Redheads, gingers, carrot tops – these are all the names associated with women and men with ginger hair. And who do we usually associate fiery natural red hair with? People of Irish or Scottish descent only. Which is far from the truth.
According to the BlackAmericanWeb, Black women can also have naturally ginger hair, and the reasons for this are incredibly fascinating. So get your steaming cup of coffee, notepad, and flashy pen, and let’s look at the history of Black women with ginger hair.
Can Black Women Naturally Have Ginger Hair?
As mentioned above, yes. Black women can have naturally red or ginger hair. And this is why:
- If you remember your Biology right, or at least your nana’s tales, both parents have to carry the ginger hair gene for a child to be born with it. With the Irish and Scots, this is a no-brainer. But for Black people, this gene is believed to have found its way into the African community in the Caribbean over 400 years ago – yes, 400!
According to the history books, many Irish and Scottish people were shipped to the West Indies as indentured servants in the 1600s and (we all know) almost a third of Irish/Scots carry the redhead gene.
- Africans and people from the Caribbean islands have also been known to have bright red hair due to a gene mutation in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Yap. We got a bit Dexter-ish there, but what this means is that they have a particular gene that regulates melanin in skin pigmentation, eyes, and hair. Nonetheless, the distinctive gene only occurs when both parents carry the unique receptive gene.
- Another reason you might spot a Black woman with ginger hair is due to Albinism. Albinism is the lack of melanin, and it could cause one (who would be expected to have darker hair, skin, and eyes) to have naturally reddish-golden strands.
If You Don’t Have Ginger Hair, How Can You Achieve It?
We all can’t be gingers (given that only 2% of the world population are redheads). So, if you’re looking to tap into the trendy ginger hair phase, here are a couple of products you should use:
Revlon ColorSilkLuminista Red, $9
If you want to give Penny Wise a run for her ginger hair, this is the dye for you. Not only does the formula deliver high-intensity color on dark or naturally gray strands, but it’s also a “no bleach necessary” type of dye, meaning you can bet it’ll be gentle on your tresses and scalp.
Vidal Sassoon Ultra-Vibrant Color in 6RR Runway Red, $17.25
If you’re looking for a ginger hair dye that’ll give you salon-like results, grab the Vidal Sassoon in 6RR Runway Red. Its rich blend of color pigments gives you sexy and intense hues that carry the day. It also comes in a ready-to-use package that’s easy to apply ad delivers an extended stay of up to eight weeks.
The color-preserving conditioner is just an added bonus since it keeps the ginger hue vibrant, provides nourishment, and adds a dazzling shine.
Crème Of Nature Exotic Shine Color Intensive Red 7.6, $8.21
Nothing will cramp your style like a hair color that starts fading right off the bat. This long-lasting formula from Crème of Nature, which is basically a conditioning mask but infused with ginger hair color pigments, gives your dark hair a deep rich red hue that just doesn’t budge (maybe in ten weeks or so).
It also contains argan oil that intensely conditions your tresses, leaving them soft, smooth, and ultra-silky while locking the hair color. It also has hair-strengthening vitamins and an innovative microsphere technology that gets deep into the shafts to deliver rich color while preventing breakage, damage, and dryness.
Dark & Lovely Fade Resist Red Hot Rhythm Rich Conditioning Color, $6.49
If your scalp legit gets fussy with you whenever you load up hair color, this hair dye is for you. It doesn’t contain known irritants such as ammonia, parabens, or phthalates. But the formula is loaded with kernel oil and soybean oil that protects the strands by intensely conditioning them.
The hair dye also offers highly-pigmented, non-drip color and shine boosters exclusively designed for women of color, which is a win!
L’Oréal Colorista Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray, $10
If you’re mirroring your ex and not trying to commit, this temporary hair spray is for you. Its pure pigments coat strands with vivid color, while its ammonia- and peroxide-free formula makes it suitable for all hair types and textures, no damage or drying in sight.
If the perfect peek-a-boo ombre effect hair dye for Halloween or cosplay conventions. Just make sure t place a towel between your strands and body before applying to keep the spray from staining your clothes or skin.
30 Photos of Black Women With Ginger/Red Hairstyles
Now let’s take a look at some of the hottest ginger hairstyles on the street right now:
Long Curly Hair
Who else but Lyrica Anderson to show us how to rock long, curly red hair? No one. And if you like, you can wear it loose and over your shoulders or use a hair clip to pin back one side.
Big Hair Don’t Care
Y’all know we live by the bigger is better code. It’s the only way of life!
Sexy Afro
Afros are a go-to for anyone looking to embrace their 4C hair. We love to see it because it gives dimension, is bold, and is just sexy ASF.
The Gilded Russet
There’s no arguing it! Rihanna is one of the few celebs who effortlessly pull off ginger hair, red hair, all kinds of shades and still look flawless! Our theory: if you’ve got the confidence of Robyn Fenty, you’ll always look incredible no matter what hair color you rock!
