Red hair is a recessive trait, meaning both parents must carry the gene variant to pass it on to their offspring, even if they don't have red hair themselves.
Red hair and blue eyes are the rarest combination due to the MC1R gene mutation. Only around 0.17% of the population has both traits, making it a genetic rarity.
Despite their rarity, redheads make up about 2% of the population globally, with around 158 million individuals. Red hair genes are not being diluted and can resurface.
Redheads have a higher risk of skin cancer due to the MC1R gene mutation, which primarily produces the reddish pigment pheomelanin, making them more susceptible
Female redheads have a higher risk of gynecological cancers, potentially linked to prenatal estrogen exposure influencing hair and eye colors.
People with two copies of the MC1R gene may appear up to two years older than those without, possibly due to genetic pathways affecting skin sagging.
Redheads often have a higher pain threshold, attributed to genetic factors regulating certain pain sensations.
Redheads may require up to 20% more anesthesia than individuals with other hair colors, potentially impacting pain management and dental visits.