WHILE they might not run the country, they rule their roost, and some Southern Downs women have harnessed their inner rouge to get what they want.

Environmentally the colour red screams a warning of danger, whether it is high temperature, inedible food or infection, but along the line in “people world” it’s a colour of sexuality.

Is the nation’s new Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who sports a red mop, someone nice with a little bit of spice?

Hair Kreations senior stylist Tina King has more than 30 years in the trade and said whether it was a dab of red lippy, nail polish or a complete hair overhaul, red was a cracker of a choice.

“Hairdressers just love our new and latest inspiration – PM Julia,” she said.

“It’s not just all about red, but colours like copper and gold which can add extra oomph. Red highlights and streaks are popular in Warwick and it suits anyone of any age.

“It’s not enough to have the colour, you need the cut to complete the look, and I think Julia looks much nicer now she’s grown her hair a little. She looks softer now.”

While she wouldn’t go as far as to say Ms Gillard’s rise to power was the inspiration for Warwick women turning red, Ms King said red colouring had been popular in recent weeks.

“Julia has certainly given red hair a higher profile, but we noticed more clients asking for that look about a month before (she was PM),” she said.

Ms King pondered the notion of the red dyeing breed; it seems the faux trend in Warwick is in full swing.

“It’s well documented redheads are a dying breed or are they?” Ms King said.

The Southern Downs is a haven for the ginger ninjas with Southern Downs Regional councillor Ross Bartley, the Kelly and Carey clans all keeping the gene alive.