If I had a dollar for every time someone referred to me as “the red-headed girl,” I could probably pay for my tuition. Ever since I can remember, my bright red hair has been my most defining quality. And to be completely honest, I kind of like it that way. Being a redhead has always been “my thing.” When I was younger, I hated it. All I ever wanted was to look like the rest of my family. To have brown hair, olive skin, and not be asked if I was adopted everywhere we went. But with time, I’ve grown to embrace my hair color and all the inevitable quirks that come with it. So here are six struggles every token red head faces.
1. There aren’t any red-headed emojis.
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Like, come on! There are literally three different fish, eight different birds, six different versions of the sun, every weapon imaginable, and countless unidentifiable foods but not a single red head. All I want is the sassy girl with red hair and a few freckles. Is that too much ask?
2. Everyone thinks you look “exactly” like a red head they know.
OK, if I went around telling every two brunettes they looked identical, people would think that was bizarre. It’s just as weird if you pull up an old Instagram of a red head you went to high school with that, besides hair color, could not look more different from me.
3. As much as you hate people making fun of your fair skin, you know you are super pale.
I can’t leave the house in the summer without copious amounts of sunscreen on or I’ll end up looking like a lobster after 30 minutes. True confessions: I have gotten sunburnt both through a car window and while it was pouring rain.
4. While all of your friends go tanning to maintain a healthy glow, you’re forced to accept your borderline see through skin.
By mid-fall, any sort of color I managed to get over the summer is completely gone. I am basically a ghost. I’ve tried every self tanner known to man and ended up like a carrot no matter what.
5. Kick A Ginger Day was a real thing.
Huge shout out "South Park" circa fifth grade for making that a thing. Really appreciate it.
6. You are “the redhead.”
It is your unofficial title. Every time someone can’t remember your name, they call you “the red-headed girl” or “the one with the red hair.” It’s the first thing people notice about you and it sets you apart. Embrace it. It makes you unique and unforgettable.
