Chappell Roan is red hot right now. The fiery Good Luck Babe singer/songwriter’s debut album has rocketed up the charts, she took home Best New Talent at the recent MTV Music Awards and anyone who’s heard of her will tell you she’s a vibe.
Roan has exploded into the culture with her bold look, seriously addictive 2000s-inspired synth pop, f-yeah lyrics and larger than life stage presence. And her flaming red mane has ignited a worldwide trend. Redheads (and wannabe redheads), this is your moment.
On a recent shoot for marie claire, we asked professional stylist and colourist Aimee Hershan for her pro tips for recreating Roan’s fiery red. It’s a high-impact look, Amy says, that’s easy to do at home.
“You absolutely can create this look yourself,” she says. “Always wanted to be red? Then do it. It’s hair, it grows and washes out. Don’t worry about it clashing with your clothes, either. Clashes are cool and bravery is always sexy.”
We’re convinced! So, here are Aimee’s tips for achieving a salon-worthy colour at home, and more celeb-inspired hues to put on your colour hitlist.
1. Choose A Quality Colour
“Be bold!” says Amy. “There are some awesome reds in the Clairol Professional Colour Studio range. I love these products as they make achieving high end professional looks easy at home and on a budget.”
The range is a favourite with pros as it’s a three-step system that doesn’t just colour. Inspired by salon systems, step one is a pre-colour primer to protect your hair, step two is colour, and step three is aftercare, with a shampoo, conditioner and mask to keep your colour vibrant for longer.
2. More (Colour) Is More
If you have very thick or long hair, consider doubling up on the colour to ensure you get the best coverage.
“Make sure you have enough product,” says Aimee. “This may mean buying more than one box, but it’s better to have more than less.”
3. Watch The Clock
Make sure you set a timer according to the directions on the kit and stick to it.
“For a true, bright colour leave your colour on for the full recommended time,” says Aimee. “Otherwise, it might look a bit washed out and not the most fabulous version you’re going for.”
4. Take Care With Your Application
Apply a layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline to protect against staining, and ensure you get the tint right down to the hairline.
“Watch the application when you’re going round your hairline and ears,” suggests Aimee. “To be effortlessly cool, you don’t want to give the game away with patchy roots.”
Still not sure if Chappell Roan’s fiery red is for you? Take a scroll through more of our favourite redheads below, to get inspired and find the perfect shade of red to light your fire.
Phoebe Dynevor
Phoebe Dynevor’s gorgeous copper tone packs a more subtle punch with lighter highlights.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Bryce Dallas Howard’s gorgeous light red is a perfect offset for her green eyes.
Madalaine Petsch
Riverdale’s Madalaine Petsch rocks a red, choppy bob that catches the light.
