History of red hair and its adaptation over time
Dynamic fashion trends fluctuate and evolve. The current fixation on color isn't confined to a palette but finds vivid expression atop the heads of trendsetting celebrities. From Billie Eilish's cheery roots to Dua Lipa's elegant all-plum and Rupert Grint's natural crimson in Harry Potter, this resurgence isn't merely a whimsical nod but a vibrant revival rooted in the history of red hair.
Red resurgence
The trend isn't exclusive to celebrities; runways are adorned with cherry coke and strawberry blonde hues, from Burberry to Louis Vuitton, mirroring a broader societal acceptance of the crimson tide. Yet, far from being a contemporary inclination, the fascination with red hair weaves a historical thread as colorful as the shade itself, tracing back through centuries.
The devil's hue
During the 15th century, possessing natural red hair was associated with the devil, a hobnob that often resulted in facing the merciless trials of witch hunts. The rare and distinctive hue was deemed sufficient evidence to incur societal wrath. Even in the 17th century, red hair was not exempt from vilification. English academic Obadiah Walker passionately implored society to discard these baseless prejudices.
Historical power plays
Red hair, historically a symbol of Otherness, found itself entangled in power dynamics. Judas, a biblical figure, was portrayed with fiery locks, and ancient looters like the Gauls and Scots were depicted as redheads, perpetuating a narrative of them as invaders. In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I deliberately chose red as a powerful statement of allegiance, shifting the narrative surrounding this hair color.
Cycles of fashion
As epochs unfolded, red hair experienced cyclic waves of popularity. In the mid-to-late 1800s, pre-Raphaelite artists like Gabriel Rossetti exclusively painted ethereal red-headed beauties, while a fashion journalist in 1923 observed that Paris was captivated by the trend. The New York Times, in 1988, heralded red as "the captivating hair color of the moment," emphasizing its timeless allure that defies conventional fashion norms.
The modern motivation
Today, the motivation to embrace fiery locks remains consistent — a desire to stand out. Celebrity stylist Jenna Parry underscores with CNN the allure of red hair as a means to exude confidence and command attention in a crowd. Beyond its looks, there's an economic advantage, especially for individuals with more melanated hair types, where maintaining blonde hair can be prohibitively expensive.
The strategic shift
Examining recent cases, such as Dua Lipa and Megan Fox, reveals a strategic dimension to their red hair transformations. Rachael Gibson, a hair historian, told CNN that the visual impact of red hair is inherently eye-catching, and strategically enhances one's presence during significant milestones, like album releases or poetry collections. This underscores the multifaceted nature of red hair as a deliberate and impactful choice.
