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Red hair is a hair color shared by several species, among
them humans, orangutans and horses. Although red hair in the human population is most commonly associated with those of British or Irish descent, red or reddish-tinged hair can be found
in many parts of the world--for instance, to a small degree, in Korea and Japan. Some believe that the cluster of red-heads in the British Isles can be associated with Pictish or Celtic ancestry and certainly Scotland has the highest proportion
of red-heads of any country worldwide with 13% of the population having red hair.
It is estimated that between 2% and 5% of the United States population
have red hair.
Red hair is significantly thicker than the hair of people of European descent with
other hair colours. The numerical density of hairs on the head in red-heads is also lower.
Biochemistry and genetics of red hair
The biochemistry of red hair appears to be associated with the melanocortin-1
receptor while the red colour itself is produced by an iron compound.
The genetics of red hair are now being uncovered, together with connections
between red hair and melanoma and other skin disorders, and red hair and
problems with anaesthesia.
There is evidence for genetic linkage of eye color with other hair colors such
as brown hair, so it would not be surprising if red hair was linked with eye color inheritance. According to one informal study
of 592 students, (Snee, 1974) the most common eye colours for red-haired people are brown, then blue, with green and hazel as
joint last.
Myths and stories about red-headed people
- "Red-headed people have fiery tempers"
- "Red hair skips generations"
- "Red-headed people are better lovers"
- The Biblical mark of Cain is supposed by some to be red
hair.
See also
External links
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