GIRLHOMEABOUTFAQDIYOUTFITSCREATURESSHOP

Tuesday, September 20

Red Hair 101

I get lots and lots of emails and comments asking about my hair, so I thought it was about time I devoted a post to it.  I am not a hair dresser, heck, I don't even know if the things I'm doing are just plain horrible for my hair.  So, if you do follow any of my tips, be warned that your hair might fall out.  Okay, probably not... but you never know...  ;))

My hair is naturally a light brown color (maaaaybe you could call it dark blonde-- it's kinda hard to say at this point).  Lucky for me, I my current red color goes right over my natural color, so there is no bleaching or lightening.  If there were, I probably would have quit a long time ago.  I'm lazy.  And not rich.  Oh, and I color every 4-6 weeks.  It just depends on how motivated I am.

Here are some pictures from past hair:
 Yep, that short cut up top is me.  Let's not talk about it.  

I know some of you are hoping I'll tell you what box color works the best for me, but I can't.  My friend is a hairdresser (and also happens to be MY hairdresser) and she gets really mad at me when I buy a box.  So I don't.  My color is some sort of copper red.  I was handed a book of hair, told to point to the color I was wanting, and it's been my go-to ever since.  I guess I got lucky there.  

If you are wanting to change your hair color, but you haven't settled on one, I would suggest finding a reputable hair person and asking their opinion.  I'll be the first to admit that a big change is scary and bad things can happen.  The last thing you want to do is run down to the local drugstore, diy, and then hide your head in a bag for weeks.  


^^^
This is the shampoo/conditioner I use.  I started on level 2, but one day the store was out of 2 so I bought 3.  They smell pretty and seem to work great.  I know there are better "red helpers" out there, but they are expensive.  Bed Head seems to be in my price range so that's what I use.

Now, here are some pictures of my current hair:
(Truth be told, I make this face a lot.)

So, you can see there are color variations.  The red starts bright and fades to a pretty nice, soft shade by the end.  I wouldn't even mind it if it weren't for those not-so-red roots!  

I know it's funny, but I feel more like "myself" with this color than I ever did with natural, dark, or lighter hair.  I've thought about changing the shade, but I'm pretty certain I'll be sticking with some sort of red for a while.  :)

This was fun!  Thanks for reading about my hair stuff.  I actually LOVE talking about hair.  ;)
xoxo Katie

73 comments:

  1. Ohh, thanks for all of the info! You have the most gorgeous red hair! <3

    x
    Lost in the Haze

    ReplyDelete
  2. Funny thing is I just discovered your blog yesterday and was about to say how much I love your hair (and makeup, and clothing, etc, etc) ...so what perfect timing for this post!

    Its almost as if you were catering your blog just to me! Without even knowing it!!
    Haha just kidding..

    Hair is a great accessory AND major statement, isn't it?

    XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  3. I absolutely love the short hair, I can't believe it's you, but it suits you perfectly, I really, really LOVE it!!

    For the current colour, your hair is gorgeous! and I've always loved red hair (for some odd reason), and I'm a blond, so that would be a pretty weird change for me to move to red hair all of a sudden. I must admit, I did colour my hair dark brown a few times, and it almost came out black, but for some reason my natural blond is extremely blond, and the blond would ALWAYS shine through my brown/black hair, so I had to colour my hair every 2 weeks! insane right? yeah I stopped colour my hair after 4 months of every 2 weeks colouring, and I'm blond again....

    thanks for sharing hair tips, I loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ahhh, red hair. It always seems to be my go-to when I need a change. I haven't dyed my hair in months and months though, and have what I like to call the accidental ombre. I mean, I went the hairdresser and got this...riiiight. Your hair is pretty wonderful, color and style! I thought it was natural!
    xox

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi! The first time I saw your picture I thougth "Beautiful girl, hair with GREAT style and amazing color!"
    xox

    ReplyDelete
  6. Can you talk about that yellow dress to?? I love it!! Where have you bought it(hopefully on-line..)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Um, That dress is amazing. Seriously drooling right now. Your hair, as always, is fabulous. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. i love your hair and I also love talking about hair! :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've also tried cutting my hair too short and not only once. I liked it but every time I wanted them to be longer I would regret ever cutting them. Grrrr!
    I LOVE RED HAIR! And yours always look so perfect. I've tried a couple of colors (or three) but I'm sure that I like red best because it suits my skin tone and green eyes. That reminds me that I have to give my roots a dye ASAP! :-)

    p.s. You "funny face" is cute! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the second pic!!!
    it´s sweet!!!
    Have a magical day :))

    ReplyDelete
  11. My mom has natural red hair, and I've always been a bit gutted that I didn't get her genes in that department! It looks great on you! As for the short cut...I've been there too, and yours looks way better :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm the same way with my color in that I feel like "me" when I'm a red head, and my natural color is not red, lol. I've been coloring it red for 11 years though, so that would have something to do with it.
    Bed Head products always smell amazing! (and isn't it nice to have hairdresser friends? That's what my friends tell me, lol)
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. you have beautiful hair! also, i quite like the shorter hair! it's cute!

