On September 23rd the United States celebrates Redhead Appreciation Day. We’re joining in the festivities and are spotlighting some of the gingers who attended past events. In addition to these never-before-seen photographs from the past two years, we’ll take a look the science behind those fiery locks and if red heads are really going extinct.
COLLIN
The Science of Red Hair
The origin of red hair traces back to a single gene mutation that occurred in our human ancestors thousands of years ago. The mutation occurred in the MC1R gene, which controls the production of a pigment called melanin. Melanin comes in two primary forms: eumelanin, responsible for dark hair and skin colors, and pheomelanin, responsible for red and yellow pigments.
In individuals with red hair, there is a higher concentration of pheomelanin and a lower concentration of eumelanin. The unique aspect of this genetic mutation is that it affects more than just hair color; it can also influence the individual’s skin and eye color, making redheads’ complexions often fair and their eyes a shade of green, hazel, or blue.
This genetic rarity is not only fascinating but also carries an element of mystery and allure. So, as we celebrate Redhead Appreciation Day, take a moment to appreciate the genetic uniqueness that graces each redhead with their one-of-a-kind beauty.
JASPER*
*Jasper frequently assisted with our shoots. Not only did he ensure that everyoneโs consent was respected and documented, but he also captured behind-the-scenes moments with a Polaroid camera. Jasper is moving to England next week and we want to wish him the very best of luck.
ARE RED HEADS GOING EXTINCT?
In short, no.
In recent years, headlines predicting the impending extinction of red hair have been making their rounds on various news outlets and blogs. Some reports even cited the “Oxford Hair Foundation” or referenced “genetic scientists” who prophesied that redheads might vanish as early as 2060. But, as it often happens with sensational news, these claims turned out to be more fiction than fact.
The truth is, redheads are here to stay, and their presence in our world is far from dwindling. National Geographic, a trusted source for scientific information, corrected the misconceptions surrounding the so-called extinction threat. While National Geographic’s coverage acknowledged that news reports had made these claims, it did not endorse the idea. In fact, their article explicitly stated that “while redheads may decline, the potential for red isn’t going away”.
So, what’s the real story? Red hair is a genetic trait that has persevered for thousands of years, and there is no imminent threat to its existence. While it’s true that the percentage of the world population with red hair is relatively small, redheads continue to be born, and the genes responsible for their unique hair color persist. The misconception about disappearing redheads has unfortunately become widespread, but it’s essential to separate fact from fiction.
RENA
RIVER
CHIPPER
SAM
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