Rutilism – the predisposition for red hair color

Stoneking's colleague Michael Hofreiter, who also worked actively in MPI-EVA research five years ago, provided the proof. Even among our prehistoric ancestors (the Neanderthals), there were redheads. At most, barely one to two percent of the world's population has natural red hair. The origin is a variant on chromosome 16 that leads to a change in the MC1R protein. Scientists have so far discovered five different MC1R gene variants that can contribute to red hair developing. The dark melanin in eyes, skin and hair is replaced by pheomelanin.

red hair color

This results in oversensitivity with fair skin, intolerance of sunlight such as a high risk of sunburn, and/or more freckles. Apparently redheads react much later to pressure or needle pricks, which opens up another piece in the pain puzzle of red hair color. They seem to process pressure pain differently from heat and cold. Redheaded people take pressure, pricks and scraping more calmly than temperature stimuli.

Red hair color - differences in facial hair, head hair and body hair

Redheads really are a remarkable species. Apart from their sensational looks, they set themselves apart from other hair colors in their genetic makeup and physiology. People with red hair color or strawberry-blonde hair can have lighter or darker shades. Eyebrows and lashes can differ from the hair on the head, just as the phenomenon appears in men with a reddish beard and brown, blonde or dark blonde hair.

Red hair color - historical figures, children's favorites & stars with the special hair color

In biblical and historical accounts, for example, the Swabian duke Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa, 1152-1190) or the Hebrew King David have red hair.

Who doesn't know these redheaded little stars of the children's sky! The hero of the Belgian comic series Tintin & Snowy, running since 1992. Or the bear-strong, long-headed Pippi Longstocking living in Villa Villekulla with her saying "..Tra-la-la, I make the world the way I like it". Red hair is the absolutely unmistakable trademark of the chaotic, cheeky goblin Pumuckel and his master Eder.

How multifaceted red hair color can be is shown by some of our most popular celebrities. Actors such as the German Ben Becker, Nicole Kidman, US singer Alison Sudol alias A Fine Frenzy, or the winner of Germany's Next Topmodel, Barbara Meier, are various representatives of it. . The many facets of red hair color

The different color variations can't be defined exactly. The spectrum ranges from bright copper through strong orange to red-shimmering golden tones. It can appear as a warm mahogany just as well as a beautiful chestnut brown. The shades mentioned can vary especially from culture to culture and from person to person.