    http://pleasebreatheandhush.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. i love red. i find myself going to it when i need a change. i'm a fan of the darker, auburn hues. yours is very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  15. too funny that you posted this, i actually did something similar the other day on my blog AND i went red saturday :) i love it, but man does it fade quickly!

    your hair is gorgeous, btw. it really suits you well! i would have never known you weren't born a red head :)

    xxo alison
    www.heirloomsandeyeliner.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. you have very pretty hair now, but i actually LOVE that first photo with it cut short! i'm a huge fan of the short choppy cut. so cute.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I just love your hair!!!
    So beautiful!!!
    xoxoxox

    ReplyDelete
  18. your hair is awesome! i would love to try red someday!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I adore the little pixie cut on you!! so pretty! but your long hair is beautiful too.

    ReplyDelete
  20. you're so darn cute

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your hair is so pretty!! I had red hair for about a summer and it was definitely the most favorite shade i have ever had. But my hair is on the darker side and it was pretty high maintenance to keep it that light. I'm pretty lazy and just couldn't keep up with it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your shade is gorgeous! I've had my hair red for about a year and a half now, and I feel the same way - it's somehow more "me" than my natural brown. Red is fun!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Actually- i realllly ike that short cut!

    ReplyDelete
  24. i think you probably feel more like yourself with this colour because it totally looks like you are a natural redhead. it looks really good on you! you make me miss my red hair a lot!

    carly
    www.teacupsandbubblebaths.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I adore you hair color. I like redhead in general. I always wanted to turn myself in to a redhead person. But my hair is really dark brown, almost black. When I do it it will be a lot of work.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I dye my hair to a very similar red to yours. My natural color is also dark blonde/light brown-ish so it works really well. I have been dying it for the last six years. I tried to go back to blonde for a while, but it just didn't feel the same. I think I was meant to be a red head.

    When you were pregnant, did people often say things about hoping your baby has red hair? I get it all the time and I feel like a fraud if I don't explain to them that my red is not natural so the odds of my baby getting red hair are pretty slim.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Your hair's so pretty (well, the whole of you, but I do love red hair). And I know what you mean - mine's naturally mousy brown and I've dyed it all sorts of shades over the years but it's when it's a natural looking coppery red that I feel the most like me.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have always admired your hair color. I had no idea it wasn't your natural color. I've been thinking about dying my hair auburn again for Fall. Is that shampoo special for redheads? xo, rv

    http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love your hair, and always thought it was your natural colour! I actually also think you rock that pixie cut too!

    ReplyDelete
  30. The way you styled your hair when it was short looks nice (and generally I'm a long hair lover). Love the color you have. It almost makes me want to dye my hair red (which I did for 10 years) but the last couple times I've dyed it brown (though it fades fast).

    Your hair is just really nice!

    ReplyDelete
  31. it's so funny you don't wanna talk about the short hair; when i saw the picture i totally loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love your hair color! I wish I could pull this off! What's your natural hair color?

    ReplyDelete
  33. It's not fair, you are just too damn cute.
    And that short cut is gorgeous, what are you talking about? The gamine look suits you perfectly.
    I've had plenty of hair colours over the years, I've been mostly blonde ( really bad bleach jobs uggh) sometimes orange (bleach jobs gone wrong) red ( from copper to wine) black ( best forgotten) and lastly pink. Bright pink. On a late 30s woman. ( What was I thinking?!) Anyway, I'm boring now, have my natural colour ( mouse - mid brown) but now have grey streaks. Since I'm a grandma at 47 it seems only dignified.
    I love your plushies btw.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This was fun reading as well! I'm a little afraid of changing my hair colour because it goes wrong so often! Maybe I really should talk to somebody experienced (and perhabs I am as lucky as you?)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Girl look at you with short hair! You're such a doll. I honestly think you could pull off any hair style/color. I really love your hair color right now though. It's the perfect red.

    ReplyDelete
  36. You can pull off any look!!!! Wow...I am so jealous. In a very good way. I am digging the vibrancy to yoru hair....if I could only be so brave.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Red hair looks so good on you, I almost thought you were naturally ginger! You're so lucky to have found a solution that doesn't involve bleaching or anything, because that's my problem (since I have dark hair it would be a pain to bleach/touch up). I love the way this color looks on you now, I can see why you feel so natural with it!
    <3 Linda

    ReplyDelete
  38. You have such pretty hair! What I found most motivational is your short hair pic! I had to shave my hair off recently due to going from Blue to Blond...not so good. I am starting to grow it out...and I want to grow it pretty long...this is not my first time trying to grow it out either. i always run into trouble when I finally get my hair to the end of my ears...but you made it...so it gives me motivation that I can too! Hearts, Janna Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  39. Funny, you totally rock the short hair! I do like the long hair a lot though :)
    Your hair colour is fabulous :)

    xo
    http://kittysnooks.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. i LOVE your hair! now how do you get such pretty curls?

    http://peppermintvintage.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. You look gorgeous in every single picture, including the short hair- it looks great on you too!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Redheads rule. Seriously.

