads, and cheetah print, ha!

Nikki

[HadleyH]

Greens, purples, blues all look attractive on redheads and on brunettes with red/blonde highlights IMO. White an black also looks good. :)

[Cherriexo]

When I was a kid I was strawberry blonde,then I grew older and it got darker...but come summer, a deep redhead not the ginger/orange.Ive been coloring it since high school.I always tell people I have the temper and just plain evil associated with this color...haha.Now days I have face framing fire engine red,and then overtop purpleish red with some deep black red highlights.Looks very awesome.I also have piercing bluuuuue eyes,and the Irish fair skintone.

Ive always varied the different shades of red,Ive just always wanted something more red than my natural tone.My Father is also a deep redhead but my family is ALL Black Irish.I also have no eyelashes and super blonde eyebrows without makeup.

I find blues look best...red hair and bluuuue eyes with navy is something.I also stick with pale pinks and black too.I have some nice purples,and pale yellows too.Id never wear full fire engine red though.

Finally a thread about our hair color ;)

[thebadmamajama]

Question, kids:

I'm a redhead (duh) and I've always wanted to go a bit bolder on eyeshadow, moving into the greens. Any brands/colors/suggestions for greens? THANK YOU!

[Adelaidey]

We don't have any full-on bright redheads in my family, but my dad's side has strawberry blondes and my mum's has dark auburns, so I've been left with something in the middle. I'm naturally a medium red-y brown, and every once in a while I'll get a semi-permanent red/auburn dye job just to unleash my full inner redhead! I do semi-permanent because it fades out nicely back to my natural color over a few months rather than leaving me with roots-- my favorite color is actually when it's about half-faded out. I love being able to have a whole spectrum of reds over a few months!

I love experimenting with colors for clothing and makeup with my hair, although I've fallen into a bit of a rut lately. The one color I've never been brave enough to try is yellow-- have yet to find a good one with my hair and skin type. I do find that I have great success with black and white, various greys, blues, and I get tons of compliments with a dusty rose/pink. (Of course, all the standards of greens, autumns, etc.)

About the makeup question... whenever I do greens, I tend to use dusty/smoky greens for eyeshadows. They blend well with either browns/tans or greys, depending on if you want to take your look warmer or cooler. I like this look with a brown, autumnal toned outfit.

Well, I've rambled on long enough.... its great to find this wealth of info here-- both vintage and redhead! Thanks gals.

[Amy Jeanne]

I'm a natural redhead, complete with orange "glow" (freckles that I hate). My Orange Glow, I feel, really limits me when it comes to dying my hair. If I go any lighter or any darker, I'm completely ORANGE. I hate it. I've had every hair colour of the rainbow at some point -- the worst was black.

But when it comes to makeup, I'm not so discriminatory! I only have one makeup rule -- NO BLACK EYEBROWS! Other than that, I'm limitless! When it comes to eyeshadows, my favourite colours are blue, green, purple, and I even like to brush on hot pink blush onto my lids. If you ever do this, trust me, don't use a regular eyeshadow applicator! Just a light dusting with a blush brush will have a magnificent effect. I also NEVER go without my bold black mascara, eyeliner (sometimes I do cat's eyes if I have time!) and my bold red lipstick. Without these, I look like a complete wash-out. I hate it!!

I stay away from browns, beiges, and "natural" tones. Not that they don't look good, they just aren't for me. I like to be a bit on the "Drag Queen" side of things ;)

[jitterbugdoll]

Question, kids:

I'm a redhead (duh) and I've always wanted to go a bit bolder on eyeshadow, moving into the greens. Any brands/colors/suggestions for greens? THANK YOU!

Besame Pistachio is a gorgeous, golden olive shade; it would be a great one to try.

[mysterygal]

Q; Who is a good candidate for red hair?
A; Because of the broad range of red shades-from deep shimmering mahogany to medium copper auburn to light strawberry blonde, with an infinite array of selections in between-most women can wear some shade of red haircolor, either placed as highlights or a full-head application.
While almost any skin tone can be vamped up with red, cooler skin tones look best in deep, cool reds and warmer skin tones can wear shades from rich auburn to strawberry blonde.
Red hair looks most natural on women who were red as a child or who have parents who are redheads. In terms of eye color and skin tones, red is most attractive on people with green or blue eyes and cool or creamy skin tones. Women with darker skin tones should choose a deeper, cooler red shade. For lighter skin tones, choose a lighter and warmer red shade. And, if red is new to you, start slowly with a shade that is near your natural level and see how it wears.

