Redheads has been for a long time now the victims of bad jokes and prejudices. Why is this different hair colour rejected, and what is going on today ?
Rejection of redheads people started back in c. IV BC. Era where Hippocrates heralded the beginnings of physiognomy.
A “science” that associates people appearance with their personality ! Zoomorphism took over and redheads began to undergo some theories saying that each man match an animal.
For the redheads, it would be a fox or a pig, which fur and hairs are blazing. Yet, these animals have a bad reputation : the firsts are deceitful and greedy for hens, while the others seem dirty. If we add the fact that orange-coloured calls to mind the colour of fire it is easy to associate the latter with purgatory flames !
What does science say ?
Hair colour and is determined by melanin. The orange-coloured pigment comes from a synthesis called Pheomelanin.
This difference increases redhead sensitivity to the sun. Moreover, the prejudice saying that redheads smell bad is due to it. The Pheomelanin contains nearly 10 % of sulphur. Perspiration on a skin that contains sulphur has a different smell. Scientifically, this smell is an “anomaly” !
The first country is Scotland, with 13 % of redheads, followed by Ireland, with 10 % of redheads and then France with 5 %.
Hair colour and literature
Literature has been spreading this difference about. Zola, for example, with its novel about prostitution, made is heroine Nana, a young woman with blond and red hair at the same time : described as a blonde when she evokes innocence, but then when she indulges her vice she is a redhead.
As for Balzac, it is his
Comédie humaine's character, who is the underworld boss and killer with “blazing red hair”. Its perverted nature is linked to its red hair. More in our time, Ron, from Harry Potter is presented as a young clumsy boy and is the last to have his first kiss. From Vautrin, Ron to Nana, the ambivalence between men and women is clear : redheads men are diabolical even simpletons, redheads women are loose !
The prejudices are aired. And what about today ? As sexual freedom is almost accepted, women's red hair is now an asset. In deed, for many years now it has even become a fashion for women. Specific beauty products are designed, make-up, shampoo and cares. Red hair dye has invaded shops' shelves and hairdressers dedicated collections to the blazing fire of icons like Rita Hayworth,Julia Roberts, Julian Moore and a coloured fashion for Mylène Farmer.
Colouring on red hair
It is hard, or even impossible to eliminate natural red hair with a colouring. In deed, orange-coloured pigments are so numerous, that it is impossible to have a more cold shade.
Only a hair bleach or an action to make darker the hair natural shade can be considered. But, because there is one, red hair will rapidly get the upper hand. However, they have a real advantage on blond and brunet girls : red hair has always been very shiny and glowing ; as the warm pigments contained in the red hair act as light reflectors.
To get the best results possible, it is advise to go to a professional. Moreover, specific products can help to get the best result. Choose every time those specially designed for red hair even if some formulas are created for coloured hair.
Our shopping list :
►
Redken
proposes a spray with a two-phase lotion Radiant-10.
A nutritious lotion that prevents hair from drying out, nourishes and rehydrates to get a long-lasting smoothness and forms a UV rays and cationic agents protection veil around the cuticle to protect the colour.
►
L’Oréal Professionnel proposes chroma care a copper reflections, 4 or mahogany, 5 range of products care-cream double colour and care refill, that gives to coloured hair nutrition and smoothness between two colouring. Its formula, enriched in apricot oil nourishes thoroughly, covers and revitalises to get shiny hair. It is also use on natural hair for care and smoothness.
Christine Margossian for LiveCoiffure.com
