For redheads getting into makeup, it can be tempting to stay within the neutral area of makeup because they find that neutral tones complement their natural hair color and skin tone best. Neutral tones, such as browns, taupes, and soft pinks, can harmonize with the warmth of red hair without overpowering it. Additionally, opting for neutral makeup allows redheads to achieve a more subtle and natural look that enhances their features without competing with their vibrant hair color.

Nude lipstick is a staple in most women’s makeup collections, but the key to rocking a nude lip well is finding the perfect color for your complexion. Nude lipstick can often be too dark and cool-toned for redheads. This can leave your lips looking a little dull and almost gray. We’ve talked about how to pick a nude lipstick that won’t wash you out (spoiler alert: get H2BAR’s Finally Bold® Perfectly Nude) but today we’re diving into the ways you can wear a nude lip and a few tricks to help you look your best:

Won't Wash You Out: Perfectly Nude: $26

How to rock nude lips with different glam looks:

Nude lipstick is super versatile and can be worn with almost any makeup style. A few ways we love to pair our nude lipstick is:

• Minimal Makeup: Nude lipstick is a great way to finish off a minimal makeup look. If you’ve got the right nude, it should look very natural and complement your natural features. A nude lip is great for this look because it’s not too bold or showy and won’t make your features look off-balance. 
• Balanced Glam: Nude can also help to balance out a soft glam look. When you’ve got your eyes and face done up, you don’t want to leave your lips bare. Wearing a nude lip ties the whole look together while letting the focus be on your other features. 
• Colored Eye Look: Wearing a bright, bold, or unique eye look? Pink or red lipstick might clash with whatever you’ve got going on. That’s why nude makes a perfect option because it’s neutral!
• Soft Smoky Eye: Pair your nude lipstick with a subtle smoky eye using neutral shades like taupe, bronze, or charcoal. This look adds a touch of drama without overpowering the lips.
• Monochromatic Makeup: Create a monochromatic look by using similar nude tones on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. This cohesive color scheme offers a chic and polished appearance.
• Classic Winged Eyeliner: Combine nude lipstick with a classic winged eyeliner for a timeless and sophisticated look. The bold eyeliner adds definition to the eyes while the nude lips keep the overall aesthetic balanced.
• Bold Eyebrows: Emphasize your brows with a bold, well-defined shape paired with nude lipstick. This look draws attention to the eyes and frames the face beautifully.
• Fresh-faced Glow: Opt for a fresh-faced makeup look with minimal eye makeup, a natural-looking base, and a nude lipstick with a hint of gloss. This effortless style enhances your features while maintaining a radiant, dewy finish.

These are just a few ideas to explore, but the possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing nude lipstick with different makeup looks!

Tips for how to apply a nude lipstick

• Add a Lip Liner: You can amp up a simple nude lip with lip liner. Try a perfect match for a seamless finished look, or go a few shades darker for a retro 90s-style vibe. 
• Blend it Out: If you’ve got a “no makeup” makeup look going on, a full lipstick application might feel too heavy. Instead, try applying it just to the center of the lips and blending outward with your finger for a subtle bit of color and coverage.
• Apply Over Lip Balm: If you’ve got a nude lipstick that’s a little too matte or has a drier finish, try applying it over lip balm. This helps to soften the application and helps it wear better. And when you’re all done with that tube, grab a cream finish option like Finally Bold®!
• Find the Right Shade: Choose a nude lipstick shade that complements your skin tone and undertones. Experiment with different hues, from warm to cool tones, to find the most flattering nude for you. Invest in H2BAR’s Finally Bold® Perfectly Nude made specifically for redheads.
• Prep Your Lips: Ensure your lips are smooth and hydrated by exfoliating and moisturizing them before applying nude lipstick. This helps create a smooth canvas and prevents the color from clinging to dry patches.
• Balance with Makeup: Consider balancing your nude lipstick with the rest of your makeup. If you’re wearing minimal eye makeup, you can go for a slightly bolder nude lip shade. If your eye makeup is more dramatic, opt for a softer nude lip to keep the overall look balanced.
• Touch Up Throughout the Day: Nude lipstick shades may fade faster than bolder colors, so keep your lipstick handy for touch-ups throughout the day, especially after meals or drinks.
• Consider Your Outfit: Take into account your outfit and overall style when choosing a nude lipstick shade. Some nude lipsticks may complement certain clothing colors or styles better than others.