Q; What is the best way to care for color-treated red hair?
A; It's important to understand that haircolor requires expert hair care. Color-treated hair needs protection from UV and environmental damage, heat styling implements and minerals in water. All of these aggressors attack haircolor and cause fading. Red, blonde, or brunette, all color-treated hair should be maintained using a color protecting shampoo and conditioner.
Using a formutlated for color-treated hair is a definite must! Up to 45% fo color loss is attributed to shampooing. Be sure the shampoo has a PH factor below 5.5, to mimic hair's natural acidity. Always use cool water when rinsing, this helps to close the cuticle layers, thus keeping the color vibrant and deep within the hair strand. Hot water opens the layers of the hair and can contribute to color loss.
But don't reds fade faster than other haircolors? Because red hair molecules are small, they tend to shampoo out or fade more quickly than other haircolors. So it is particularly important to use shampoos and conditioners that are formulated for color-treated hair. Use a color-refreshing shampoo in the same tonal family as the shade you've chosen.

Q; How often does red haircolor need to be touched up?
A; Recolor ever four weeks to keep your red haircolor vibrant. In between, you may want to refresh your color with a glaze. Ask your colorist about this process. Consistent touch ups every four to five weeks are extremely important with reds. If you wait too long between touchups-when the new growth is over half an inch- your body heat may process the color closest to the scalp faster, resulting in what we call hot roots. The color will be brighter at the scalp in comparison to the mid-lengths and ends.
Remember this rule of thumb: the greater the distance between your new haircolor and your natural color, the more often it should be touched up. This helps to avoid harsh lines of demarcation and 'color-banding' on future applications. Generally single process should be touched up every four to five weeks; highlighted hair can often be touched up every two to three months.

[Miss Neecerie]

Question, kids:

I'm a redhead (duh) and I've always wanted to go a bit bolder on eyeshadow, moving into the greens. Any brands/colors/suggestions for greens? THANK YOU!


I also really like the almay set of greens....its a dark green a lighter green and a sort of purpley accent color.....work really nicely as well.

[mysterygal]

African-Americans going red
Should know...
*If you have deeper skin tone, a plum or a brighter red shade may look best. Always do a strand test to check results. If you relax your hair, wait at least one week and one shampoo before you color with permanent haircolor.
*Today's super-conditioning haircolor-such as Ion Color Brilliance, which is formulated with wheat germ protein and ionic buffers to help sooth scalp-is perfect for fragile, multi-cultural textured hair.

Latinas going red
Should know...
*Red hair is very popular among latinos. In a recent survey, 40% of latino women listed red/auburn as their favorite shade. Adding some red highlights is a good way to see if you like the red color with your skin tone.
*All over color and highlighting ar both options. When a full-head color service is desired, try to stay within two to three levels of the natural hair color to avoid excessive brassy tones.

Asians going red
Should know...
*Using red as an accent color for highlights can be very attractive.
*Asian hair types can be resistant to haircolor. Ask your colorist about an optional heat processing method that helps the color to penetrate on resistant hair types.
*Coarse hair may require the use of a higher strength of developer and/or a longer processing time.

Blondes going red
Should know...
*The lighter blonde you are, the more vibrant your red color result will be. Start with a subtle change, like a copper or strawberry shade.
*The most flattering shades of red for blondes are light coppers. A cool red will look very harsh and unnatural.
* Demi-permanent haircolor is a great introduction to the 'red haired' world. Your colorist can easily enhance and change existing medium or dark blonde hair.

Brunettes going red
Should know...
*Highlighting is a great introduction to red shades. Place a few highlights around the face, fringe or top sections of the hair.
*Auburn is a good choice for brunettes. Most brunettes have warm tones in their hair, which is important to consider. For instance, someone with medium brown hair, who wants to acheive a lighter brown, with just a hint of red, should choose a color with a cool or neutral base.
*Brunettes should take into account that they have a tremendous amount of natural underlying warm pigment. For the most natural looking red, talk to your colorist about shades that are one level lighter than your natual hair color in a gold or neutral base.

