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Going Red for Valentine's Day: The Dos and Don'ts

Posted: 02/ 1/2012 10:16 am

As my daughter's teacher, Dale, asked me what she could do to give her hair a little more vavoom, I happened to catch a glimpse of a picture of Emma Stone at the Golden Globes. With Valentine's Day around the corner, I was immediately inspired. How about becoming a vibrant redhead? (It's hard to say no to me when I get beauty inspiration so she timidly agreed.) Rather than making a mess of my bathroom and Dale's hair, I consulted Paul Labrecque, owner and chief creative officer of Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in New York City to help me navigate the world of red. I knew Dale would be the perfect redhead and she was game to change her look. Click here to see her incredible transformation. If you want to do the same, Paul Labreque told me what you need to know.

EK: What skin tone should never be red?
PL: I would advise women with olive and dark skin tones not to go red.

EK: What questions should you ask a colourist before going red?
PL: How much will the entire service cost? What colour red do you think would look best with my skin tone and eye colour? How often will I need to come in for touch ups/maintenance? What types of hair products will I need to use?

EK: Should you go red at home?
PL: Please don't because it's very difficult and tricky! The evenness of the colour depends on how porous your hair is, what colour it currently is and the overall condition it's in. I wouldn't recommend going red at home. It's best to make an appointment with a professional stylist if you plan on becoming a redhead.

EK: If you do go red, how should you maintain it?
PL: Use a shampoo and conditioner that's specifically designed for colour-treated hair. Check the label to see if it's enriched with sunscreen/UVA/UVB filters and enriched with conditioning agents.

EK: After going red, should you change your makeup?
PL: Absolutely. Salome Figueroa, a makeup artist at my salon suggests the following:

Lipstick
For copper, strawberry and violet-based red hues, browns and sheer berries always work well. If you like red lipstick, choose one with an orange undertone. If your hue is more violet, red lipstick should have a blue undertone.

Avoid purple lipsticks or gloss! It looks really harsh and dull. It's best to experiment with a few of your favourite shades once you make the "redhead" change to see what looks good on you.

Eye shadow
You can play up your eyes using gold, brown, copper, khaki/olive, greens and greys. Avoid light blues and oranges.

Mascara options
Black mascara brings out any eye colour and it looks lovely on redheads. Don't use brown mascara because it "flattens" your eyes and won't make them stand out.

**Some Other Makeup Suggestions & Tips**
If you want to play up your eyes, keep you lip colour sheer. If you want your lips to really be emphasized, make them stronger and brighter with a bold colour and go softer with your eyes -- use a black or grey eyeliner to complete the look. Remember, always use black mascara if you're going to use mascara. It frames the face and gives it a warmer look, which is very attractive on redheads.

If you think you could be a redhead, now is the time. Its all the rage and nothing says "be my valentine" like gorgeous red hair!

RELATED: Our Favourite Redheads

Prince Harry
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The royal goofball is definitely a favourite, despite a few unprincely gaffes here and there. Not only is the 27-year-old officially the Prince of Wales, Harry also serves in the military, plays competitive polo and is easily one of the most eligible bachelors around.
Prince Harry attends a fundraising day at the offices of BGC Partners on behalf of his charity Sentebale in Canary Wharf on September 12, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Grover - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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As my daughter's teacher, Dale, asked me what she could do to give her hair a little more vavoom, I happened to catch a glimpse of a picture of Emma Stone at the Golden Globes. With Valentine's Day a...
As my daughter's teacher, Dale, asked me what she could do to give her hair a little more vavoom, I happened to catch a glimpse of a picture of Emma Stone at the Golden Globes. With Valentine's Day a...
 
 
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11:02 AM on 02/06/2012
I went from dark brown to red and did it at home. I've been doing my own hair red for about 12 years. I never had to change my makeup. I wear every color under the sun, from eyeliner to eyeshadow to lipstick and blush. I match my makeup to what I'm wearing and it always looks good.
The only thing with red is that it lasts about 2 weeks less. I color my hair every 4 weeks (even when I splurged and went to the salon it only lasts 4 weeks). Red is a great color.
10:37 AM on 02/06/2012
The "make up artist" sounds like she doesn't know what she's talking about!

I AM a strawberry blonde and would NEVER wear black mascara- too harsh!
Black/brown or dark brown is the way to go.

The eye shadow suggestions do not take eye color into consideration- just as, if not more, important than what your hair color is.

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10:21 AM on 02/06/2012
I am red and have done it myself for many years...my hairdresser tells me not to say that I do myslef in the salon...everyone coments on the beautiful color...and each time it's a little different...I also do my own highlights...and because I hate my roots showing I do my color every 3 weeks...and cost me less than $20 ...
08:04 AM on 02/06/2012
Competitive Polo ? Right ! My as well watch Curling for some excitement...