Pain Tolerance
There have been several studies done that show that redheads have a higher tolerance for pain than those with different colored hair. It’s surprising that hair color would have anything to do with this, but the studied have shown that there seems to be a connection there.
Pain Tolerance
Temperature Changes
A study conducted at the University of Louisville in 2005 showed that redheads are more sensitive to temperature changes. This is due to the fact that they have the MC1R gene, suggesting that they were able to tell that there is a change of temperature before people with other colors of hair. Maybe we need to recruit more redheaded weather forecasters.
Temperature Changes
Less Vitamin D
Since a majority of redheads are from European lineage, it seems like many of them have skin that is used to cold and not-so-sunny climates, which is why many redheads can survive with a lower amount of vitamin D in their system. Their bodies are able to produce more vitamin D own their own as compared to those who liver in sunnier climates and need to spend more time outdoors.
Less Vitamin D
They Get More Laughs
Starting all the way in the 19th century, people considered redheads to be funnier, which helps explain why so many clowns will wear a red wig while performing. Studies from the University of Buffalo showed that people viewed clowns with red wigs to be funnier than those wearing wigs of different colors.
They Get More Laughs
Perceived As More Intimately Active
Although there is not sufficient research to fully back this claim, some studies have suggested that redheads are perceived to be more intimately active. The small amount of evidence was found by Dr. Wener Habermehl supports this claim, but there need to be more studies to be done to find more conclusions.
Perceived As More Intimately Active
Diverse Group
When most people think of redheads, they tend to associate the look with caucasians. However, the truth is that there are redheads all around the world. Many are from Northern Europe and parts of Russia, but there are also genetic mutations in Africa, Asia, and South America, meaning there are redheads all over the world. Morocco has a particularly large population of redheads.
Diverse Group
TV Commercials
Redheads are statistically rare, but looking at TV commercials might fool you into thinking they are more common than they actually are. Upstream Analysis conducted a report in 2014 that showed that about 30% of TV commercials aired during primetime feature at least one redhead. CBS holds the record for showing a redhead in a commercial every 106 seconds.
TV Commercials
Less Than 2%
While we all know that redheads are rare, just how rare are they? Studies have found that only 1-2% of the population is born with naturally red hair, which is a seriously small number. They are most common in Western Europe. Scotland boasts the largest population of redheads in the world, and about 13% of its population has red hair. Additionally, about 10% of Ireland’s population is a redhead, while comparatively, the number of redheads in the population is about 2%.
Less Than 2%
Less Hair
While they stand out because of their hair, redheads are actually more likely to have less hair on the top of their heads as opposed to the rest of the population. Redheads have an average of 90,000 hairs on their heads. Comparatively, brunettes have 140,000 hairs, and blondes have 110,000 hairs on their heads.
Less Hair
No Greying Out
Although redheads have less hair, not all is grim news, since the natural pigment of their hair lasts longer on average then for those with different colors of hair. Red hair tends to fade at a slower red and first turns faded copper, then rosy blonde, and only then to silver.
No Greying Out
National Redhead Day
In the United States, November 5th has been designated “Love Your Red Hair Day” in order to encourage redheads to embrace and love their natural hair. This day is celebrated in countries outside of the U.S. as well.
National Redhead Day
Many Shades Of Red
While we group together all people with red hair and refer to them as redheads, surely you’ve noticed that there are many variations of the exact color and vibrance of the red. There are about 6 different hues, starting with pale strawberry blond, and all the way to dark auburn, with many colors in between.
Many Shades Of Red
British Isles Last Names
Many common last names in the British Isles actually refer to a color of red hair that had been prominent in that particular family historically. An example of this is the name Flannery, and it means russet hair. A common last name is also Flynn, which is related to the meaning of bright red. The name Reid means “red haired person.”
British Isles Last Names
In Danger Of Extinction
While we already think of red hair as being rare, many studies have suggested that the red hair gene is becoming even less common, with some studies estimating that it could be eradicated by the year 2060. However, some scientists disagree with this theory, saying that the gene could actually stay dormant and then return in a different generation.
In Danger Of Extinction
Dark Hair To Red, Naturally
In some very rare cases, people can have a condition called Kwashiorkor, which is caused by protein deficiencies. Kwashiorkor causes dry skin, rashes, edema, and the phenomenon of dark hair turning red. It was first observed in 1932, with children’s hair changing color bringing attention to the condition.