By following these tips, you can rock nude lipstick confidently and effortlessly enhance your natural beauty. Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: 5 Ways Redheads Can Make Sure Nude Lipstick Won’t Wash Them Out

READ: The Best Nude Lipsticks for Redhead Skin Tones

The post How Redheads Can Rock: Nude Lipstick appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

For years, black and dark brown mascara were the only options redheads had, and with ultra-light lashes, forgoing mascara for a “natural” look wasn’t an option. That’s one of the main reasons we developed the Finally Have Lashes® Redhead Mascara line. We wanted redheads to have a more natural option for no-makeup days and light makeup looks. 

SHOP FINALLY HAVE LASHES

1. Choose the right shade for you

Auburn mascara is a reddish-orange shade of brow that still defines the lashes without feeling heavy or unnatural — like a lot of black and dark brown mascaras do. It’s perfect for strawberry blondes and redheads who like a more natural look. Our Finally Have Lashes® Perfectly Auburn comes in both our OG Hourglass formula and our new Enhancing formula. 

Finally Have Lashes Mascara: Perfectly Auburn

Red-brown mascaras like our Finally Have Lashes® Perfectly Chestnut and Finally Have Lashes® Perfectly Brown are great for redheads who want something a little darker and more defined, and those with darker red hair. Unlike most of the traditional brown mascaras on the market, these brown tones are red-based which means they are flattering on red hair and look much more natural than black-brown tones. 

Finally Have Lashes Mascara: Perfectly Chestnut

2. Know some simple application tips

One of our favorite ways to rock auburn and red/brown mascara is to apply a darker shade, like Perfectly Chestnut or Perfectly Brown to your top lashes, and Perfectly Auburn to your lower lashes. This helps your top lashes look full and dark while keeping your lower lashes light, but still defined. 

If you’re a redhead with tinted lashes or even just naturally darker lashes, Perfectly Auburn will still work for you! It will appear darker on your lashes, but when the light catches you’ve got that perfect red hue. This makes for a very natural-looking dark lash. 

We love auburn and red-brown mascaras with just skincare for a truly “no makeup” look, with light makeup and even with glam. They truly are the most versatile options for redheads. They also provide a subtle enhancement to a no-makeup look for redheads by adding definition to the lashes without appearing too harsh or dramatic. It complements the natural warmth of their hair, creating a cohesive and effortless appearance. It’s a great way to subtly accentuate the eyes while still maintaining a fresh and minimalistic vibe.

3. Watch other redheads apply the mascara shades: 

@howtobearedhead

You’re welcome The new #FinallyHaveLashes Enhancing Mascara in Perfectly Auburn + Perfectly Chestnut #redheadmakeup #mascara @Brianna Bradley

♬ original sound – How to be a Redhead

@howtobearedhead

#FinallyHaveLashes Enhancing Redhead Mascara drops in 10 days in shades: Perfectly Auburn + Perfectly Chestnut We have spent 2 years formulating & so excited for you to enjoy the new brush and new shades! #redheadmascara #redheadmakeup #mascara #fyp

♬ Christmas – neozilla

@howtobearedhead

All about that confidence Rockin’ the #FinallyHaveBrows in Volumizing + #FinallyHaveLashes Enhancing in Chestnut. That no-makeup-makeup look Get 2 FREE packs of redhead bobby pins when you spend $50+. via @hollymcaldwell

♬ Love Therapy – Glow City

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: 5 Alternatives to Black Mascara For Redheads

READ: The 12 Best Redhead-Approved Colored Mascaras For a Bold, Fun Look

The post How Redheads Can Rock: Auburn + Red/Brown Mascara appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

For redheads new to makeup, it can be tempting to stay within the “neutral” boxes and follow some of the outdated makeup guidelines online. If you followed our How Redheads Can Wear series, we’re kicking off a new How Redheads Can Rock series focusing on makeup trends, unique tips, and busting myths that redheads can/can’t wear this or that.

For our first installment, let’s talk about blush — specifically, pink blush.

