Women 'dyeing' to be like Gillard

Pink Zombie stylist Ben McGee colouring Anita Casanova’s hair.

Sarah Harvey

HER Kath and Kim voice and long nose might not ever be fashionable but since Julia Gillard has become Prime Minister red hair has come in vogue in Ipswich.

When Ms Gillard landed the top job on June 24, our proud flame-haired PM has been the butt of many a “ranga” joke.

But before you unleash any more Fanta hair comments, take a look around – you might see more red heads around than you have previously noticed.

Stylist Ben McGee, from Pink Zombie hair designers in Raceview, says there has been an increase in the number of customers coming in asking for a red dye job.

While he had not considered the theory that Julia Gillard’s rise in prominence might be behind the sudden surge, Mr McGee said red colouring was certainly popular in recent weeks.

“We get at least five to 10 customers a week wanting a vibrant red colour,” he said.

“In winter natural hair colour doesn’t stand out, so people might be looking for something different.

“I don’t know if it’s necessarily because of Julia Gillard, but maybe, who knows?”

Pink Zombie senior stylist Anita Casanovas – who sports a bright red hairstyle herself – said it was common for people to follow the latest celebrity trends.

She used pop star Rhianna’s latest red ’do as an example of how the styles of the stars can influence everyday people.

“That definitely makes a difference, especially when people are seeing it on TV and magazines,” she said.

Charne Quinn, the development manager at Gaye’s Hair Fashions, said demand for red hair was still being outmatched by customers looking to go blonde or brunette.

“We haven’t experienced any rush on red – we always do quite a few of them but overall it’s blonde and brunette colours that are the most popular,” she said.

“As we’re coming out of winter, people want to be blonde.”

For those who can tolerate a little carrot-top bashing, social networking site Facebook has seen plenty of Gillard/red head fan pages pop up during the past few weeks.

Groups like It’s OK that Kevin Rudd cried.... I’d cry too if a redhead took my job and Ronald McDonald... Julia Gillard – Can you tell the difference? I CAN’T appear to have hundreds of members.

On a local level, Ipswich-based politicians Rachel Nolan and Jo-Ann Miller have sported red locks in recent times.

FAMOUS REDHEADS

• Nicole Kidman
• Axel Rose
• Mick Hucknall
• David Caruso
• Lindsay Lohan
• Prince Harry
• Ron Howard
• Kirsten Dunst
• Julianne Moore