Exploring the Intriguing Legacy of Red Hair: From Royalty to Modern Celebrities
Apr
When it comes to forecasting the color of the year, Pantone may still be deliberating, but sometimes the next big shade is already making waves atop the heads of celebrities.
In August, Billie Eilish reintroduced her iconic hairstyle with an all-black base accented by cherry-red roots. Shortly after, Megan Fox stunned with a bold, fiery scarlet “velvet bob,” as described by her stylist. As the autumn leaves began to change, so did Dua Lipa’s hair. The pop sensation debuted a rich mahogany-red look in October, even coordinating her wardrobe and accessories in shades of burgundy and maroon to match her vibrant locks.
On the Fall-Winter 2023 runways, cherry-coke and strawberry blonde hues made appearances at Burberry, Rodarte, Gucci, and Missoni, among others. Notably, natural redhead model Rianne Van Rompaey graced the catwalks for major designers, emphasizing the enduring allure of fiery hair.
But the fascination with red hair extends far beyond modern trends; it has a rich and surprising history.
Red hair, a rarity found in less than two percent of the global population, has been both revered and reviled for centuries. During the 15th century witch trials in Europe, ginger hair was associated with the devil, often leading to persecution and even death. In the 17th century, English scholar Obadiah Walker criticized the widespread vilification of red-haired men, highlighting the absurdity of judging individuals based on the color of their hair.
Hair historian Rachael Gibson notes that redheads have historically been viewed as “Other,” with references to figures like Judas in the Bible depicted with red hair. The color was also associated with ancient Gauls and Scots, often seen as invaders. However, the uniqueness of red hair also held a powerful allure. Queen Elizabeth I of England deliberately chose flaming auburn locks, even dyeing the coats of her horses to match, as a symbol of fashion and allegiance during her reign in the 16th century.
Throughout history, red hair has experienced cycles of popularity. In the 1800s, pre-Raphaelite artists depicted ethereal red-headed beauties, while in the 1920s, Paris was enamored with the trend of dyeing hair red. Despite its fluctuations in fashion, red hair has always remained captivating and distinctive.
Today, celebrities like Dua Lipa and Megan Fox continue to embrace red hair, often coinciding with significant projects or personal transformations. Whether it’s about exuding confidence or making a bold statement, red hair continues to captivate and inspire, embodying a timeless allure that transcends trends.
As Gibson aptly summarizes, “It’s a good time to change your hair when you’ve got an album out.