Historically, redheads have always had a pretty rough go of it. Take medieval times, for example. Back then, people sincerely believed that ginger blood was needed to turn copper into gold, and that having both copper locks and green eyes meant, without the shadow of a doubt, that you were a vampire. Now, things have gotten better in the five hundred or so years since, but there’s one hardship that gingers will never be able to escape, and that’s their own genetics.
Prone to sunburn, freckles, and other pale skin-specific issues unexperienced by their melanin-rich counterparts—plus, a host of hair-related issues—our redhead brethren face an uphill battle when it comes to grooming. But that’s not to say that achieving skin- and haircare nirvana is out of the question if you’re one of the bright-red many; just look at guys like Michael Fassbender, Eddie Redmayne and Ewan McGregor, who’ve embraced their ginger skin and mane to exemplary effect. All you need to follow suit is a little direction.
Never Forget Sunscreen: Thought you couldn’t get any redder? Wait until you’ve been out in the sun unprotected for any measurable period of time—and not only over the summer. “What’s unique about redheads” says Dr. Terrence Keaney of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, “is that their skin does not produce the correct skin pigment. This pigment, melanin, normally acts as the skin’s natural sunblock. Redheads produce pheomelanin instead, which doesn't protect skin from UV radiation.” With that in mind, Keaney recommends applying “a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB radiation,” daily. You best bet: a moisturizer with SPF built-in, like this stuff from Malin + Goetz. That way, you protect your skin from both dryness and the sun in one fell swoop, and barely have to change your existing routine.
Keep An Eye On Your Spots: Another trait common among redheads: freckles. “Freckles are often a reaction to sunlight in fair skinned people,” Dr. Keaney notes, giving you another reason to slather on the sunscreen. More importantly, though, freckles can make it visually difficult to notice potentially cancerous lesions on the skin, which is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with signs of something worrisome, check yourself regularly and see a dermatologist every year for a check-up.
Shampoo Less, Condition More: Now, to the thing that makes redheads redheads—your hair. Contrary to what any image of a fiery mane might have you believe, redheads tend to have fewer follicles than other hair types, they just happen to be thicker. Unfortunately, it’s this coarseness that lends to red hair’s drying out more quickly. Because washing your hair can speed along this process, doing so less wouldn’t be a bad idea. Neither would using something gentler than shampoo, like a cleansing conditioner, to do away with dirt and oil when necessary. As for ruby facial hair, use a beard oil to lock-in moisture and keep things soft.
Embrace Your Lustre: While for blondes and brown-haired men matte is all the rage, gingers have a bit more range when it comes to styling, as red hair is able to accommodate glossier products without coming off as greasy. In fact, products with a touch more shine, like Imperial’s Fiber Pomade, actually have a way of bringing out the nuance in crimson locks to exceptional effect.
Stay Away from Lasers: Ever thought about getting rid of hair on a more permanent basis? Well, unfortunately, according to Dr. Keaney redheads are out of luck in that department. “Laser hair removal is difficult in redheads because the pheomelanin in the hair shaft does not absorb the laser.”
So all apologies: looks like you’re going to have to stick to waxing your back.