Dark Hair To Red, Naturally
At Higher Risk
Some studies have found a link between having red hair and being at a higher risk of developing diseases like brain disorders, skin cancer, and Parkinson’s. Redheads are more likely to have the MC1R gene, which explains why they are also more likely to develop Parkinson’s than people with non-red hair.
At Higher Risk
More Anesthesia Than Average
Remember when we said that redheads have a higher pain tolerance? That probably explains why one study showed that redheaded females required about 19-20% (at least) more anesthesia in order to be sedated as opposed to other people. The mutation that causes the higher pain tolerance is the likely reason why, and is also why redheads tend to require more topical anesthetics like Lidocaine and Novocaine to feel the same effect as others with less of the anesthetics.
More Anesthesia Than Average
Many Famous Redheads
Even though redheads are not very common, there have been many prominent redheads that have been quite influential throughout our history. Some of these famous redheads include Napoleon Bonaparte, Galileo Galilei, Vincent Van Gogh, Cleopatra, and Thomas Jefferson. There are also many famous people with red tresses today.
Many Famous Redheads
The First Redhead
There are many legends that tell the story of the first redheads, one of the most famous myths is of a prince called Idon of Mu. Legend says that he visited the city of Atlantis after running away from home, and he was immediately drawn to the red pigment that adorned the sky. His hair turned red, and then all of his descendants also had red hair.
The First Redhead
A Strange Belief
For some reason, there are a lot of strange beliefs and myths around redheads, which could be explained by the fact that they are so rare. One of the more bizarre ones dates back to Medieval times, when people thought that children born with red hair were conceived while their mothers were menstruating. The thought was that the man’s body was contaminated by the blood and that the baby was then born with red hair. Of course, this myth has been totally debunked and it is funny for us to think that people believed that story.
A Strange Belief
Red Hair and Blue Eyes
Those who are born with naturally red hair are already rare, but people born with both red hair and blue eyes are even less common. Studies have found that the chance of being born with both stands at just 0.17%! Since both of these traits are recessive, being born with both is so rare. Both parents must carry the blue eye gene and MC1R gene for a baby to be born with red hair and blue eyes.
Red Hair And Blue Eyes
Isla Fisher
So who are the most famous redheads of our time? There are so many well known redheads in Hollywood, including Isla Fisher, who is known for her roles in films like I Heart Huckabees, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Scooby-Doo, Wedding Crashers, and TV show Arrested Development.
Isla Fisher
Debra Messing
Debra Messing first became known when she appeared in Ned and Stacey and Prey. She became a household name when she played Grace Adler on Will & Grace from 1998 until 2006, and then reprised the role again in 2017 until 2020. For the role, she was nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards and seven Golden Globes.
Debra Messing
Jayma Mays
Jayma Mays is recognized by most for playing the role of Emma Pillsbury on hit Fox musical TV show Glee starting in 2009 until 2015. She also appeared in movies like The Smurfs, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Red Eye. She also acted in TV shows like Trial & Error, Heroes, and The Millers.
Jayma Mays
Alyson Hannigan
Alyson Hannigan started out in Hollywood when she was only 11 years old, but became a well known name when she appeared as Willow Rosenberg on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She became even more well known when she starred as Lily Aldrin on How I Met Your Mother from 2005 until 2014. She voiced the role of Claire Clandy on Fancy Nancy starting in 2018 and through 2022.
Alyson Hannigan
Maitland Ward
Actress and model Maitland Ward is most recognized from her roles on The Bold and the Beautiful and then again for her role on hit ABC sitcom Boy Meets World, appearing in season 6 and 7. In 2007, Ward decided to retire from acting and starting in 2019, she began working in adult films.
Maitland Ward
Bonnie Wright
Bonnie Wright is recognized by most as the actress who played Ginny Weasley in all of the Harry Potter films. Once the series of 8 movies was done, she began acting in indie films like The Sea, After the Dark, and Before I Sleep. Wright also founded her own production company and began directing films including Separate We Come, Separate We Go. Wright is also a dedicated environmental activist.