There are tons of articles and plenty of content online telling redheads to stay away from pink. Not just pink clothing, but pink makeup too. Because many redheads have pinkness to their skin, it is believed pink blush will accentuate it in a bad way. This is why orange-based blush tones like coral and peach are usually the recommended blush shades for redheads. We love these colors and think they absolutely complement redhead skin, but we’re here to prove to you that you can wear pink blush too.

Here are a few tips for how redheads can rock pink blush and look amazing doing it: 

1. Finding the right shade is key

With any makeup, it’s important to find the right shade for your skin tone and undertones. When it comes to pink blush, there are tons of options from dark purply pinks to hot magenta pinks to pale cool-toned pinks and everything in between. For redheads, we love something a little more muted. The darker and more saturated shades can often overpower our skin. Mauves, cool-toned medium pinks, berry pinks, and rose-colored pinks all look amazing on redheads. 

The shade that works best for you might not be the shade that works best for all redheads. That’s why it’s important to test out different blushes before deciding they aren’t for you. Many blushes look more saturated in color on the tube or pan than they do on the cheek.

Want to see a redhead rank some of the Rare Beauty Blush Shades? Check it out below: 

@kylei.ann

this was hard idk how abby lee miller did this on the weekly #rarebeauty #rarebeautyblush #blushforredheads

♬ original sound – kylei halbakken

2. Application, Application, Application: Yes, we said it 3 times!

The trick with blush is to know your application technique. Some people like to apply blush to the apples of the cheeks, while others like to apply it higher up on the cheekbone under the outer corner of the eye. These two placements will give you very different looks.

Applying blush to the apples will accentuate the cheeks and bring focus towards the center of the face helping the face feel fuller. Applying it under the eye at the high points of the cheekbone will draw the eye upwards and out helping your face appear more lifted. Pink-toned blushes can help to brighten the face and give a more youthful appearance. They can also be applied a the bridge of the nose and the tip of the nose to give a very natural flushed look. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply blush:

1. Prep your skin: Start with a clean and moisturized face. This ensures a smooth base for makeup application.

2. Choose the right blush: Select a blush shade that complements your skin tone and the look you want to achieve. For fair skin redheads, a soft pink or peachy blush works well.

3. Pick your tools: Use a blush brush or a makeup sponge for application. Make sure your tools are clean for a flawless finish.

4. Apply foundation: If you wear foundation, apply it before blush to even out your skin tone.

5. Find your cheekbones: Smile to locate the apples of your cheeks. This is where you’ll apply the blush for a natural flush.

6. Dab the blush: Dip your brush or sponge into the blush, tapping off any excess product.

7. Apply blush: Start from the apples of your cheeks and blend the blush upwards towards your temples in a gentle, circular motion. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.

8. Build as needed: Apply more blush gradually until you achieve the desired intensity. It’s easier to add more than to remove excess product.

9. Blend: Use a clean brush or sponge to blend any harsh edges for a seamless finish.

10. Set with powder: If desired, set your blush with a translucent powder to help it last longer throughout the day.

Remember, less is often more when it comes to blush application. Start with a light hand and build up the color gradually to avoid overdoing it.

3. Balance your look

If you’re feeling like pink-toned blush is too pink or too bright for your face, try using your other makeup to help balance it. Pink-toned eyeshadows look gorgeous on redheads and can help bring a cohesive look to the face. You can also soften your look a little with brown mascara and a nude or neutral lip to help the pink tones become part of the color palette. 

For fair skin redheads, a pink blush paired with a nude lip or brown mascara can create a stunning look. Start with a light foundation or BB cream to even out your skin tone. Then, choose a soft pink blush to add a subtle flush to your cheeks, focusing on the apples. For the eyes, opt for a brown mascara to define your lashes without overpowering your fair complexion. Finally, complete the look with a nude lip color that complements your skin tone, leaning towards shades with peach or pink undertones for a natural finish.

4. Some of our favorite pink blush recs for redheads

• Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in “Happy”, “Believe”, “Encourage” and “Worth”
• NARS Talc-Free Powder Blush in “Dominant” 
• Maybelline Fit Me Blush in “25 Pink”
• Milani Baked Blush in “Dolce Pink”
• Saie Dew Blush Blendable Liquid Blush in “Cutie” or “Sweetie”
• essence | Pure Nude Baked Blush in “Pink Flush”
• e.l.f. Halo Glow Blush Beauty Wand in “Rose You Slay”

Rock it like a Redhead! 

