Is red the new blonde?

Are you tempted to become a scarlet woman or are you a born redhead who relates to Catherine Tate's Russet Lodge marginalised freaks of nature sketch?

Red hair is red-hot right now and A-list blondes and brunettes alike - Davina McCall, Ashlee Simpson, Helena Christensen and Claire Danes - have been drawn to the shade like so many moths to a flame. The latest trend is for warm and earthy tones, reflective rather than vibrant with the introduction of in-salon glossing techniques producing a luminous, translucent and more naturally beautiful looking result. It's no longer just a case of classy Nicole Kidman setting the tone for the titian haired, there's a mood for a more rock 'n' roll redhead altogether. 'Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters has done wonders for making 'ginge' more couture. Worn with a golden beige fringe hers is an individual look that our funky, fashion-led clients admire,' says AJ, TONI & GUY's International Technical Director. Unsurprisingly autumn is all about intensity, 'Russet red, rich dark coppers and honey gold slices are set to be the fantastic colour combinations throughout the coming months. Slices applied at 45 degree angles will replace the lines and stripes of colour of old for more believable effect,' says David Hooper of Hoopers of Biggleswade and Hitchin.

The real deal

  gorgeous redhead Lily Cole Real redheads are an endangered species with a mere 4 per cent of the population carrying the gene. Their natural habitat appears to be Ireland where they number around 320,000, but worldwide it's estimated redheads account for just one percent of the population. Red hair occurs when spherical or oval granules in the hair's cortex (the soft middle layer of cells) appear in combination with elongated melanin granules. The classic redhead has pale skin and often a smattering of freckles. Natural redheads have fewer hairs than blondes and brunettes and its texture is thicker with a tendency to coarseness so you should look for hair products containing conditioning ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides and proteins. The natural enemy of curly red hair in particular is frizz. The best way to combat this is not too handle the hair too much in the first place, particularly when drying it. If your curls tend towards crispiness use deep conditioning treatment on a regular basis: this could mean as often as twice a week.

Red alert
According to the TNS Haircare consumer usage database 12m/e March 2004 an incredible 85 per cent of redheads in the UK have colour treated hair. Fakers will discover that red tones 'lift' quicker than any other, however the salon industry heavyweights are trying to respond to this problem as never before. For example Wella's Redvolution contains a special pigment to encourage reds to last up to 30 per cent longer and be more resistant to the fading effects of shampooing, sunlight etc. When it comes to your home care regime invest in specialist ranges. John Frieda's Radiant Red collection with Red Defend Complex boasts anti-fade formula shampoos, colour nourishing conditioners and a unique Daily Colour Sealer, £6.99 a non-greasy, lightweight sealer that creates a protective barrier around the hair shaft to lock in and preserve colour vibrancy. Toni & Guy have improved the formulations of their Insights Colour Reviver shampoos in Rustic Copper and Cranberry Red, £4.99 each, they contain low levels of dye molecules which when applied and left on for three minutes deposit small amounts of semi-permanent colour with even more lustre than before. L'Oréal Paris Elvive Colour Refresh Reigniting Masque, £5.99 promises to spice up fiery red and mahogany tones as well as offering intense conditioning. Just out is VO5 Fade Defy, from £2.19 a trio of products to lock in that just coloured look. If you're looking to spend a little more, in the salon professional sector Goldwell has launched Color Glow Shampoo, £7.25, 01323 432 100 in Feel Copper and also Stay Red variants.

Latest flames
Lighting up the screen in celebville are:
Ana Matronic – pop's copper muse.
Beyoncé – crazy in love with red tones.
Karen Elson – flame haired catwalk icon.
Marcia Cross – Desperate Housewives' regal redhead.
Samantha Bond – Moneypenny with a strawberry crush.
Debra Messing – funny girl, serious curls.
Melinda Clarke – aka Julie Cooper Nichol, the O.C's scarlet widow.
Catherine Tate – in fashion, but is she bothered?