I am so proud of the fact that I have red hair. It's definitely the most unique and rarest hair color in the world, and that makes me feel very special. When you have hair as unique a color as this, it's almost impossible to not appreciate what a blessing. However, as a ginger, I always find myself asked these ten questions at least once a week, sometimes more.
1. "Is that your natural hair color?"
GiphyThis is probably the question I get most often. It's really hard to get a natural-looking red hair color from a bottle, so of course, it's my natural color. I wouldn't have it any other way.
2. "You know who you look exactly like? [Insert ginger fictional character here]."
GiphyAriel, Ginny Weasley, Little Orphan Annie, Merida, Princess Anna, Pippi Longstocking, I've heard it all. In fact, one of my family's nicknames for me is Ariel. I can't complain though, since these are some of my favorite fictional characters of all time. Plus, having people compare me to SEVERAL Disney princess on an almost daily basis? Sign me up!
3. "What do you think you'd look like if you dyed your hair?"
GiphyI've worn several wigs during my lifetime for both Halloween and theater, and trust me, no one wants to see me as a blonde. My skin is too fair to look good with any other hair color. I'm almost too scared to try it!
4. "Is it true all gingers are naturally angry?"
GiphyI have heard this so many times in my life. I honestly don't believe there's anything within gingers that causes us to be angrier than other people. Sure, the red hair can be seen as a fiery mane, but that doesn't mean we're always angry. We just may get more fired up about things than we should sometimes.
5. "Have you ever been able to get a tan when you go to the beach?"
GiphyI'm a complete and total beach bum, but I have never once been able to tan when I go to the beach. Or whenever I step outside, for that matter. I go from pale to lobster within the span of five minutes. I honestly wish I could tan, but for me, I need to be sure to layer on the sunscreen whenever I go to the beach.
6. "Did you know gingers have no souls?"
GiphyOh boy, if I had a nickel for every time I've heard this one. People have been telling me this joke since junior high. You'd think that after several years of this joke, people would have come up with some new material. It seems they haven't though, so here I am in college hearing it for the billionth time.
7. "How many freckles do you have?"
GiphyI honestly have no idea how many freckles I have. Just suffice it to say I have a lot. They just keep appearing! Since I can't fully tan, this is my consolation. I used to hate them, but now I think they make me look unique, and I'm quite proud of them.
8. "If you have red hair, that means you're Irish, right?"
GiphyThis is a common myth about gingers that we all come from Ireland. Actually, we don't! I'm equally English and German, so it doesn't really have anything to do with nationality. It mainly has to do with genetics and the luck of the draw (Yes, that pun was indeed intended).
9. "Where do you get it from?"
Bailey Drake
People ask me if my red hair is my natural hair color most often, but the question I get asked second-most often is where I get it. My brother and I get our amazing red hair from our equally amazing dad. Pretty much everyone on his side of the family has red hair, so I feel right at home at family reunions!
10. "Do you wish you had a different hair color?"
I honestly can't imagine having any other hair color. I see being ginger as a complete and total blessing from God. I see it as something unique and something that's entirely my own. I wouldn't trade being ginger for the world.