Researchers believe red hair is due to the melanocortin 1 receptor. In simple terms, the gene controls the coloring agent in your body for skin and hair. If you've inherited this combination of red hair and pale skin, you'll need to know all the facts about your body and how to keep special care of it. Since my sister and I were little natural redheaded girls, we've heard so many myths about redheads. We find some to be true and some to be completely wrong. I am here to give you remedies about the redheaded facts and break the redhead beauty myths.
1. Redheads have the coarsest hair.
Well, in my case, this is a yes. And from the thousands of redheads I have met as a redhead beauty expert, I can vouch that a considerable amount of redheads have coarse, frizzy hair. I was born with wild, un-tamable hair and my mother didn't know what to do with it, so she would cut it into a short, unflattering bob. Ever since I could control the length of my hair (this probably happened at a young age -- I am an extremely independent redhead!), I have grown my hair long. And, because the coarseness never went away, I was forced to find products and techniques to help with my appearance.
Use my red hot beauty tips to keep your hair silky and smooth:
-- Regular Haircuts: Your hair will grow healthier and longer the more you get it trimmed. I recommend getting a hair cut every 7-8 weeks and also, if you're a lover of long hair like me, find a stylist that isn't 'scissor happy.' Once you find a rockin' hair stylist who understands your coarse, red hair, you'll discover a new world of beauty! Your hair will grow long and gloriously beautiful.
-- The Right Products: Always, always opt for natural hair items. Look at the back of the product bottle and search for ingredients the same way you would at a grocery store. You'll notice that the absence of sulfates and harmful chemicals will add a glow to your hair!
-- Hair Straightener!: Every time I use my hair straightener, I look at my sister and say, "What would we do without this?" It sounds funny, but it is truly a lifesaver! My hair is so coarse that although I do the above, the straightener calms down the frizz and gives me control. Buy one that is ceramic.
2. Redheads and others of Celtic descent are more likely to have thinner skin.
Redheads are known to have thinner skin because they naturally have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin actually means that the nerves and blood vessels are closer to the outermost layer of the skin.
This is why everything from pollution, weather and temperature can aggravate a redhead's skin. It was just the other day that I was waiting for public transportation in New York City and my skin suddenly broke out from inhaling second hand smoke.
Because you can't sometimes control the environment around you, it is essential to keep good care of your skin to prevent irritation and aging.
More Red Hot Beauty Tips:
-- Wear Sunscreen: I preach this endlessly to my redheads. There are thousands of skin and makeup products that contain SPF, so there is no excuse!
-- Makeup: If possible, try opting for makeup powder instead of liquid foundation because liquid usually causes breakouts.
3. Redheads and people with pale skin are likely to get more sunburned, increasing their risk of skin cancer.
Yes, yes! That is why every pale skinned person should find a sunscreen that works for his/her life.
4. A 2002 study found that redheads are harder to sedate than any other people, requiring 20 percent more anesthesia.
I've spoke with a handful of doctors about this topic and all of them have told me that this fact is true. I have underwent two minor surgeries and each time, my doctor spoke with me about how I would receive more anesthesia because of my red hair.
If you're visiting a doctor and he/she isn't aware of this, bring it to their attention.
5. The perception of the color red, scientifically speaking, enhances the viewers metabolism and increases heart rate respiration.
Well, I do hope this true! Lets all hope this applies to our redheads "by choice" too.
Rock it like a redhead, my beautiful reds!
Image courtesy of "How to be a Redhead!" Photo by Kara Kochalko.