    And I totally understand what you're saying - my natural hair colour is more of a brown/auburn shade, but I feel more like myself when it's a brighter red. My parents have always said that I was really meant to be a fiery redhead. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  43. I LOVE red hair but your short do is cute too. You can totally pull it off :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I always thought you were a natural redhead, it suits you so well!

    ReplyDelete
  45. That first (short hair) photo is ADORABLE!! I love it on you, though it's just beautiful long! We use the same shampoo and conditioner ;) need it for all the bleaching I do to mine haha! This is a cute post!
    As a kid I ALWAYS wanted to be a redhead - so much! I tried it, and I couldn't pull it off!
    Yours look very natural! :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Honestly, I agree--it looks so natural on you. I did think you were a redhead to begin with. The pictures are adorable and I especially like the one of you in the purple shirt. Cute cute cute.

    http://mplusbdiaries.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  47. It was fun going red with you. ;) I miss red hair a lot actually. So glad you did it!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Let's talk about it. I love the short cut!

    ♥ sécia
    www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. you are the cutest! love your red hair - it looks totally natural on you.

    ReplyDelete
  50. A variety of hair colors look good on you. And so does short hair! Not many people can pull that off. :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. i love your hair color. ive always wanted red hair. but alas, i am a deep brunette and dont want to go to the salon every month and fork out all the cash for upkeep.
    iralee

    ReplyDelete
  52. Has anyone ever told you that you look a LOT like the actress Jennifer Morrison? (Compliment!!)

    Love your red hair!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Wow, I thought it was natural! I am so in love with your hair. I'm a brunette but I would loveeee to go RED like you :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love your current hair color! It was definitely my inspiration when I went red last time. I had to stop dying it red though because it got too expensive and my natural color is dark brown, so keeping up with the red was a pain. Maybe I'll go back one day though because I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Adore you hair color! I get my red hair naturally for now. My mama was a red head, until she had me. Now she has her hairdresser to thank for her red. I'm crossing everything I can in hopes that I can keep my red hair when I finally have wee ones. But if I don't....I will be taking your picture to the hairdresser. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  56. I absolutely love your hair (and fashion and cute creatures, etc.!) - thanks for sharing!<3

    ReplyDelete
  57. You should love talking about hair... your's is so pretty!! :]

    ReplyDelete
  58. "let's not talk about it" hahaha
    aw, you look so good with short hair, too.

    I love your hair. I used to be a hairdresser for almost ten years, and I have the sloppiest hair :P

    ReplyDelete
  59. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I have a girl crush! You look amazing in anything you wear and your hair is incredible. *sigh* wish my hair would hurry up and grow!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I understand what you mean about feeling like yourself with your hair. I felt most myself with pink hair. Unfortunately, it's uber expensive and washes out too quickly to make it worth the money :(

    ReplyDelete
  62. You guys have said some nice things about my short hair-- it was fun while I had it, but I didn't pull it off as well as some girls can. My BF Amy looks AMAZING with short hair.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hi!
    I'm new to your blog (and blogging in general!)
    But I just wanted to say that I feel like I'm going to stick around and check yours out for a while because 1) I LOVE your clothes and 2) I'm also a fake red-head. Like you I also feel so 'myself' in this colour - like God overlooked my full potential as a redhead!
    Anyways, keep up the good work,
    Ellyse from http://trinketsandtalmud.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  64. I absolutely love your hair! I have unnatural red hair also. The upkeep is sometimes not-so-fun, but I love having a good time with it, we only live once :) Thanks for sharing!
    ~xo
    Kassandra
    kaseesaysso.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. red used to be my go-to "natural" color and i've been itching to go back for a while now! i always love the copper reds so much more than the purpley reds. bleaching this black hair is a total pain, though. yech...

    ReplyDelete
  66. i LOVE your shade of red. i think it everytime i see a picture of you, and i wish mine was that exact colour. i've tried to get it several times, but it never seems to work out (not since i've moved from Ottawa, where my stylist used to get it PERFECT)... but i 100% get you with really feeling you in that colour.
    i'm the same when i'm red. even if it's not my natural, i'm pretty sure it was what i was intended to be...

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. i absolutely love your hair! can't believe its not natural because you were definitely meant to be a red head, it makes me wish i was a red head! BEAUTIFUL!

    ReplyDelete
  68. So glad you wrote this post, as I've been wondering for ages about your gorgeous red shade! I think you look great with the short do and in the brunette colour, but I think you really rock as a red head! You should do a short hair tutorial with your friend Amy! :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. i am the SAME way with my red hair. love it :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. i love red hair too :) it's very unique!:)

    ReplyDelete