No, red dye 3 and red dye 40 are not the same. Red dye 40, made of a chemical compound called Allura red AC, is already ...

Letter writer was born a redhead but now must dye it to keep its color. How do they explain that to curious strangers?

I feel inclined to explain that it once was, but that I currently dye it. However, that feels awkward and unnecessary.

Now, I feel inclined to explain that it once was, but that I currently dye it. However, that feels awkward and unnecessary. What would you suggest I say when someone asks me this very direct question?