Rockin’ Red Hair

by Kerry Andersen

Fiery. Feisty. Temperamental. Sexy. These are just some of the ways redheads are often described. It’s certainly not the best beauty choice for those who shy away from attention and don’t like to stand out. Kylie Guillory is a stylist at Signatures Salon in Lake Charles and says the reason women (and men) are drawn to red hair is that it seems more daring. Clients who want a new look that is outside of their comfort zone will choose red when they want to make a change or a statement. 

“Don’t be intimidated by the bold color statement,” says Guillory. “The majority of people can pull off being a redhead, as long as they choose the right shade for their coloring.” Guillory works with clients to determine which hue of red would be the most flattering based on their skin tone, eye color, and even the color of their freckles. If you have gold and yellow flecks in your irises, that usually means warmer reds will be more flattering while cool blue or brown flecks indicate cooler-toned reds are a better option. Consulting with an expert stylist is the surefire way to wear this often tricky color in a way that works best for you. 

Guillory offers up this professional guidance if you want to rock a head of red hair:

Red hair is prone to fading. To protect your bright locks, shampoo your hair less often, dial back on the heat when styling it, and protect it from the sun whenever possible by wearing a hat or staying in the shade. It also helps to delay washing your hair for at least two days post-color. Look for products designed for color-treated hair and remember to condition it after every wash. 

Color maintenance is important. Because shades of red fade more quickly than any other hair color, expect to touch up your color with more frequent salon appointments to keep red vivid and bright. 

If a full head of red hair seems intimidating, Guillory recommends leaning into the bright new shade. Start with red highlights or a balayage with different shades of red until you are ready to commit to an overall bold new look. 

Red hair color comes in a wide range of shades. The general rule of thumb is the fairer you are, the lighter a shade of red will work for you. Warm shades of red usually work best for those with fair skin; think copper, auburn, or ginger. Those with deep skin tones will love deeper tones of red like plum, mahogany, and chestnut. 

Signatures Salon is located at 803 W. McNeese Street in Lake Charles. The salon is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Call 337-478-4433 for an appointment. Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok @signaturessalon.