redhaired

Redhaired, or red-haired, refers to people whose natural hair color ranges from coppery to reddish-brown and is primarily determined by variants of the MC1R gene. Red hair results from a relative increase in pheomelanin, with lower eumelanin production.

Prevalence of red hair is highest in Northern and Western Europe, with Scotland and Ireland showing the strongest frequencies. Estimates place red hair in about 10–13% of people in Scotland and around 10% in Ireland; globally, red hair occurs in roughly 1–2% of the population.

Physical traits commonly associated with red hair include fair skin, light eye colors such as blue, green, or gray, and freckles. People with red hair may have increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light and a higher risk of sunburn, so sun protection is often recommended.

Genetics and variation: MC1R variants linked to red hair are typically inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, though some variants can express with just one copy. Hair shades span from deep burgundy to bright copper and strawberry blonde, and red hair can occur with a range of eye colors.

Health and research: Some studies report differences in pain sensitivity and anesthetic response among redheads, but findings are not yet conclusive. The higher prevalence of red hair in fair-skinned populations largely reflects historical geographic patterns rather than health outcomes.

Culture: Redhair has appeared in folklore, literature, and media and has been the subject of stereotypes and humor in various cultures. Attitudes toward redhaired individuals vary across time and place.