This is Addie.
How adorable is Miss Addie? I want to pinch her cheeks. And then cut off all of her hair and make a wig for myself.
Addie had a couple specific questions regarding her hair style and color. From her email:
My question is about side bangs. I have had them for a while but they are starting to get long. I am wondering if I should keep them or let them grow out. If I cut them, what length should they be?
Also, I was wondering if there is anything I can do to help keep my hair this color. A lot of natural red hair fades into blonde or brown eventually. I am pretty sure its just genetics, but I still thought I’d ask. Thanks!
From the rest of Addie’s email, I can tell she knows what’s best for her hair. She cuts tons of layers to emphasize her gorgeous waves, she uses organic shampoo and knows not to EVER change her hair color. For it is unbelievable, right?
Let’s address her questions, though. What about the sideswept bangs? I definitely think Addie should keep them. I love how they sweep across her forehead and that extra layer gives her waves more definition and bounce. If that front layer was longer or all one length with the rest of her hair, her waves could look a little flat.
Addie could definitely take off about an inch of those bangs too. A good reference is to have the bangs trimmed to eyebrow length towards the middle of the forehead (or side of the nose) and then have the bangs angled downward towards the ear, thus getting longer as they sweep across the forehead. This ensures that the bangs will blend nicely with the sides of the hair and create that swoop. (Blunt banged gals can attest to this: if you bangs are cut straight across, they are not going to sweep across the forehead easily.)
As for the color of Addie’s hair, she is right. Red LOVES to fade. In fact, it is the hardest color to keep vibrant over a long period of time. Go ahead, ask anyone who colors their hair red. The maintenance is brutal! The good news for Addie is that her hair isn’t artificially red, so she won’t need the upkeep that faux redheads need to maintain. However, here are some ways to keep her hair looking vibrant for as long as possible! (And this goes for other shades too!)
UV PROTECTANTS
What’s the #1 hair color enemy? SUN. If you aren’t a fan of hats, these UV protectant products are perfect for keeping tresses intense and lively. Summer is right around the corner, you know…
From left to right:
1. Cutler Protectant Treatment Spray, $21.00
2. Citre Shine Color Prism Anti Frizz Serum, $6.99
3. Pureology UV Colour Defense, $17.99
4. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Hair Serum, $3.79
5. Oscar Blandi Acqua Marina Styling Gel, $19.00
I think a UV protectant is the best way to go in Addie’s case (I wouldn’t want to alter her color at this point), BUT for others who are looking to keep their color vibrant or even add a little oomph, here are some color-depositing shampoos to consider.
FYI – All of these shampoos come in different formulations for different hair colors, but the ones listed are for red/auburn hair.
COLOR ENHANCING SHAMPOOS
From left to right:
1. Klorane Shampoo with Pomegranate, $13.00
2. Alterna Caviar Red Shampoo with Seasilk, $34.00
3. Aveda Madder Root Shampoo, $26.50
4. Ted Gibson Captivating Copper Shampoo, $19.95
What do you use to keep your color vibrant? Any additions for these lists?