[~*Red*~]

I'm a natural brunette that changes with the seasons, which can create a bit of a make up problem...

In the winter, I darken my red to compliment my paler skin, and I can get away with wine shades of eye shadows and the pinker hues for my cheeks.

In summer I lighten my red and it compliments my tanner skin, but I have the worst time trying to find eye color shades, even sometimes blush shades.
So far, all I seem to be able to wear are a pale golden beige on my lids with a reddish or tan tone in my crease, and a sometimes I use a coral blush to give the sunkissed look, or I like Benefit's Dallas to contour. I've tried Smashbox's O-Glow (which is actually pretty rad), as it's supposed to give you your "natural blushing shade", but I'm not in love with it.

I'm lost when it comes to my summer make-up! I love greens as I have hazel eyes, and my eye color changes with whatever makeup I wear, but they look kinda silly on me. :( I think my large creasy lids don't help either. double:(

Any ideas? I've searched this board for the last 2 hours... LOL And everytime I go to a make-up counter, they are no help, and try to sell me their newest line of whatever...:mad:

[ShortClara]

Blondes going red
Should know...
*The lighter blonde you are, the more vibrant your red color result will be. Start with a subtle change, like a copper or strawberry shade.
*The most flattering shades of red for blondes are light coppers. A cool red will look very harsh and unnatural.
* Demi-permanent haircolor is a great introduction to the 'red haired' world. Your colorist can easily enhance and change existing medium or dark blonde hair.


Speaking of blondes going red...

I agree with starting with a subtle change, I went strawberry blonde first. However, cool reds look much better on me than the copper reds. I think it's dependent on your tones. It's not "natural" per se, but it's striking, better looking and I don't care about the natural part. I doubt Clara Bow's red hair looked natural either :)

Also, doing roots as a blonde is touchy - I have a bit of hot roots right now because I just switched colorists, but it's not too bad. Maintenance is the big thing - you must invest in fantastic shampoos & conditioners (I recommend Pureology) and wash your hair every other day at most in cold water to really keep the color. Even then it will fade. I did my own color for a while and after I ended up with multicolored bands of red, I only get it done in the salon now. So blonde to red is a big commitment. My $.02

[rubyredlocks]

I swear by Pureology.Best product I've used on myself or my clients in the entire 17 1/2 years that I've been doing hair.

[anabolina]

Speaking of blondes going red...

I agree with starting with a subtle change, I went strawberry blonde first. However, cool reds look much better on me than the copper reds. I think it's dependent on your tones. It's not "natural" per se, but it's striking, better looking and I don't care about the natural part. I doubt Clara Bow's red hair looked natural either :)

Also, doing roots as a blonde is touchy - I have a bit of hot roots right now because I just switched colorists, but it's not too bad. Maintenance is the big thing - you must invest in fantastic shampoos & conditioners (I recommend Pureology) and wash your hair every other day at most in cold water to really keep the color. Even then it will fade. I did my own color for a while and after I ended up with multicolored bands of red, I only get it done in the salon now. So blonde to red is a big commitment. My $.02

Yes, this going red thing is a big commitment. I think I've been a red head for a couple of months and I'll admit I'm getting kinda tied of doing my roots. I never knew my hair grew so fast, ;) I suppose it doesn't help that my natural hair color is so much lighter then the red I dyed it. I'll admit a more coppery auburn red would have loked more natural. When I first dyed my hir, my sister did too and hers was A LOT more suble. I think it was a light auburn and it just made her hair a little more golden and looked quite nice and it was close enough to her natural color that you can barely tell when the roots come in. I went ahead and diid my eyebrows too and I think I'll continue to do them, maybe in a light to medium brown, even after I take my hair back to blonde. It's really easy and its great to have visible eyebrows for once, although that means I had to start waxing them too, hmmm, tradeoff but worth it.

