The redhead isn't just a hair colour in 2010, it's an attitude. If it were a formula I could mix up in Fashionising.com's offices it would end up 2 parts red hair, 2 parts personality, and 2 parts sexual confidence. Think model Coco Rocha as a redhead oozing of her playful, confident personality and you're somewhat there. Just add the bombshell sexual confidence, and you have it.
Red hair is perfect for the cooler months and if you're considering a changing your look for 2010, consider red hair as the perfect option for Autumn 2009 / Fall 2009 or Fall 2010. As for which shades of red hair and how to style it? Read on.
Which colour red?
As it is with any hair colour, not all shades of red hair are in in 2010. Forget the bright copper and crimson tones: red hair in 2010 is about richly coloured and natural looking red hair.
Part of the appeal of red hair is that its a rarity. It's said that less than 2% of people are natural redheads, so the more natural your red colour looks, the more it can be associated with something rare and exclusive. Hence there's only one real golden rule worth stating when it comes to red hair in 2010: it can't look fake.
Different hair colours will take to red dye in varying ways, so your best bet is always to head to a trusted salon and get advice on which colour will work best for you. Very light hair will need a subtle approach to avoid turning too orange; while very dark hair may need to be lightened first in order to achieve a rich red colour. While subtle highlights and lowlights help to achieve the natural redhead look, obvious contrasting streaks are not recommended.
Red hair trend: who it's suited to
Red hair is to the cooler months what blonde hair is to Spring. This is particularly true of darker auburn tones, or lighter reds against pale skin.
The pale redhead
Pale porcelain skin will almost always work a treat with red hair - particularly if your eyes are green or blue. This is a great Winter look.
Pale porcelain skin will almost always work a treat with red hair - particularly if your eyes are green or blue. This is a great Winter look.
The freckled redhead
For Spring 2010 girls with freckles and bronzed skin are the perfect neo-redheads. Go for lighter reds like natural gingers and neutral-tone coppers.
For Spring 2010 girls with freckles and bronzed skin are the perfect neo-redheads. Go for lighter reds like natural gingers and neutral-tone coppers.
The fair browed
A perfect match to the bleached blonde eybrows trend, both pale and bronzed skinned redheads should consider lightening their brows. This not only adds to the natural-born redhead effect, but also brings the look well and truly into 2010.
A perfect match to the bleached blonde eybrows trend, both pale and bronzed skinned redheads should consider lightening their brows. This not only adds to the natural-born redhead effect, but also brings the look well and truly into 2010.
Ways to style red hair
There are of course many ways to style red tresses - as with any other hair colour. So instead of stating the obvious, let us give you three ideas of creative ways to style red hair - with the intent of creating not just a hairstyle but an overall look and persona.
The Warrior
Redheads through history have also often been portrayed as fiery and fierce, yet seductive; from Queen Elizabeth I and Boudica to Cleopatra (who some argue was a redhead) making this colour perfectly complimentary to 2010's warrior trend. For the fierce warrior look go for long and voluminous cascading red waves, or add some halo-like milkmaid braids.
The red-haired bombshell goes perfectly with vintage styling and a fun and sexy attitude. Go for a sleek side-part and 1940's style waves, or victory rolls. Take your inspiration from Vargas classic pin-up girls.
The Maiden
The redheaded fair maiden is delicate, pale and mysterious. Think Pre-Raphaelite beauties with blushing cheeks and wide eyes. Repunzel braids, twists and chignons interwoven with wildflowers or ribbons are perfectly suited to this look. Try pairing it with some of the most striking 2010 fashion trends to give it a modern edge.