Since Hip Hops inception artists have made it a goal to stand out from their peers through lyrics, visual art work and mostly their appearance which is evident by the list of rappers with red hair.
The rarity of red hair and distinctiveness is used by all rappers listed in our editorial to project a sense of uniqueness or nonconformity.
Now that we think about it Rhianna’s bold move in 2010 to dye her hair red influenced various hair and beauty campaigns, magazine covers, and runway looks and culture, which includes Hip Hop culture, so is Rhianna responsible for this? It’s not too far fetched when you think about it.
Our editorial features artists who have styled their hair this way in the past and those who currently do.
The Best Rappers with Red Hair
Kanye Red Buzz
A large part of Kanye’s appeal comes from his unpredictable nature seen in various forms such as his unconventional fashion choices & red unconventional hairstyles.
Back in 2018 Kanye debuted a red buzz cut which as expected made headline news due to this being one of the more distinctive hairstyles seen on the rapper.
The man responsible for this? Daniel Moon! Known for his celebrity clientele. He details his artistry in an interview with complex.
Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi makes both our editorial lists, rappers with blonde hair and rappers with red hair! The man knows no creative boundaries when it comes to hair!
Similarly to Kanye West we also see Kid Cudi having his Red hair dyed in to his short buzz cut with the complimentary faded sides.
The addition of a vibrant red colour to a buzz cut adds an element of visual impact and uniqueness which we see him style on the red carpet for more media coverage.
Red is an attention-grabbing hue that stands out from more common hair colours, making the style instantly recognizable.
Lil Yachty
Today Hairstyles have become an integral part of a rappers image allowing them to reinforce their brand identity. Lil Yachty braids dyed in red did just that!
Within Hip Hop Sounding the same and looking the same are sins, therefore its common to see artists get creative with their image, even if that means dying their hair!
Today he’s a household name and doesn’t need to rely on distinctive image branding to be recognized so he’s gone back to his natural hair color. In an interview with complex he says the red hair was hard to maintain
“The bleach was literally killing my hair. My hair was just dying. It’s growing now. That’s all. It’s just hair. I just kept it red because I loved it. But it kept falling out. It never would grow.”
Lil Yachty talks to complex about ditching his red braids
Playboi Carti
Today we have a large representation of rappers with dreads, coming in all different styles, Playboi Carti made have had the most distinctive look with his red locs.
At Heartafact we specifically created a video on his dreadlock journey and distinctive hair color.
Dreadlocks are distinctive in nature due to their unique appearance and cultural significance when we pair them with red dyed it adds to their uniqueness which is what he did.
This distinctive texture and formation make them easily recognizable and set them apart from more conventional hairdos.
Trippie Red
Trippie Redd’s red dreadlocks are a key element of his personal brand and visual identity, I mean the color is even in his name! Duh!
The vibrant red color and distinctive hairstyle make a bold statement, which also played a massive role marketing himself during the SoundCloud era.
They also carry cultural significance, representing individuality and cultural pride. Trippie Redd’s red dreadlocks contribute to his brand recognition and add to the visual storytelling that accompanies his music.
Lil Uzi Vert
The unpredictable nature of Uzi, adds to his allure and intrigue. Outside of his hair and fashion choices he’s known for his enigmatic persona, constantly defying expectations and pushing the boundaries of creativity and self-expression.
From pink, blue, red, blonde, orange, Uzi has done it all. He’s one of the only artist that comes to mind when it comes to diverse dread colors, well maybe Lil Pump Dreads too.
Famous Dex
Famous Dex, another artist making multiple editorial lists such as rappers with face tattoos and colored dreads, all as a result of the current state of hip hop.
The difference between traditional hip-hop fashion choices and the styles embraced by emo rappers and SoundCloud rappers is marked by contrasting aesthetics and cultural influences.
Traditional 90s rappers typically adhered to a distinct fashion code characterized by buzz cuts, bald heads, and baggy clothing, whereas emo rappers and SoundCloud rappers have gravitated towards more expressive and individualistic looks, often featuring facial tattoos and colorful hair.
Mario Judah
Rapper Mario Judah has gained attention in the music industry for his distinctive red afro, which stands out as a unique and eye-catching hairstyle choice.
While some artists have incorporated color into their hair as part of promotional strategies or for artistic expression, few have embraced the striking combination of an afro style with a vibrant red hue.
Tekashi 69
Tekashi 6ix9ine, gained attention in the hip-hop industry not only for his controversial persona but also for his incredibly unique and colorful rainbow hair.
His hairstyle stands out as one of the most unconventional and eye-catching in hip hop, as it deviates from the norms and traditional styles that have been prevalent in the genre.
In addition to this his influence crosses industries and enters the fight world, enter Sean O Malley Hair.
During a promotional video for UFC 280 Sean stated that it was the rapper 69 who inspired him to start coloring his hair in multiple ways.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki doesn’t have a signature look. She’s known for constantly changing the play to keep our attention, one of these attention grabbers is red wig Nicki!
As Nicki rose to prominence back in 2010 this is also the period we saw Rhianna make the iconic red hair change, soon after we saw Nicki do the same.
Nicki’s red hair became synonymous with her fearless, edgy, and trendsetting persona, which was fit for her new status as queen of rap!
The red hair era inspired countless individuals around the world to experiment with their own hair colors and embrace more unconventional and vibrant shades.
It sparked a trend of people seeking out red hair dye in salons and nothing speaks influence more than this! The GOAT she is indeed!
Disclaimer: Applying any sort of chemical to your hair is a very risky job as this can lead to breakage or thinning if not done correctly, therefore we always recommend you use a professional.
How to Care for Dye & Bleached Coloured Hair
We always advice you see a professional when it comes to the act of placing chemicals in your hair, however here’s what you should do to maintain it.
–Minimize washing frequency: Washing colored hair too frequently can strip away the color faster which is why we advice you give some time between wash days!
–Use sulfate-free and color-safe shampoo: Regular shampoos containing sulfates can strip away the color and moisture from your hair. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that are specifically formulated for coloured hair and one for your hair type!
–Condition regularly: Coloured hair tends to be more prone to dryness and damage. Conditioning regularly is essential to keep your hair hydrated and nourished. This is even more important for afro textured hair!
–Limit heat styling: Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause further damage to coloured hair. Minimize the use of these tools or opt for heat protectant sprays before styling to create a barrier between your hair and the heat.
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