A Guide to Invigorating Your Life with the Color Red

"I like you better with color," he said to me, across the table and seemingly out of the blue. "You look better with color."

This was the typical response I began receiving after coloring my hair red, indicating a sort-of colorless, muted existence previously. I hadn't been aware I was projecting such a subdued appearance. Red seemed to be a far leap from where I was at in shades of gray and brown, but I decided to soften the landing by using hair color that washed out in 28 days. I decided to keep coloring my hair beyond that initial month, however, after enjoying the reaction of others to my newly vibrant hair. It was then that I understood something curious about the color red: it attracts attention.

"I never noticed how green your eyes are", or, "Wow. That color looks great on you -- is that a new shirt or something?"

Strangely, while topped with a head of red hair, I had a little more confidence than with my natural, mousy-brown hair color. It wasn't long before I realized that I'd dropped the introvert inside just a few notches, and met people's eyes more. I even started to break the cardinal rule of not wearing pinks or red-toned clothing that might clash with red hair; I threw open my closet to the rich hues of red, and became addicted to colors that weren't beige, gray, black, or muted blues and greens. I even bought a red dress, which elicited more than a few positive comments.

"I love that color on you! That dress is fabulous!"

What is it about the color red?

Red is the color of extroverts and those wanting attention. Red is the color of power, the color most often chosen by males in studies on color and gender. Red is the color of passion. Red is the color of blood, and symbolizes life. Red is the color of happiness and joy, and even of purity in some cultures. Red is hot, red is overt, red means "stop and notice!" And red, when added to your physical appearance, is the color of "look at me."