Bonnie Wright
Laura Prepon
Laura Prepon first became recognized for her role as Donna Pinciotti on sitcom That 70’s Show starting in 1998 until 2006. In 2013, she began playing Alex Vause on Netflix series Orange Is The New Black, until it ended in 2019. Prepon has also appeared in movies like The Hero, The Girl on the Train, Lay the Favorite, Come Early Morning, and Southlander.
Laura Prepon
Julianne Moore
Actress Julianne Moor has had a seriously impressive career, appearing in countless films. These include The Big Lebowski, Hannibal, The Kids Are Alright, Crazy Stupid Love, Still Alive, The Hunger Games, and Kingsman: The Golden Circle, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Boogie Nights, The End of the Affair, Far From Heaven, The Hours, and Nine Months.
Julianne Moore
Tilda Swinton
Tilda Swinton is best known for playing out there and avant garde roles and films. However, she has also starred in mainstream films as well. She appeared in movies like Orlando, Vanilla Sky, Caravaggio, The Last of England, We Need To Talk About Kevin, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Chronicles of Narnia, Moonrise Kingdom, The French Dispatch, and Adaptation.
Tilda Swinton
Cynthia Nixon
CYnthia Nixon’s most prominent role was on Sex and the City, on which she portrayed Miranda Hobbes. She reprised the role for the two films based on the show as well as the revival series And Just Like That. Nixon won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. She also starred in films including A Quiet Passion, James White, and Amadeus.
Cynthia Nixon
Bryce Dallas Howard
Bryce Dallas Howard is an actress and director who first became known for appearing in the 2004 M. Night Shyamalan movie The Village. She then appeared in another film of his called Lady in the Water. She also plays Claire Dearing in the Jurassic World franchise, including Jurassic World, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Jurassic World Dominion. Her father is director and actor Ron Howard.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Ron Howard
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and so it is of course necessary to mention famous redhead Ron Howard as well. He started out as a child actor, playing Opie on The Andy Griffith Show when he was a young boy. He also played Richie Cunningham on Happy Days, and then turned to directing, working on some of the most successful films of all time, including A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Willow, Cocoon, Night Shift, and Splash.
Ron Howard
Molly Ringwald
Molly Ringwald first became known for her role on The Facts of Life, but became a household name when she appeared in John Hughes films like The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, and Sixteen Candles. As a park of the Brat Pack, she became a teen idol. She most recently played Mary Andrews on hit show Riverdale.
Molly Ringwald
Lindsay Lohan
Actress and model Lindsay Lohan first caught everyone’s attention when she starred in The Parent Trap, and then she went on to have a string of successful films. These include Life-Size, Get a Clue, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls. She was at the top of her career when problems with substance abuse forced her to take time away from the spotlight. However, she recently has returned to the scene, appearing in the Netflix Christmas film Falling for Christmas.
Lindsay Lohan
Lauren Ambrose
Lauren Ambrose is a singer and actress who is known for roles in Six Feet Under, Can’t Hardly Wait, Torchwood: Miracle Day, Psycho Beach Party, Sleepwalk with Me, and Where the Wild Things Are. Ambrose also had roles in Broadway shows, including in My Fair Lady. She also appeared in the 2019 Apple TV+ series Servant.
Lauren Ambrose
Rose Leslie
Rose Leslie first became a household name when she appeared on the hit HBO series Game of Thrones as Ygritte. Later, she ended up marrying her on-screen love interest Kit Harrington, much to the delight of many fans. Leslie later starred in The Good Fight, Death on the Nile, and The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Rose Leslie
Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson known to many as Dana Scully from The X-Files. Anderson has also appeared in The Crown, and films like The Might Celt, The Last King of Scotland, Shadow Dancer, The House of Mirth, The Fall, Sex Education, and Viceroy’s House. She appeared in TV shows like Great Expectations, The First Lady, and Bleak House.
Gillian Anderson
Marcia Cross
Marcia Cross first appeared in The Edge of the Night, One Life to Live, and Another World, as well as Knots Landing and Melrose Place. Her breakout role was on Desperate Housewives, on which she played Bree Van de Kamp from 2004 until the show’s run ended in 2012. She starred in Quantico as President Claire Haas.
Marcia Cross
Shirley Manson
Shirley Manson is an actress and musician who is best known for being the lead singer of rock band Garbage. They have released seven albums that have sold more than 17 million records worldwide. Manson also starred in the film Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Shirley Manson