Sadie Sink vows to keep her red hair: 'People pay so much for that'

Sadie Sink, best known for portraying Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, has made it clear she intends to keep her signature red hair as-is. In a fresh interview snippet circulating this week, the star quipped, “I like the idea of never doing anything,” and noted the demand for her natural hue, saying people “pay so much” for the colour she was born with. The remarks arrive amid the enduring popularity of copper and auburn tones across salons and social feeds, adding celebrity weight to the movement of embracing natural texture and colour.

Beyond one actor’s preference, Sink’s stance taps a wider cultural thread. Over recent seasons, high-shine copper has become a fixture on runways, red carpets, and TikTok transformations. Yet many stylists also report a growing preference for low-maintenance, true-to-you colour — an ethos that celebrates individuality over relentless reinvention. Sink’s commitment to her red hair sits at the intersection: it nods to a trend but also resists the churn of constant change.

Red hair’s cultural moment — and why it resonates

Red hair has long carried symbolism, from mythology and folklore to silver-screen icons. Today, that fascination feels renewed, not only because copper hues photograph beautifully but because there’s an authenticity to them — even when they’re achieved with dye. Sink’s vow to stay red underlines the confidence that can come with committing to a signature look in an era of instant makeovers.

There’s another layer: representation. Natural redheads are relatively rare globally, and visibility matters. When a prominent actor publicly values her innate colour, it can encourage fans to embrace their own features — whether that’s an unusual undertone, a corkscrew curl pattern, or a streak of silver. That sense of recognition often fuels trend cycles as much as celebrity endorsements do.

The copper craze, staying power, and salon realities

From warm-spiced ginger to burnished auburn, copper’s appeal shows no signs of fading. But unlike a filter, red-based shades require know-how and upkeep. Colour molecules in the red family are notorious for fading more quickly, meaning glosses, toners, and the right at-home habits become crucial for longevity. Sink’s “do nothing” stance therefore stands out: she’s celebrating a natural shade people actively seek to replicate — and pay for — while side-stepping the upkeep that bottle reds often require.

• Salon demand: Consultations for copper and auburn have been steady across seasons, often peaking in autumn and early spring.
• Personalisation: Successful reds are tailored to undertone and eye colour — think strawberry copper for cool skin, spiced cinnamon for warmer complexions.
• Maintenance: Dyed reds typically need regular glossing to refresh vibrancy between full colour services.
• Lighting and styling: Red tones respond dramatically to light and styling finish; gloss and moisture can elevate tonal richness.

For colourists, Sink’s comments are a conversation starter. Clients often arrive with inspiration images seeking the “expensive copper” effect. A realistic plan includes strand tests, gentle lifting where needed, and maintenance scheduling. Equally, those blessed with natural red may need nothing more than UV protection and shine-enhancing care — leaning into the very approach Sink champions.

If you’re tempted by red: expert-led considerations

While this is a story about a celebrity choice, it raises practical questions for anyone contemplating a turn to copper. The best results come from bespoke consultation and a clear understanding of how red behaves. Hair health must be prioritised, particularly if lightening is required first. Then there’s shade selection: fashion-forward warmth can skew orange under certain lights, while deeper auburn can read brunette indoors. A trial gloss can be a smart, low-commitment way to explore.

• Start with a gloss: Semi-permanent or demi-permanent options help test the waters without heavy commitment.
• Mind undertones: Match copper warmth to skin undertone for harmony; neutralise brassiness with professional guidance, not guesswork.
• Protect between visits: Colour-safe shampoo, cooler water, and UV shields preserve depth and shine.
• Style smart: Heat protection and lower heat settings reduce fade, keeping reds richer for longer.

For those determined to keep their natural shade — like Sink — the priority shifts to preservation rather than transformation. That might look like a periodic clear gloss for mirror-like shine, trims to keep ends crisp, and an emphasis on scalp health to support growth and natural lustre.

What Sadie Sink’s stance signals for beauty trends

At a time when reinvention often equals relevance, refusing to tinker with a defining feature is quietly radical. Sink’s comments echo a broader move towards “signature identity styling” — finding the cut or colour that feels authentic and making it your calling card. For salons, this can mean fewer dramatic overhauls and more personalised, long-term hair strategies. For clients, it’s a reminder that a strong point of view can be more compelling than constant novelty.

It also underscores a healthy reset in beauty culture: sustainability in choices. Fewer drastic colour changes can mean less chemical processing, fewer corrective services, and a more mindful relationship with hair health. Even if copper remains a powerful seasonal magnet, the conversation now includes when to hold steady as much as how to switch shades.

How natural redheads can nurture their colour

Natural redheads often discover their colour softens over time due to sun exposure and environmental stressors rather than dye fade. The toolkit for maintaining brilliance is straightforward and gentle. Think of it as setting up guardrails so your natural tone stays centre-stage — very much in the spirit of Sink’s “never doing anything,” but with quiet support systems in place.

• UV and pollution protection: Leave-in shields help maintain vibrancy and reduce environmental dulling.
• Hydration first: Conditioners and masks restore the cuticle, boosting light reflection for a richer red.
• Clear or tinted gloss: In-salon or at-home clear glosses amp up shine without altering tone; subtle tint can refine warmth.
• Cooler rinses: Hot water accelerates colour leaching in dyed hair and can contribute to dryness in natural red hair.
• Gentle cleansing: Fewer, milder washes preserve natural oils that enhance colour depth and sheen.

Ultimately, whether you’re guarding a natural copper crown or flirting with a salon-crafted auburn, the message behind this moment is consistent: make choices that honour your hair’s long-term health and your personal aesthetic — not just the algorithm. Sink’s stance, delivered with dry wit, captures that beautifully.

Key Takeaways

• Sadie Sink says she plans to keep her natural red hair, noting that “people pay so much” for the colour many try to replicate.
• Her comments align with two coexisting currents: the ongoing copper trend and a rising embrace of signature, low-maintenance looks.
• Red-based shades are high-impact but can be high-maintenance; glosses, UV protection and gentle care are crucial for dyed reds.
• Natural redheads benefit from preservation strategies — hydration, protection, and occasional clear gloss — rather than dramatic changes.
• The bigger picture: beauty culture is leaning into authenticity and sustainability, valuing hair health and long-term identity over constant reinvention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is copper hair still trending?
Yes. Copper, ginger, and auburn tones continue to be salon favourites. The shades are versatile, flattering across skin tones when personalised, and photograph beautifully — sustaining their popularity.

Can I achieve a Sadie Sink-style red if I’m not a natural redhead?
Often, yes. A colourist can tailor copper or auburn to your undertone. Expect a plan that may include gentle lightening, a custom mix, and scheduled glosses to maintain vibrancy.

Why does dyed red fade faster?
Red dye molecules are larger and tend to slip from the hair shaft more quickly. Heat styling, frequent washing, and sun exposure accelerate fade, so protection and gentle care matter.

What’s the maintenance like for red hair?
For dyed reds: regular glosses or toner refreshes, colour-safe washing, UV and heat protection. For natural reds: focus on hydration, UV shields, and shine-enhancing care to keep tone luminous.

Should I try a gloss before committing to copper?
It’s a smart start. Semi- or demi-permanent glosses let you explore warmth and shine with minimal commitment, helping you refine your ideal shade before a full colour service.