Oh boy. Where to begin? When you are born into this world with red hair, life is going to come built in with some quirks that people with "normal" hair colors will not experience. Let us explore some of the pros and cons of being a redhead.
1. Con: Negative Attention
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If you think you're being clever when teasing someone with red hair, rest assured, you are not. We've heard it all. Carrot top, redheaded stepchild, soulless monster, "does the carpet match the drapes?" No, we don't gain a freckle for every soul we steal. On the contrary, we gain one every time someone makes that joke. One day, we will be consumed by freckles. It is truly a devastating reality.
2. Pro: Positive Attention
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There are always admirers! Sometimes you're just minding your own business when a random person stops you to say how pretty your locks are. Hairdressers plead with you not to dye it because you can't get that color from a box. Old ladies like to gush about how their hair was just like yours when they were young. In reality, the compliments often outweigh the teasing.
3. Con: Horrid Sunburns
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No redhead can escape the sun's wrath. While all your other friends get golden tans, you get to fry like a little strip of bacon. Whether you're out for one hour or one minute, there is always the potential to receive a burn that will leave you peeling for days. The UV rays will single you out and roast your epidermis. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! There is no other option.
4. Pro: Prolonged Hair Pigment
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If you love your locks, then this one is for you! Natural red hair keeps it's pigment longer than other hair colors, and when it does fade, it's a bit more subtle. A lot of the time it transitions from red, to blond-ish, to white. So cherish that youth-retaining mane as you age gracefully!
5. Con: Stereotypes
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Blonds are dumb and fun, brunettes are smart and tame, redheads are ill-tempered, provocative demons. Hm. Not cool. Any time you get upset it's attributed to your classic, redheaded temper. Believe it or not, hair color does not determine personality. While I'm sure there are fiery gingers out there, an equal, possibly greater number of shy, introverted redheads exist.
6. Pro: Mythology
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Red is the most magical color! Wizards, mermaids, vampires and witches are all linked to red hair. Sure, sometimes those creatures can be considered dangerous, but they also have mystical powers. It's pretty cool to be associated with beings of such a divine nature!
7. Con: Health Risks
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Light skin is more susceptible to damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays, so that sunscreen I mentioned earlier really is a must. We're also harder to knock out. Redheads require more anesthetics when being put under, which can potentially cause complications. To top it all off, redheads are more sensitive to temperature related pain. When we burn our tongues on hot drinks or go out in inclement weather, it will surely be unpleasant.
8. Pro: Health Benefits
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It's not all bad! Because of the usual light skin and red hair combo, redheads aren't able to be in the sun as frequently as others. So we adapted! Redheads are able to produce their own vitamin D with less light than the average person. This means red hair can strengthen your bones and boost your immune system!
9. Con: Static and Frizz
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Lord have mercy on your soul if you are a redhead on a humid day. There is no escape. Whether your hair is sticking to your neck or reaching for the sky, it will find a way to make you feel ridiculous. Want to brush it? Good luck with that. Want to style it, even? Haha. No. Some days make you want to hack off the unruly mop and be done with it all.
10. Pro: Built-In Originality
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No, we aren't dying out, but red hair is still somewhat of a rarity. Just walking down the street makes you a stunning sight to see! There are an abundance of different shades, as well. Strawberry blonde, Auburn, copper and true ginger are only a few. Red hair is also the hardest color to mimic naturally, so true redheads are always in their own league! At the end of the day, if you have red hair, love and appreciate your tresses. You rock them!
