I was born a redhead, but these days when people ask if my hair is natural I’m not sure the honest answer is still ‘yes.’ I started dying it shortly before my thirtieth birthday when my once fiery locks began fading a sort of washed-out auburn shade. At first, I was in denial about this sad sign of aging. I convinced myself it was seasonal, as my hair always darkened a bit in the winter, but when summer rolled around and my hair was still drab, I had to face the fact that youth wasn’t the only thing time was robbing me of; it was also trying to steal my identity.

Hair colorist to the stars, Rita Hazan, dishes out 10 rules for those lookin’ to go red.

1. Never pick a color that looks or sounds fake, like “Cherry Bomb.” Pick colors that are soft and natural.

2. Make sure you change your makeup; going red means making the necessary adjustments to your makeup!

3. As a redhead, it is also important to wear clothes that compliment your hair color. Fiery hair requires less details on clothing, you’re already making a bold statement with that color!

4. In the Fall and Winter, I suggest taking your red to a deeper, richer shade.