RELATED POSTS

READ: Where and How Redheads Should Apply Bronzer + Blush

READ: How Redheads Can Apply Cream Blush + Best Product Recommendations

The post How Redheads Can Rock: Pink Blush appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

1. Polished Ponytail

There’s nothing simpler than a ponytail, and while a pony can sometimes feel sloppy, it’s possible to make it more elevated. Polish up your ponytail by slicking the hair back, adding a ribbon, making it a high pony, or embracing your natural texture for a voluminous look.

2. Clipped Back

If you like your hair out of your face, this is the perfect way to have it styled and swept back. Adding a clip can really elevate a look, whether it’s half up or all up. Choose something festive like gold, pearls, or silver that pairs with your outfit to elevate it even more. 

3. 90s Blowout

You cannot go wrong with a 90s-style blowout. It’s perfect for pictures and holiday parties. It makes you look chic and put together with minimal effort. Set your style with velcro rollers for added hold. 

4. Braided

Braids can make your look more interesting while still being simple. Opt for a full braid, a half-up braid, or a braided section. Braids pair nicely with blowouts, waves, and curls. 

5. Knotted Updo

We know this one doesn’t look simple, but trust us it’s actually easier than you think. Start with a low pony, or multiple and twist and wrap them up, pinning them in place as you go. Alternatively, you can use a braid as your base and twist it into a bun.

6. Natural Waves

If you have natural waves embrace them! This low-effort look can be really cute if you style it properly. Don’t be afraid to use a low-heat curling iron to touch up any spots that don’t sit right. 

7. Ribbon

The quintessential holiday look… a bow! Adding ribbon or a bow to any look instantly makes it look festive and polished. It’s perfect for adding to your pony, braid, or half-up-do. Coordinate the color of the ribbon with your outfit for a chic look. 

Rock it like a Redhead!

RELATED POSTS

READ: 9 Easy Hair Accessories To Rock With Your Red Hair This Holiday Season

READ: 5 Holiday Treats to Boost Red Hair and Skin

The post 7 Simple Holiday Hairstyles for Redheads to Rock This Season appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

1. Long Layers 

This style has been trending for long hair, but you don’t see it as often in medium-length hair. Long layers can help your hair look fuller and more voluminous and also add some gorgeous face framing. These long layers won’t take away from the length if you’re working on a grow-out and are easy to put up out of your face. 

2. Curtain Bangs

A style we talk about often is curtain bangs. Not only are they ultra-flattering, but they are the best of both worlds when it comes to bangs. You can pull them back away from your face easily or let them be for more face framing. Curtain bangs also pair very well with long layers.

3. Wispy Blended Bangs

If you want something a little more dramatic than curtain bangs, wispy blended bangs are very flattering! For a medium cut with wispy bangs, ask your stylist to blend them down into the hair. This will leave you with a less dramatic edge and a more romantic style.

4. Lob (Long Bob)

The lob is arguably the most universally flattering hairstyle there is and it’s a medium-length cut. This collarbone-to-armpit length cut will help frame the face and doesn’t require much or any layering if you don’t want it. Lobs also grow out nicely into a flattering “long” cut. 

5. Shag

If you’re ready for something different, a shag is the way to go. This cut looks great on short, medium, and long hair so grow-out is a breeze and it will make you feel ultra cool. Shag cuts also work on all hair textures!

RELATED POSTS:

READ: Guide for Redheads: How To Get (And Maintain) Bangs

READ: Best Ways to Change Up Your Hair Without Losing the Red

Rock it like a Redhead!

The post 5 Medium Length Haircuts for Redheads to Rock appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

If they aren’t already, nude lipstick is a staple for your redhead makeup routine. Not only do they look amazing on redhead skin tones and go with everything, but they can help elevate a simple daytime look or top off a gorgeous night look. Here are (more) nude lips to rock: 

1. Perfectly Nude: How to be a Redhead Finally Bold® Lipsticks

Yes, you heard it right. Finally Bold® is clean, cruelty-free, vegan and made in the USA. Discover three shades made for redheads. Shop now.

