It has long been known that redheads are at higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer. This is to be expected because red hair is associated with fair skin, which is more vulnerable to UV radiation [1].
Red headed women reported more frequent diagnoses of cervical uterine cancer, cervical uterine precancerosis, ovarian cancer and other cancer. Both male and female redheads reported more frequent diagnoses of colorectal cancer.
In the past five years, researchers have found that the genetic mutation responsible for redhead's ruby tresses and snow-white skin also makes them more sensitive to hot and cold -- and it could also make them a whole lot harder to numb up.
Prior research has already put red-haired humans and mice into the spotlight, pointing out that they have a higher pain threshold. They also don't need as high of a dosage of pain-killing opioids, and they tend to require more anesthesia compared to people with non-red hair.
The Science Behind Red Hair and the MC1R Gene
Aside from genetics, redheads could have higher alcohol tolerance for other reasons. As is the case with non-redheads, people with red hair may be able to drink more alcohol due to their: Learned tolerance. Metabolic tolerance.
The gene responsible for red hair (MC1R) also releases a hormone that is similar to endorphins which limit the feeling of pain. This means that redheads need less painkillers to treat ailments.
Lifespan. Redheads can live as long as 21 years in the wild.
In fact, green eyes are the most common eye color amongst redheads 💚🤯 If you have green eyes, blue eyes or any other color — we gotta say, it's very DEMURE 👨🦰👩🦰
Nature's Rarest Palette: Red Hair Standing at the apex of rarity, natural red hair occurs in just 1-2% of the global population. This striking shade results from a specific genetic variant of the MC1R gene, requiring both parents to pass on the recessive trait.
Redheads feel hot and cold temperatures more severely than anyone else. In 2005, the University of Louisville discovered this hidden gift and hypothesised that the redhead gene, MC1R may cause the human temperature-detecting gene to become over-activated, making redheads more sensitive to thermal extremes.
Did you know? These red hair variants in MC1R likely first appeared in ancient humans around 30,000-80,000 years ago, at about the same time as early migrations out of Africa. Scientists used to think red hair evolved to help people produce Vitamin D in chilly places with little sunlight (think Ireland).
Some studies have found increased pain sensitivity in people with red hair while others have found increased pain tolerance. Researchers believe this may be because of different variations in the MC1R gene, which is associated with red hair and with pain perception.
Women with red hair color exhibited higher sexual desire and sexual activity, a higher number of sexual partners of the preferred sex, earlier initiation of sexual life, and lower sexual dominance (and therefore higher sexual submissiveness).
Her research lead all the way back to the ginger gene's origin in Africa, tracing its spread across ancient Greece, to the redheaded mummies of China, and to Renaissance Europe. Colliss Harvey's research found that redheaded individuals have higher levels of vitamin D, which is a source of strength.
In fact, copper and bright ginger hair have the widest range of flattering shades, working exceptionally well with soft pastels, earthy tones, warm neutrals, and pretty much every shade of green and teal. Think of baby blue, mint green, soft yellow, and sandy beige as your best allies!
Red hair is most commonly found at the northern and western fringes of Europe; it is centred around populations in the British Isles and is particularly associated with the Celtic nations.
The rarest eye colors are red and violet, which are primarily found in individuals with albinism. Excluding those affected by albinism, green and gray eyes are considered the most uncommon.
Redheads are less likely to go grey. The pigment in red hair typically fades over time from red to blonde and white, but not grey. Redheads produce more Vitamin D in a shorter amount of time than people with other hair colors.
Only hair length and the hair colors “brown” and “brown and red” have been identified as independent risk factors for head lice infestation. Most head lice die without ingesting more blood within 30 hours after the last feed (18).
Because red hair and left-handedness are both recessive traits (which tend to come in pairs), redheads are more likely to be left handed. 5. They change temperatures faster than others which makes them more sensitive to hot/cold weather.
Perhaps bruises are more noticeable in those with fair skin. Differences in vascular fragility and non-detectable haemostatic factors, or simply redhead-specific female clumsiness, cannot be excluded. Anaesthetists are right though, redheads are different: they have greater anesthetic requirements than non-redheads.
Red hair runs in families, but non-redhead parents can also have a red haired child. So how exactly does genetics influence hair color? MC1R is a recessive gene. This means that two copies (one inherited from each parent) are required for the trait to be observed.
Red hair is seen as bold and daring, and those with red hair are often perceived as confident and assertive. Studies have shown that redheads are more likely to stand out in a crowd and be remembered by others. This can lead to a boost in confidence and self-esteem.