Hollywood is heating up this spring thanks to a new cast of redheads. Rachel McAdams, Dianna Agron, Megan Fox and Elizabeth Olsen are among the latest stars to dye their locks the fiery hue.
Screen sirens of the past like Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth and Lucille Ball made a huge impact on-screen with their red hair; however, celebrity hair colorist Negin Zand of Salon Benjamin in Los Angeles believes that today's leading ladies will inspire women in the real world to try this ravishing hair color.
"They say redheads are wild so maybe that's the appeal," says Zand. "And it's more rare than blonde or brunette."
While McAdams admits that she chose red because "it was the only color left," we want to caution you on making such a dramatic hair transformation on a whim. Read on for Zand's six dos and don'ts for going red:
- Do try on a red wig that looks as natural as possible and have fun with it!
- Do have a picture (or two) as an example so you and your colorist are on the right page as far as color goes. A professional will be able to look at your skin tone, eye color and lifestyle to help you choose the best red, as it is difficult to maintain.
- Don't make a drastic change with hair color when you are going through something emotionally. Make sure that you want to stay red for a while. If you go back too soon, it will damage the hair.
- Don't do an at-home box color -- out of all hair colors, it's the most challenging to make red look natural.
- Do start with subtle, warmer highlights that have coppery tones. Expect to go to the salon more often for glosses as red tends to fade more quickly than blonde or brown.
- Do use a color shampoo and conditioner like L'Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color to preserve and protect your hair, as well as products with sunscreen. If you are going to swim or take a dip in salt water, rinse your hair afterwards with bottled water.
Will redheads rule spring?
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