2. The Cult Classic Nude: Charlotte Tilbury in Pillow Talk 

3. Light Pink Nude: Laura Lee Los Angeles Skimpy Liquid Lipstick

Featured in the 2021 Fall Deluxe H2BAR Box!

4. Warm Pink Nude: MAC Cosmetics Satin Lipstick in Faux

$19

5. Budget-Friendly Nude: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Almond Hustle

$6

6. Glowing Nude Gloss: PDL Sexy Shine Lip Gloss in Angel

$24

Rock it like a Redhead!

The post The Best Nude Lipsticks for Redhead Skin Tones appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

1. Pixie Cut

If you want to really commit to short hair, try a pixie cut. It will help your look remain feminine without the length. Pixie cuts look great on those with strong jawlines.

2. Bob with Bangs

If you want to keep some length but still get that cute short look, try a bob with bangs. Bobbed hair is cut above the shoulder, usually around chin length, and looks cute straight, or wavy. 

3. Side Part Bob

Maybe bangs aren’t your thing, but you want some more volume and texture to your bob. Try parting it to the side and wearing it in gentle waves for an effortless look. 

4. Shag Cut

If you’re feeling really edgy, you might want to try a shag cut. It’s like a medium-length bob but with lots of layers. Shag cuts look great with bangs and worn wavy.

5. Lob

Arguably the most flattering “short” haircut is the lob aka the long bob. Lobs are cut around the collarbone and look great on everyone. Lobs can be worn with a middle or side part and also be worn wavy, straight, or curly!

Rock it like a Redhead! 

The post 5 Short Haircuts and Hairstyles to Inspire a Redhead’s New Look appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

Redheads know the dilemmas when finding the right redhead eyebrow product. For some odd reason, many makeup companies either get the shade right, don’t even try or forget about the ‘auburn’ shade altogether. Luckily, blonde and taupe shades can suite many redheads. So, we’ve rounded up five more of our favorite ‘Redhead Friendly’ eyebrow products to rock:

Brow Gel:

1. Finally Have Brows: Redheads have fallen in love with Finally Have Brows, the first makeup drop in the How to be a Redhead line. You will see why when you use it! It tint, tames and locks; it is also paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan and Made in the USA.

Learn more about Finally Have Brows:

For the perfect brows, use the Ultra Fine Redhead Brow Pencil’s automatic liner with a built-in grooming brush to fill in brows. Then, use the Volumizing to tint, condition and fluff. Lastly, use the Longwearing to tint, tame and lock. Get ready for fluffy, full, and always natural-looking redhead brows.

SHOP FINALLY HAVE BROWS

What’s next for Finally Have Brows? 

AVAILABLE NOW: Finally Have Brows Clear Brow Gel. It’s best for redheads who want to embrace their natural brow color but desire a fuller/more even look. Tip: This product can also be applied after using Finally Have Brows gels or pencil in Universal Red.

Finally Have Brows® - Clear Brow Gel: $25

Brow Pencils:

2. Glo Skin Beauty Precise Micro Browliner Auburn: We have been obsessed with this brow pencil ever since it was featured in a past H2BAR Box. It is an ultra-slim pencil that will lightly fill in sparse areas for an effortless, natural look. The shade ‘Auburn’ is perfect for redheads.

3. Colourpop Precision Eye Brow Pencil: This brow pencil comes in two ‘redhead friendly’ shades: Arched Auburn and Honey Blonde. Use the spoolie brush at the end for grooming and buffing out the color to soften your brows. 

READ: 10 Eyebrow Products for Redheads — That Blondes + Brunettes Use Too! 

4. It Cosmetics Brow Power Super Skinny: Say goodbye to sparse hairs with this pencil from IT Cosmetics. Its super skinny micro-tip gives precise strokes to replicate real brow hair, plus it has that spoolie brush at the end. Comes in Auburn and Medium Brown.

READ: 7 Best Redhead Brow Tutorials – Eyebrow Before and Afters

Brow Powder:

Rock it like a Redhead! 

