Strawberry blonde hair has become an increasingly popular hair color in recent years. But is it really just a lighter shade of ginger hair? In this article, we’ll explore the differences and similarities between strawberry blonde and ginger hair colors.
Defining Strawberry Blonde Hair
Strawberry blonde hair is often described as a blend of blonde and red hair. It gets its name from the subtle warm, reddish-pink tones mixed into the blonde base. The result is a soft, sweet hue that looks like the color of a ripe strawberry.
True strawberry blonde hair is rare, occurring naturally in just 2% of the population. It’s a genetic phenotype most commonly found in people of Northern European descent. Models and celebs like Nicole Kidman, Isla Fisher, and Julianne Moore are all famous for their iconic strawberry blonde manes.
This hair color is achieved by lightening the hair first to a pale yellow blonde shade. Then, red and copper tones are added to create the strawberry blonde effect. As a hybrid hair color, the intensity of the red tones can vary from very subtle to more pronounced.
Defining Ginger Hair
Ginger hair is characterized by medium to dark golden or coppery red tones. It contains pheomelanin, a red pigment that gives hair its fiery ginger color. People with ginger hair have a mutation in the MC1R gene that results in increased pheomelanin production.
Ginger hair color can range from a rich mahogany to burnt orange to golden red. Its intensity is due to the high concentration of pheomelanin. True gingers often have very fair skin and freckles as well. Less than 2% of the world’s population has natural ginger hair.
While often associated with Celtic ancestry, ginger hair can occur in people from a variety of genetic backgrounds. Famous gingers include Prince Harry, Jessica Chastain, and Damian Lewis.
The Difference Between Strawberry Blonde and Ginger
While strawberry blonde and ginger hair may seem similar at first glance, looking closer reveals some key differences:
| Strawberry Blonde | Ginger |
|---|---|
| Paler, illuminated blonde base | Darker golden to burnt orange base |
| Subtle red tones | Intense, saturated copper tones |
| Softer, more feminine | Bolder, more high-contrast |
Essentially, strawberry blonde hair has a much lighter base with subtle warm undertones. Ginger hair has a more dramatic, super-saturated red-orange base. Strawberry blondes are generally low-contrast with delicate coloration. Gingers have high-contrast, vivid coloring.
How Light Must Blonde Hair Be to Qualify as Strawberry Blonde?
For blonde hair to be considered a true strawberry blonde, it must be pale yellow to nearly platinum blonde in base color. If the hair still has visible golden tones, it’s unlikely to appear strawberry blonde when the red color is added.
Why is this important? Because a pale base is necessary for the delicate strawberry blonde effect. If the foundation is too dark and gold, the red tones will make the hair look more ginger or copper instead.
Additionally, well-lightened hair absorbs and holds the subtle strawberry tones better. Darker blonde hair tends to take stronger red pigments better. So the lighter the base, the softer the strawberry color will seem.
Can You Be Strawberry Blonde with Dark Roots Showing?
Dark roots will disrupt the gentle strawberry blonde effect. The contrast between the pale lengths and darker regrowth will make hair appear more obviously dyed. It can also create a jarring two-tone look.
Additionally, darker roots absorb more red pigment from the strawberry toner. This can cause the regrowth to look more ginger, clashing with the lightness through the mid-lengths and ends.
That said, those with naturally dark blonde or light brown hair can absolutely achieve a natural-looking strawberry blonde. But seamlessly matching the roots is key. Getting regularly scheduled root touch-ups every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the most believable color.
Can Gingers Go Strawberry Blonde?
Gingers can absolutely go strawberry blonde if they wish! However, it does require significantly lightening the hair first. Here are some tips for gingers going strawberry:
- Use a color-removing treatment to strip artificial pigment from previously colored hair.
- Lighten hair to a pale yellow using bleach or high-lift blonde dye. Orange undertones must be neutralized.
- Tone hair with a strawberry or copper-red shade. Avoid shades with violet bases which can mute ginger tones.
- Use a coloring conditioner or gloss to refresh the strawberry tones between salon visits.
The major hurdle is getting the hair light enough to support pastel, strawberry-toned shades. But once the canvas is pre-lightened, gingers can successfully achieve lighter, softer strawberry hues.
Can Strawberry Blondes Go Full Ginger?
For strawberry blondes who want to unleash their inner ginger, going a deeper shade of red is completely achievable. Here’s how:
- Fill the hair with a protein-rich conditioning treatment before coloring. Red dye can be drying.
- Use a vibrant copper, ginger, or Irish red shade all over. Avoid orange-leaning reds.
- Boost color intensity by applying to unwashed hair and process the max time.
- Maintain shine and hydration with weekly masks and gloss treatments.
The light base of strawberry blonde hair can easily soak up the vibrant ginger pigment. Lean into warmer brick reddish tones for the most natural-looking ginger shade.
How to Care for Strawberry Blonde Hair
To keep strawberry blonde hair looking its best, be diligent about proper care. Here are some top tips:
- Wash less frequently, just 2-3 times a week. Over-washing can cause dryness and fade.
- Rinse with cool water and use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Apply a weekly hydrating hair mask to boost moisture.
- Use a tinted conditioner or gloss between salon visits to refresh color.
- Avoid chlorine and salt water that can leach color.
- Wear a protective swim cap and sun hat outdoors.
With the right gentle hair care regimen, strawberry blonde color should last 4-6 weeks between professional toning sessions.
How to Care for Ginger Hair
To keep bright ginger hair looking bold and beautiful:
- Shampoo just 1-2 times per week to prevent dryness and fading.
- Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
- Rinse with lukewarm water instead of hot to lock in moisture.
- Apply a deep conditioning hair mask weekly.
- Refresh color between salon visits with an at-home glossing treatment.
- Protect hair from UV rays with hats or scarves outdoors.
Proper maintenance is key for keeping ginger hair looking vibrant and healthy.
In Conclusion
While strawberry blonde and ginger hair may seem similar at first, they are actually quite different hair colors. Strawberry blonde has a lighter base with subtle warm tones. Ginger hair has saturated, vivid coppery coloration. However, with the right techniques, it is possible to shift your hair color from strawberry to ginger or vice versa.
No matter which hue you prefer, properly caring for colored hair is crucial. Use sulfate-free, color-safe products, mask weekly, and limit washing. With the right maintenance regimen, you can keep your strawberry blonde or ginger hair looking its best.