Being born with the genetic mutation that is red hair attracts a lot of positive and sometimes negative attention.

Having the most rare combination of red hair and blue eyes also tends to allow for some common misconceptions.

This is for all my red heads out there and the excitement of the (supposed) new red-headed emojis coming out this year!!

1. There IS more than one shade of red hair

There are darker reds, borderline orange, and everything in between. Certain types of strawberry blonde can fall under this category as well.

2. We DON’T like being called hair-related nick names

I have heard it all: Red, carrot top, orange, ginger. Friends might use these jokingly but it can be perceived offensively. I have a name... use it please!! Sometimes because of the unique color of our hair, it is used as a way to identify us instead of learning our names.

3. We DO have souls

For the love of all that is good and holy, STOP saying that red heads for some apparent reason have no souls. If I didn’t have a soul, I wouldn’t be writing an article to earn some more respect for my red-haired counterparts.

4. Having to use blonde and brunette emojis to express ourselves IS annoying

Even though only about 2% of the world has red hair, that still means around 140 million people don’t have an emoji to properly represent themselves.

5. Red hair DOES NOT necessarily result in a quick temper

Lots of people perceive these two factors to be interconnected, but there is middle ground between Cheryl Blossom and Ariel the Mermaid.

6. It is NOT fun to hear the “I’ve always wanted that color” speech

Standing in grocery stores and having a stranger (usually an elderly woman) come up and touch your hair whilst reminiscing about that one time that she tried to dye her hair a “realistic red” is the epitome of uncomfortable.

7. We DO realize what we are choosing to do when getting our hair cut

Every time I go to get my hair cut or try a new shorter style, the stylist always says, “Are you sure you want me to cut off this beautiful hair?” I mean it will grow back eventually, it’s not like the color will be gone forever.

8. Red lipstick CAN be worn

I hear all the time about how people with red hair shouldn’t wear red lipstick because it clashes with our hair or that we shouldn’t wear red clothes because it is red on red.

All of the aside, I am very proud of my Irish heritage. Red heads are unique and play an important role in society that can be proved throughout time. Stay true to and love yourself.