How To Be A Redhead Tips From Vendetti Sisters - Hair - Cosmopolitan

We know that red hair rules – it's so sassy and distinctive – but try telling that to girls growing up in a bronzed skinned, blonde haired environment like sisters Stephanie Vendetti and Adrienne Vendetti Hodges did.

Adrienne told us: "We were the only redheads in school. Most of our friends had super tan skin and dark features. Because we looked so different, we were definitely a target for bullies." It's a familiar story and while they conformed, with Stephanie dying her hair blonde for years, over time they both realised that by changing themselves and looking intimidated they were making themselves bait for bullies.

"Confidence is a pure repellent for bullies," Adrienne says. "Once you start showcasing true confidence, others will start telling you, 'Wow, I wish I had red hair.' It's incredibly empowering to see the tables turn."

And that they have. The girls launched their website HowtobeaRedhead.com which they hope empowers other redheads to become confident like they did.

"It's our mission to make sure our audience finds their beauty within, turning their 'derision' into a great asset, just like we did" Adrienne explained – and that's exactly what they've done, retailing customised redhead hair accessories. Amazing!

We asked the girls to share their red-hot beauty tips with Cosmo because we certainly want some of what they've got…

- Fair eyelashes and eyebrows? Use a pencil or powder to darken your eyebrows. Make sure it isn't the same colour as your hair; we recommend a few shades deeper than your hair colour. And, make black mascara your best friend. - Embrace your freckles and fair skin. Don't cover them up! To enhance the beauty of your skin, add light powder to your face, sweep on a golden blush to your cheek, and one stroke of bronzer (make the fish face when doing so) will do it. - Always remember: SPF 365 days a year! - Treat your red hair with care. Use a sulphate-free, chemical-free shampoo and conditioner. - Oh, and say goodbye to those brown and black bobby pins, hair ties and bun makers. Redhead hair accessories do exist!

Photos by Kara Kochalko

Bridget March is the Multiplatform Beauty Birector at Harper’s Bazaar, overseeing all beauty and wellbeing content on the UK website and YouTube channel.

From news and interviews to tutorials and treatment reviews, she answers the beauty questions you’re searching for with expert advice (see the renowned #SkinSchool franchise for evidence), taking deep dives into the latest trends (from polynucleotides to Profhilo), and sharing the products A-listers really use (via the ‘Inside my beauty bag’ video series).

Bridget has written for various brands within the Hearst portfolio and beyond, and was formerly Digital Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan. She lives with her husband and two sons (plus a baby on the way!) in the Cotswolds.

Follow Bridget on Instagram @bridgetmarch