13 fascinating facts about redheads that everyone needs to know (2024)

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What are the coolest facts about redheads? ›

The highest concentration of redheads is in Scotland (13%) followed by Ireland (10%). Worldwide, only 2% of people have red hair. People with red hair are likely more sensitive to pain. This is because the gene mutation (MC1R) that causes red hair is on the same gene linked to pain receptors.

Tina Louise. In 1958, Louise was named the “World's Most Beautiful Redhead” by the National Art Council, and it's not hard to see why. The stunning natural redhead is best remembered for her role as the aptly-named “Ginger” on the sitcom “Gilligan's Island,” and is now the last surviving member of the beloved sitcom.

Redheads have more pheomelanin

Redheads produce more pheomelanin due to genetic changes (called variants) in the MC1R gene found on chromosome 16.

gingerphobia (uncountable) (UK, informal) Fear, dislike, or hatred of people with red hair.

Redheads have less hair and thicker strands than most people. On average, it's believed that those with red hair have 90,000 strands, while blondes have around 110,000 and brunettes have 140,000. Redheads are less likely to go grey.

Less than 2 percent of the world's population has red hair, making it the rarest hair color in the world. It's the result of the mutated MC1R gene. If both parents carry that gene, their child has a 25% chance of getting lovely, red locks, even if the parents don't have red hair themselves.

Rarest kind of redhead

Having red hair and blue eyes is the rarest hair/eye color combination possible. The odds of a person having both of those recessive traits is around 0.17%. Instead, most redheads have brown, hazel or green eyes, according to Medical Daily.

Sex Researcher Professor Dr Werner Habermehl said: “The sex lives of women with red hair were clearly more active than those with other hair colour, with more partners and having sex more often than the average. The research shows that the fiery redhead certainly lives up to her reputation.”

Ruled by planet Mars and naturally drawn to bloodsport, red is the power color of Aries and famous ginger rams include Reba McEntire, Michael Fassbender, Elton John, Tyler Oakley, Leslie Mann, Cynthia Nixon, Conan O'Brien, Alyson Hannigan, Marcia Cross and Gloria Steinem.

Redheads have more pheomelanin and less eumelanin. According to a study published in 2015 in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, the redheaded variations in the MC1R gene reduce the amount of eumelanin, resulting in fair skin. Eumelanin protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

What race are most redheads? ›

And the statistics bear that stereotype out. Ireland has the highest per capita percentage of redheads in the world -- anywhere from 10 to 30 percent, according to Eupedia, a website that explores European genetics and ancestry. They are almost equally prevalent in Scotland and other pockets of Celtic pride.

They are typified as impulsive, quick-tempered, libidinous, and wild. The personalities of people with red hair are often believed to be imitative of their red hair, and they are seen as fiery, hot-tempered, hot-blooded, passionate, and angry.

Appalachian states (such as West Virginia and Tennessee) have a high Scots-Irish population, and as a result a lot of redheads. You might have noticed something about this. They are states that are to the North. Most red haired people are very light in skin color and do not fair will with the Sun.

Gingers are born with reddish-orange hair, and often have fair, freckled skin. Redheads have reddish-brown hair, either naturally or from hair dye. It's fine to call someone a redhead, but it's generally not okay to call someone a ginger without their permission.

Other forms: redheads. A redhead is a person with red hair. Although sometimes it looks more like orange, “orangehead” isn't a thing. Only about one percent of the entire population is a real redhead. In England, a redhead is “ginger” haired.

Lifespan: up to 20 years in captivity, 5-10 years in the wild. Special Adaptations: Males have an elaborate courtship dance where they throw back their heads, almost touching their tail!