Red Hair

Red hair is a human hair colour caused mainly by variants in the MC1R gene and is relatively rare worldwide.

Red hair is a human hair colour primarily caused by variants in the MC1R gene and is relatively rare worldwide. It is most common among people of Northwestern European ancestry, particularly those with Celtic heritage, and is associated with higher levels of pheomelanin and lower levels of eumelanin. In Canada, red hair is part of the population's diversity, especially among Canadians of Irish, Scottish, Welsh, or other Northwestern European descent.

Genetics

Natural red hair is usually linked to recessive variants in the MC1R gene on chromosome 16. These variants alter pigmentation, producing the red hair phenotype when inherited in certain combinations.

Appearance and pigmentation

Red hair includes a range of shades, from bright copper and orange-red to burgundy and strawberry blond. It is associated with higher pheomelanin and lower eumelanin than darker hair colours.

Distribution

Red hair is rare globally but more common in people of Northwestern European ancestry, especially in populations with Celtic heritage. Smaller numbers occur in other populations as well.

Cultural associations

Red hair has long been a distinctive feature in art, literature, and popular culture. It has been associated both with beauty and with stereotypes or prejudice in different historical contexts.