Redheaded

Redheaded is an adjective describing a person with red hair. It is commonly used in American and British English; the hyphenated form red-haired is also common.

Most red hair arises from variations in the MC1R gene, which influences the type and amount of melanin produced in hair follicles. Red hair ranges from copper to deep burgundy and is often accompanied by fair skin, freckles, and sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Red hair is inherited as a recessive trait: a child typically needs two copies of the variant to express the phenotype, though other genetic factors can modify hair color.

Geographically, red hair is most prevalent in populations with Northern and Western European ancestry. Scotland and Ireland have the highest frequencies, with notable portions of residents displaying red hair. Globally, red hair is relatively rare, estimated around 1–2%.

Health considerations include greater susceptibility to sunburn and skin cancer due to lighter skin, and some studies have explored differences in pain perception and anesthesia requirements, though findings vary.

Culturally, red hair has various associations and stereotypes, which differ by region and era. The term appears in literature and media to describe characters, and in some languages the word for red hair carries unique connotations. In zoology, redheaded is also used in common names for certain species, such as the red-headed woodpecker.