I love this thread. You know, I had to put up some of my colors I used as a blonde, but I've found that I can still wear a lot of the colors I wore before. I do wear green eyeshadow a lot more now. I actually just got this pearly green from Everyday minerals that it really quite nice. I can't remember the name of the color though. I guess I just own way too much makeup. :)

[Kishtu]

I think Anabolina hit the nail on the head..... visible eyebrows

The hotter the sun, the more orange my hair gets, till it fades to a sort of yellow at the ends. I draw my eyebrows on with a pencil ;)

My wardrobe is half black, and half autumnal colours - green is a big favourite, but starting to get into dark reds.

Can I raise a shout for textured fabric for redheads, too? A good nubbly autumnal tweed sets off glossy red hair most handsomely....

[~*Red*~]

Can I raise a shout for textured fabric for redheads, too? A good nubbly autumnal tweed sets off glossy red hair most handsomely....

Now that just sounds delicious!!! I can't wait for fall!!:D

[Kishtu]

I'm glad it's not just my imagination :) it's one of my big peeves about "modern" clothes, there is just no texture to them! Makes such a difference...

Bring back sensuality in clothing, I say.... it shouldn't just look good, it should feel good!

[~*Red*~]

Bring back sensuality in clothing, I say.... it shouldn't just look good, it should feel good!

Cheers to that!

[christa]

I'd like to know how many of you that are natural redheads?
I'm asking because if you are a natural redhead or close to, I'm sure you ladies know what a hassle it can be with skin tones.

I was born with red hair myself and pretty much every color I wear tend to make my skin tone change. And that goes for make up too. Anything yellow makes me look sick, and anything pink makes me look like a pig :D

Some tips if you have red in your hair and a fair skin with a bit of redish included:

1: Avoid pink or olive toned foundations. Foundation bases with pink tones make your face look more pink than it naturally is (the piggie look) and olive tones make you look sickly---pick a neutral, beige-like foundation. A little yellow is ok, but only a little.

2: Pick soft pinks and warm shades of blush to give yourself a healthy glow. If you like bronzer, use it lightly.

3: Neutral is natural. Stick with neutral shades of eyeshadow to look casual yet polished. Light and mid-browns, champagnes, rich chocolates are best. Neutral and light pinks are also a good choice. For a more dramatic look, plums, greens are my top picks.

4: Red-brown or dark brown are best for both eyeliner and mascara, though it depends on your shade of red hair. Strawberry blonds should always stick with light browns, but darker redheads can get away with black.

5: Don't go too dark with your eyebrow color---choose a soft red-brown pencil or a light taupe powder, or otherwise you'll make your skin look paler and unnatural.

6: Lipstick is best in nude shades or vibrant ones. Pale or dark pinks and browns are always good choices, but don't be shy to go bold with a dark red or plum. Do avoid red-orange shades, like peach.

Personally I've got problems with tiny blood vessels in my skin that are visible after being outdoors in the cold too much when I was younger. Water in the pores freeze and explode when it gets too cold, which damage the skin and gives the cheeks a red tone. Not the most flattering thing in the world I might add.

These days I use Max Factors Age Renew foundation and that works well enough on a day to day basis. But there are concealers that you can get that works just as well.

Red hair might be beautiful to many, but the skin that follows is sometimes nothing but a nightmare.


Christa

[Lady Day]

We have a colors for redheads (http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=10643&highlight=redheads) thread which includes clothing choices as well as makeup choices.

Take a gander in there, you might find some worth while content.

*In a bit Ill merge the two.

LD

[christa]

Thank you...I will :)


Christa

[thebadmamajama]

Natural redhead here. Although the ruddiness is annoying and I turn full-on red at the drop of a hat, I rather love the freedom of being able to wear just about any incredible jewel tone out there! There are a lot of cool benefits. I'll post some more about colors once the threads are merged, but I pretty much only use warm tones and peaches--but coloring, even among redheads, covers every end of the (pardon the pun) spectrum. More to come.

