Whoever said that blondes have more fun need to spend more time hanging out with some redheads. With so many incredible shades ranging from light strawberry blonde to deep, rich auburn, people with red hair have personality to match their locks. There are so many interesting facts to learn about red hair that extend beyond color. Some of this fun trivia are simply anecdotal accounts about personal experiences while other information is based on genetic data collected from strands of red locks. Read on for some intriguing facts about redheads and why their hair is so interesting.
Facts About Why Red Hair Is Unique
Red hair stands out for a few key reasons, mainly because of its genetic origins and how uncommon it is. It's actually the rarest natural hair color in the world, found in only about 1-2% of people. This makes it visually unique and far less common than other hair colors. Continue reading to learn some pretty fascinating facts about red hair that will make kids hold their heads even higher, and may make them resist just a bit next time they need a haircut. Kids will be fascinated to learn the role of genetics in determining their hair color as well as other traits associated with redheads. Also, add the best kids' books about redheads to your child's reading list and they will love their own colorful locks even more than before.
Everything To Know About Red Hair
Teaching kids about redheads, and all human differences, offers significant benefits. It cultivates acceptance and understanding. When children learn about the wide range of hair colors, skin tones, and eye colors, they begin to see that variety is natural and beautiful. This helps create a more inclusive environment, preventing bullying and ensuring all kids feel valued, no matter how they look. Beyond that, red hair provides a fantastic, real-world example of basic genetic. Kids can learn about dominant and recessive genes, how traits are passed down, and the role of pigments like melanin in shaping our physical characteristics. This can really spark an early interest in science and biology.For redheaded children themselves, learning positive facts about their unique hair color can significantly boost their self-esteem and pride in their appearance. This is especially important in a world where physical appearance can sometimes lead to insecurities.
(1) Each strand of red hair is thicker than other colors.
For this reason, it is generally considered that gingers have fewer strands of hair. Some research has indicated that redheads, on average, have about 90,000 strands of hair, while brunettes have 140,000 strands and blonds have 110,000 strands.
(2) Kids with red hair have two parents with the recessive redhead gene.
It's possible for neither parent to be a redhead, but if they both have the gene, their offspring could be gingers. But if one parent is a redhead and the other parent doesn't have the gene, it is genetically impossible to produce a redhead child.
(3) Redheads are more likely to get stung by bees.
The truth, according to experts, is that there is no real connection between bees and the color red. Children will learn by reading books about bees that the behavior of these insects is driven by a sense of smell and has nothing to do with color. Studies have shown that bees are repelled by certain smells, like bananas and perfume. An urban legend states that perfumes smell different on the skin of redheads, and while this has never been scientifically proven, the scent itself would likely drive bees away rather than incite them to sting.
(4) Red hair doesn't turn grey.
As people with red hair age, their locks will lose pigmentation and turn either blonde or white, but never a dull grey. The process of losing pigmentation, achromotrichia, causes the hair to fade to a variety of shades, but lucky for them it never turns into silvery strands associated with old age.
(5) Redheads are usually left-handed.
These two rare traits are passed along through recessive genes, which usually come in pairs. Approximately 10% of the population is left-handed while only 2% have red hair. While scientific proof has not yet been established linking the two traits, data collected thus far points to a connection.
(6) There is a special holiday just for redheads.
World Redhead Day is officially celebrated every year on May 26th. Although the origins of this fiery holiday are unclear, it is an important day to mark on your calendar so you don't forget to shower your little carrot top with extra love.
(7) Ancient Egyptians sacrificed redheads by burying them alive.
Historians have found evidence of unfortunate events surrounding individual born with red hair during ancient Egyptian times. Believed to bring bad luck, redheads were sacrificed to God Osiris in hopes of ending terrible events that would befall the people. Legend has it that they may have both buried people alive or even burned them at the stake during annual ceremonies as a way to seek protection from the god.
(8) People with red hair are more sensitive to pain.
Studies have shown that redheads require about 20% more anesthesia than brunettes or blondes when undergoing medical procedures. Scientists have linked a mutation in the gene (MC1R) responsible for hair color also to a higher sensitivity to pain. Other research has revealed a more nuanced perspective on evaluating the relationship between pain and redheads. For instance, some results point to the fact that they actually have a higher pain threshold, but perception of pain at lower levels is more intense.
(9) Redheads need to lather up with extra sunscreen.
Because of their fair skin and less melanin for protection, redheads face a much higher risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. It's crucial for them to be extra careful with sun protection.
(10) Redheads with curly hair are rare.
Some mistakenly believe that redheads are more likely to have curly hair. In reality, there is no correlation between hair color and texture. The exact percentage of people with both traits cannot be determined. But statistically speaking, you are less likely to see someone with red curls than blonde, brown, or black. The rationale is that both red hair and curly hair are less common than other types, so the probability of someone having both is inherently smaller.
(11) People with red hair are at an advantage in less sunny climates.
Since redheads have much less eumelanin, their skin has less natural UV protection. This makes them highly prone to sunburn and skin cancer. On the flip side, it also means UVB rays can more easily get into their skin, allowing them to produce Vitamin D very efficiently, even when there's not much sun.
(12) Only 2 to 6 percent of people of Northern or Northwestern European ancestry have red hair.
Southwest Norway has a high prevalence of gingers, and Ireland boasts the highest number of redheads per capita, with an estimated 10% of the population. Great Britain and Scotland are also known for large numbers with fiery, red strands. Other populations around the world have a lower frequency.
(13) The same genetic mutation causes red hair and fair skin that freckles.
That same genetic mutation that gives people red hair is also responsible for fair skin that freckles easily and is prone to sunburn. This happens because there's less eumelanin, the pigment that usually protects your skin from UV rays. The MC1R gene on chromosome 16 is mainly responsible for red hair. When this gene has mutations, it causes your body to produce more pheomelanin (that's the red/yellow pigment) and less eumelanin(the brown/black pigment).
Books for Kids About Physical Appearance