Red, Auburny Braids
Channel your inner Queen with an asymmetrical braid style and coloring that screams, “I’m that bih!” Plus, it’s one of the best protective styles if you need a break from your natural locs.
Ginger-Toned Half-Up, Half-Down Locs
You know we had to include Ms. Halle Bailey on this list. The Little Mermaid star always gives us jaw-dopping locs, whether it’s creatively styled or just colored – Halle is the true definition of a locs empress!
Copper Red Bantu Knots With Face-Framing Tendrils
Bantu knots and braids are a match made in heaven. You can add a little Y2K magic and frame your face by leaving out two braids from the front row of your knots.
Side Swept Curls
These curls give us “I’m sexy, and I know it” vibes. If your ginger hair isn’t naturally curly, you can use some rollers to get that big, full look. Lock in place with a good dose of hairspray!
Ginger-Orange Bob With Bangs
This sleek ginger-orange bob and pin-straight fringe is nothing if not fabulous!
Fawk Hawk With A Fade
This beautiful red fade is a reminder to live out loud! And if you don’t know which dye to go for, check out the mentioned options above.
The “We’re Going To The Beach” Waves
This hairstyle is the perfect cross between loose curls and tight waves. You don’t need to flat-iron or relax your curls to get that cute, dimensional wavy appearance.
Ginger-Orange Finger Waves
These ginger-toned finger waves will take your look from great to stunning.
Ginger-Toned Cornrows
Sure, you can rock a bunch of fancy designs with cornrows, but some simple, straight-back plaits shouldn’t be slept on. Add some beads at the bottom if you want a little twist.
Mini Twists
It doesn’t matter your hair type. Mini twists can be an incredible way to protect your strands while creating a style you can enjoy for almost a month.
Baby Locs
Locs don’t have to be super-long or thick to make an impact. Take these ginger hair locs, for instance. They’re super-cute and lend shape to your overall look.
Curly Pineapple
Pineapples are a part of the naturally curly hair bible. And pineapple with a ginger hair twist? That’s just magic, baby!
Wash And Go Fro
Fros don’t necessarily represent one look. This wash-and-go option allows you to play up your natural texture and look sexy doing it!
Layered Loose Curls
Yes, to luscious, layered curls. Yes, to gingery/copper-red hair. Yes, to all the drama! If you’ve got curly strands, work with your natural texture to pull off this style.
Fluffed &Feathered Bob
This face-framing bob reigns supreme. Its cheek-grazing cut is not only IG-worthy but also gives you runway-worthy oomph! And the color? Nothing but perfection!
Natural Coils
If anyone can pull off this bold yet understated coils look, it’s you, boo!
Larger-Than-Life Puff
Puffs are powerful! They’re one of the few styles you can rock with relaxed, natural, or protective styles like locs or braids.
Goddess Locs
Keke is giving us all the feels with these beauties. They’re regal and gorgeous and make us want to head over to Boho Locs to get some.
Coi Leray Braids
These signature Coi Leray shoulder-length braids with curly ends are one of the hottest hairstyles right now. Now pair them with ginger hair dye, and you’ll have some of the sexiest braids on the block!
Defined Curly With Bangs
Lizzo is a beauty chameleon. She always leaves our tongues waggling, and these springy curls with expertly styled bangs did leave us drooling and wanting more!
Messy Bun
If you love natural hair but don’t necessarily care for it, you might want to throw your strands up in a messy bun. And if you want a messy bun with a twist, you can do it justice and dye it with red/ginger hair dye like the ones mentioned above.
Multi-Dimensional Red
When you have curly hair and want to embrace your red hair phase, dimension is the key. It helps shape the curl and gives you that oh-so-ravishing look!
Erykah Badu Big Hair
We will leave this at “OMG! This is sooo freakin’ gorgeous! We want!”
Straightened Hair
Zendaya is the It Girl! No question! And this ginger hair complements her in every way!
Dark Sienna
Ms. Bonnie (Kat Graham) has embraced many breathtaking hairstyles and colors over the years, but these dark sienna curls top the list! Aren’t they the perfect balayage style you’ve seen so far?
Ruby Red Mane
We love big hair, and we cannot lie!
Burnt Red-Orange With Dark Roots
Not willing to commit to all-over red/ginger hair? Borrow a page from FKA Twig’s book and try this stunning two-toned shade. Dark, contrasting roots and an eye-catching red make for a super-sexy and really (easy-to-grow-out) style.
The Beehive
Leave it to Tyra Banks to take us back to the ‘90s. This beehive not only gives us middle school flashbacks but also makes us want to recreate those fun but highly embarrassing moments! The color is just an added bonus.
Auburn Middle-Part Twist Outs
Ginger Hair Black Women Video Inspiration
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If you’re looking for the perfect ginger hair, girl-next-door hairstyle, this is it! The middle part evens out the chunky curls beautifully!