The post 5 [More] Redhead Eyebrow Products You Should Know About appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

1. Red hair and blue eyes is the rarest combination in the world; only 1% of the world has red hair and blue eyes.

2. Redheads require larger does of anesthesia and are more resilient to painkillers.

3. Red hair is thicker than other hair colors and takes much longer to gray (or turn white).

4. Families can carry the redhead gene for generations without it showing, so there could be some redhead inside of you!

5. Redheads are better at detecting changes in temperature and more efficient at making vitamin D, so they need less sunlight.

6. Redheads are only 2% of the population and incredibly rare.

WATCH below:

Rock it like a Redhead! 

Subscribe to the H2BAR Box: A monthly and quarterly beauty subscription box for redheads! Use code: REDHAIR for 10% off. Subscribe now! 

Photo by: Moti Milrod

The post 6 Reasons Why Redheads Are Cooler Than You Thought appeared first on How to be a Redhead - Redhead Makeup .

Tony Nominations were just announced yesterday, which means it’s almost time for my favorite awards show of the season!  So, in honor of the Tony Awards, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the redheads who have appeared on Broadway throughout the ages.  While I must acknowledge that many of my favorite Broadway actresses are of the brunette or blonde variety–Sutton Foster, Annaleigh Ashford, Laura Benanti, Audra McDonald–I standby the fact that Broadway would not be what it is today if certain redheads hadn’t paved “The Great White Way”!

The term “Great White Way” is a nickname for a section of Broadway in the Midtown section of New York City, specifically the portion that encompasses the Theatre District, between 42nd and 53rd Streets.

Let’s take a look at some of the glorious redheads in the Broadway spotlight over the years:

Ginger Rogers.

Aptly named, the redhead Ginger Rogers had a heavy presence on The Great White Way for over 40 years! She is known for her performances in Top Speed (1929-1930), Girl Crazy (1930-1931), Love and Let Love (1951), and Hello Dolly (1964-1970).  Not to mention the endless list of cinematic musical hits she created with Fred Astaire.

Carol Burnett.

This Queen of Comedy made her Broadway debut as Princess Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress in 1959.  She also performed in Fade Out-Fade In (1964-1965).  She then took a hiatus for a little stint on a show you may have heard of–The Carol Burnett Show, gave my favorite performance as Miss Hannigan in the film version of the musical Annie in 1982, then reappeared on Broadway in 1995 in Moon Over Buffalo. Other Broadway credits include Putting it Together (1999-2000), Hollywood Arms (2002-2003), and in 2014, Love Letters.  The woman is absolutely timeless, and apparently never tires!

Lucille Ball.

Yes, America’s favorite redhead made an appearance on Broadway!   The show was called Wildcat (1960-1961).  She played the title role of Wildcat Jackson, a woman looking to strike it rich in the oil business.  I wonder if she wore red lipstick on the oil field…

Bette Midler.

This cultural icon made her Broadway debut in 1964 in Fiddler on the Roof, and since then, if you’ve wanted her to appear on Broadway, you pretty much better have her name in the title of the show:  Bette Midler (1973), Bette Midler’s Clams on the Half Shell Revue (1975), Bette! Divine Madness (1979-1980).  Hey, no judgment; the Divine Miss M has earned her diva status.  Recently, you’ve seen her in Pricilla Queen of the Desert (2011-2012), I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers (2013), and guess who’s set to appear as the title role in Hello Dolly this season!

Andrea McArdle.

This list wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out to the original Little Orphan Annie. Andrea was only 13 years old when she was pulled from the orphan chorus to replace Kristen Vigard, the actress originally slated to play the title role in Annie in 1977.  Andrea was not just a child-star, though; she has had continued success on Broadway, television, and in the music industry, and although she donned a wig to play Annie, she has kept the red hair ever since!

Bernadette Peters.

After making her Broadway debut in 1984 in Sunday in the Park with George, this fiery redhead has become more than just a diva, she is a living legend on The Great White Way.  She’s won three Tonys and has starred in too many hits to list them all here.  So, I’ll just mention a few of my favorite performances that I suggest you watch over and over again on YouTube:  Into the Woods (1987-1989), Gypsy (2003-2004), and Follies (2011-2012).

Reba McEntire.