[Norty_Lady]

I'm a natural red head and have found it hard to find a red lipstick that dosen't give me yellow teeth and strip my face of any colour thats there if any. I discovered Mac's Russian red and it seems to suit me.
I use benitint from benifit for my cheeks and I dye my eye lashes black. Eye make is neutral cream base and browns for contouring with benifits moonbeam for highlighs dark brown eyeliner, though I use black liquid eyeline for a night out. My problem is that my skin colour is 'dull and flat' and dosen't photograph well. I've used light reflecting face powders but nothing has worked so far! :(

[christa]

@ thebadjamamama - these days I must admit that I love my hair color and the different contrasts it creates. Wasn't always like that though.
And warm tones works in most cases, that's true too :)

Norty_Lady - when it comes to make-up and photography there's a lot of things involved that matters. It comes down to what kind of light that is used really, but of course also the make up base. Avoid flash photo if you can. Flash isn't playing nice with anyone and it will make anyone look like a flat ghost ;)
As for a foundation and photos it's tricky to find something on the market that will be flattering for skin that has a way of looking a bit "dull".
You could try Illuminare Fantastic Finish Foundation in a tone that fits your own skin. A snap lighter than your own skin tone for it to look good....and a bit of translucent powder just to make it less shiny.

The keyword when it comes to makeup and camera lenses is high pigment. The more pigment in the makeup, the bigger chance that the camera will give a good end result. With regular daylight or indoor lighting you don't need much of it however, so apply with moderation ;)

Personally I use both Illuminare and a couple of other professional brands in the studio that works on most skin qualities.

You can find the Fantastic Finish Foundation here (http://www.illuminarecosmetics.com/default.asp) (ducks in case it's not ok to post a link in here) :D

Christa

[Norty_Lady]

Hello Christa!

Thanks for the tips I will have a look at the products you mentioned. I guess it's a case of trial and error. I'll keep trying things out and will let you know if I find my holy grail lol .
Many thanks again xxx:)

[christa]

Hello Christa!
I'll keep trying things out and will let you know if I find my holy grail lol .
Many thanks again xxx:)

lol....keep me posted :)
There's a jungle of makeup out there that we all "need" :D


C.

[thebadmamajama]

Yes, thanks for the links! Redheads are special cases (and usually nutcases--good thing :)) and it's good to know that there's stuff out there to help us out!

[kerry]

Hello fellow redheads:) I am going to a wedding this weekend and would like a summery look for my makeup. I usually use macs russian red lipstick. Can anyone suggest a lipstick for me to try? The dress I am wearing (if I finish making it in time) is a duck egg blue with little yellow flowers with green leaves so I thought a coral lipstick might look better. Any ideas?

[BegintheBeguine]

I use this pink melon color and it works nicely with my red hair. http://www.marykay.co.uk/Display.asp?PageID=9688&Directory=PinkMelon-Lipstick-Pinks

[Spiffy]

I've had a bit of hair ADD this year, so here's my bit:
pale honey blond to strawberry blonde: Used a semi-permanent and it washed out very quickly, within a month. It looked fabulous while it lasted but didn't match my naturally dark brows and I had to switch around my wardrobe (no more neutrals, essentially)
strawberry blonde to black: Stylist used a semi-permanent, but my hair was so dried up from years of blonde highlights that it just sucked up all the color and after some initial fading (to a dark chesnut) it remained dark with virtually no effort. Unfortunately, I looked terrible as a brunette (it emphasized my pale, yellow toned skin, my dark circles, and made my freckles look crazy).
dark chesnut to red: Semi-permanent to cover up the brown, then added highlights and covered the whole thing with more semi-permanent. I ended up with beautiful dark dark brownish red with highlights ranging from copper to almost honey. I told one of my new co-workers that I dyed my hair and they didn't believe me!

[miserabelle]

Hello! I've been dying my hair for years now, by myself, or at the salon... and I've been from reds to blondes to my natural brown, had highlights and lowlights, but I've never been happier than with reds.

I'm thinking of going back there now, but I'm having trouble finding the sort of red that will suit me - this is the sort of thing that I'm looking for. This is the sort of red that suits me more, not too red, more of a ginger colour really (and I love that dress!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/Say_Chan_Chan/Fashion/mfs9.jpg

Could anybody recommend me a dye to use? I've not had much luck on the high street so far, I can't quite find what I want. Any tips on keeping my red red would be very much appreciated, too. Products available from the UK would be brilliant but I'd be willing to order.



Thank you so much!

xx

[miserabelle]

Oh thank you for moving my post - how I missed this thread I will never know :rolleyes:

Thanks :) xxx x