Who has more fun, the blondes or the reds?
-PJ Gach, BettyConfidential.com
emma stone whitney port blake lively
Blake Lively, Mandy Moore, Emma Stone, Whitney Port and Drew Barrymore are just a few of the A-listers who have gone red in a big way this summer. Is a blonde starlet a thing of the past?
We asked master colorist; Kelly Van Gogh why red is the rage. Kelly said, "Celebs choose red because the right shade of red is a great alternative to bland blonde or brown hair. Red has such a range, that it can look good on almost anyone if the right tone and level is chosen. It is one of the hottest trends for summer, along with a very warm glistening gold, both of which compliment sun kissed skin."
Kelly continues, "If you are brown and bored, red is an even better option, because brown hair has the anchoring contributing pigment that is needed to 'hold' the red in your hair. If you're blonde and decide to go red, choose a lighter shade of red at first, because you are going to have to reapply it a couple of times to get it to hold. As the color starts to hold, it will look richer and deeper on its own."
If you're thinking about switching it up, color-wise, there are a few basics on how to find a complementary tint. Krista Beahm, colorist at the Patrick McIvor Color Studio, says to remember this rule of thumb for going any color, including red, "Natural cool tones look best with cool hair color, and natural warm tones look best with warm hair color. How to tell if you're a cool or warm? If you tan easily, your veins tend to be a bluish green, and if you have golden flecks in your eyes, you should use warm tones. If you burn quickly, your veins tend to be a bluish purple, and you have grayish flecks in your eyes, choose cool toned shades."
As a professional, Breahm explains, "Colorists are trained to choose a hair color that matches a client's natural skin tones. It's a process that yields complimentary hair color results-hair color that makes eyes shine and skin glow. Choosing the wrong tone can result in skin and eyes looking washed out and tired. So, when choosing DIY color, or consulting with your stylist, it's important to take tone into consideration. I advise looking at childhood photos, if someone had warm tones in their hair as a child, go warm now-cool tones, then go cool."
If you want your hair to match Blake Lively's, L'Oreal Paris Consulting Hair Expert, Johnny Lavoy recommends using, "…a dimensional color like L'Oreal Paris Feria 74 Copper Shimmer."
loreal feria
L'Oreal Paris Feria 74 Copper Shimmer ($7.99, stockngo.com)
If you want to have a darker red like Emma Stone's, you might want to try Kelly Van Gogh Master Blend in 5R ($29.95, trykellyvangogh.com/red). Kelly's at home color system has caviar oil repairing base. The kit comes with color, applicator, reusable gloves, color protecting shampoo and color protecting conditioner.
kelly van gogh 5r
Looking for a lighter red like Whitney's, then try Kelly Van Gogh Master Blend in 4RO ($29.95,trykellyvangogh.com/red).
Advice on keeping your hair healthy and makeup tips for the new you, up next!
After you color it, Kelly suggests washing red hair in cold instead of hot water. Red can fade quickly, so the more you pamper your hair, the longer the color will stay vibrant. If you're a beach lover, makeup artist, Sustma Patel has a few creative ideas on keeping your color looking its best. She suggests packing your fave hair conditioner in your beach bag. Soak your hair with water (not sea water, as it will dry it out), then apply an even coat of your conditioner. Pull your hair back, and soak up the sun. With so many cute hats out this season, Sustma suggests that popping one on will protect your hair and your skin from sun damage.
A new hair color may mean redoing your makeup and trying colors that will compliment your new 'do. Sustma says, "Try warm colors on your eyes. An earthy color palette tends to go great with red hair. Although red hair makes a statement on its own, paint your lips red and use a black/brown liner on your eyes to create a dramatic look for a night out with friends."
Ooh-La-La volumizing mascara ($23, vmvhypoallergeincs.com). This hypoallergenic mascara is smear-free, non-clumping and is 100 percent free of dyes and fragrances.
vmv mascara
Nars Jungle Red lipstick ($24, drugstore.com). A true red hued lipstick that goes on smoothly and lasts a long time.
nars red lipstick
Covergirl Liquilineblast eyeliner pencil in Brown Blaze ($8.99, cvs.com). Love the smudger on the other tip. With it, you can widen your liner or make it go away!
covergirl liner
Bonus round: Looking for a date? Hot For Ginger is a new dating site that's for redheads and the people who love them.
PJ Gach is Senior Editor: Style + Beauty at BettyConfidential.
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