That’s right!  This Southern belle made her way north to grace the Broadway stage in Annie Get Your Gun (1999-2001), and she brought her cowgirl boots with her.  The critics raved that her performance even topped that of “Queen Bernadette,” who originated the role of Annie Oakley in this 1998 revival.  In fact, rumor has it that the Tony Awards Administration decided to create a new category after seeing Reba’s performance–“Best Performance by an Actor or Actress in a Recreated Role.”  Had the category been a reality while Reba was still in the show, she would have won it, but it wasn’t initiated until 2005 and only lasted until 2008.  They did away with it, because there didn’t seem to be any other Reba-caliber recreations in the years that followed… At least, that’s the word on the Way.

Annie Potts.

Perhaps best known as Mary Jo in the 80’s sitcom Designing Women, Annie Potts has left her redheaded footprint on the Broadway stage, as well.  She made her debut in 2010 in God of Carnage, and then in 2014, came in as a replacement for the role of Berthe in the revival of Pippin.  I was fortunate enough to see both Andrea Martin (who won the Tony for this role) and Annie Potts in this production, and both women gave Tony-worthy performances.

Jessica Chastain.

Okay, maybe she hasn’t had the Broadway presence that some of these other women have, but I adore Jessica Chastain, so we’re going to talk about The Heiress (2012-2013).  Jessica Chastain played the socially awkward Catherine Sloper, who falls in love with a suitor that her father insists is only interested in her money.  The play is based on the Henry James novel Washington Square.  Also worthy of mention here: although technically not on Broadway, another redhead, Amy Adams, starred on the New York stage this same year in Into the Woods at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.  She played the Baker’s Wife.  See a YouTube clip from Jessica and Amy’s performances below:

Debra Messing.

First, let me say that I have been obsessed with Debra Messing for years.  My personal life (sadly) has become an imitation of Grace Adler’s on Will & Grace, and every day I pray that my hair is an imitation of hers, as well–I think most redheads do.  However, one of my greatest Broadway disappointments came at a 2014 performance of Outside Mullingar.  The show was a limited run.  Debra Messing was starring in it.  I could not have been more excited about it.  I’m a teacher, and the show was going to close in March before we got out on Spring Break, so… I had no choice but to call in sick and catch a flight.  I bought a ticket for the closing performance, but when I arrived at the theater that night and opened my Playbill, there was an insert–never a good thing.  “At this performance, the role of Rosemary Muldoon, usually played by Debra Messing, will be played by…”  The heartbreak I felt was worse than my most recent breakup.  But, I wiped my tears, left the theater, ran to TKTS, bought tickets to Pippin, and caught another favorite redhead, Annie Potts, in her replacement role!  So, you win some, you lose some, ya know?

Emma Stone.

One of my favorite recent performances by a redhead was Emma Stone in Cabaret (2014-2015).  She played Sally Bowles, the seductive headliner of the seedy Kit Kat Klub.  Emma rocked a short red bob and slayed this role!  YouTube her singing “Maybe this Time,” and tell me if there’s anything this woman can’t do.

Heading to New York soon and looking to catch a redhead on Broadway?

1. The King and I: Let me make a few suggestions:  You just missed Kelli O’Hara in The King and I, the role that secured her first Tony last June.  Catch her very memorable Tony acceptance speech here:

Unfortunately O’Hara’s last performance was April 17, but Marin Mazzie just replaced her and is supposed to be fantastic.  Mazzie plays the redheaded lead Anna in an absolutely beautiful production.

2. Wicked: Another CAN’T MISS performance is Rachel Tucker as Elphaba in Wicked.  Tucker is an Irish redhead who created such an iconic Elphaba on the West End in London that we simply had to get the girl to Broadway.  I’ll be honest, I’ve seen Wicked an embarrassing number of times, and Rachel Tucker is without a doubt my favorite Elphaba.

3. School of Rock: The redheaded Sierra Boggess, (The Little Mermaid, Phantom of the Opera) is now playing in the Tony-nominated School of Rock.

4. Disaster! : Tony-award winner Faith Prince and Rachel York (who gave two of my favorite musical theater performances in Grey Gardens and Anything Goes) are both in Disaster! musical.  I haven’t seen it, but it’s supposed to be hilarious.

5. Finding Neverland: The musical is also boasting redheaded actress Teal Wicks (far right).

4. Cats: And, apparently the rumors are true–Cats really is headed back to Broadway!  So give our regards Skimbleshanks the red-haired Railway Cat.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

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