Facts about red-haired men. There are more red-haired people in countries with cold and humid climates. It is assumed that Adam had red hair

Red hair can seem like either a curse or a gift. Once upon a time, red hair was considered a sign of witchcraft and red-haired women were burned at the stake. These days, bright hair seems very beautiful, and it is rare. Nobody thinks about witchcraft anymore, but there are other interesting facts about redheads that no one knows about. Get to know them and you can surprise your red-haired friend. Perhaps even he has not heard of such information!

In the past, red-haired children ruined their parents' reputations.

In medieval times, full of prejudices, a red-haired baby was a sign of the sins of the parents. It was believed that he was conceived “dirty” during menstruation.

Redheads have less hair than everyone else

On average, a person with red hair has fewer hairs on their head, but they are thicker than hairs of other colors. Brunettes have on average about one hundred and forty thousand hairs, blondes have one hundred and ten thousand, and redheads have only about ninety thousand.

Red hair doesn't turn gray

Red hair practically does not turn grey, the brightness of the color simply changes over time. From a rich copper color it turns into a light shade, up to a silvery white. Red hair does not acquire the more familiar grayish color even in very old age.

The ancient Greeks believed that redheads turned into vampires

The ancient Greeks did not believe in those vampires that are familiar to us, but they had their own idea of ​​\u200b\u200bnight monsters. Redheads were considered barbarians who dreamed of war. In Greece itself there were few such people, so more often than not, red hair distinguished foreigners who were not in a very peaceful mood. There were legends about them, which said that after death, redheads turn into bloodthirsty monsters.

Redheads often write with their left hand

Recessive genes are usually passed on in pairs, so many red-haired people also receive the gene for left-handedness, which means they are much more comfortable writing with their left hand.

The body of a red-haired person produces vitamin D

It is more difficult for redheads to absorb the vitamin from the sun's rays, but their body can produce it itself, even in weather practically devoid of sun! This allows the red-haired person’s body to avoid deficiency of nutrients.

Redheads are often afraid of the dentist

Redheads have been found to be more resistant to anesthesia, so going to the dentist can be quite intimidating for them. A red-haired person also requires a large dose of pain relief during other medical procedures. Of course, this is an individual problem, but every person with red hair should know about this feature before treatment, just in case. Even doctors don’t always know about this!

It is assumed that Adam had red hair

The Bible describes the red-haired first people, because in Yiddish “adom” means “red”, and the first man was made of red clay. It turns out that Adam was red-haired, although many portray him completely differently.

There are many celebrities among redheads

There are currently only two percent of redheads in the world, but there are many celebrities among them. Cleopatra, Aphrodite, Queen Elizabeth the First, Emily Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, Vincent van Gogh, Mark Twain, James Joyce, Winston Churchill - they all had red hair in common. Marilyn Monroe became famous as a blonde, but in fact she was also a redhead!

Red-haired men are less likely to get prostate cancer

Recent research has shown that the same gene that gives a person red hair may also protect against prostate cancer because the gene causes cells to divide in a special way. In short, if you are a red-haired man, your health is a little better than the rest! At least you are exposed to fewer dangers.

2014-12-27
There aren't that many hair types. Among them, red color is one of the rarest. Due to this uniqueness, many superstitions and myths have been associated with this color for many centuries. Some of them have already been debunked by modern science, some remain relics of obscurantism. Below are some interesting facts related to red hair color.

A small study in the Journal of Anesthesiology found that red-haired women required 19 percent more anesthesia than women with dark hair. Some scientists believe that a mutation in the protein that provides the red color makes them more sensitive to pain and.

According to a 2010 article in the International Journal of Cancer, the chance of developing dangerous skin cancer is about two and a half greater than people with other hair colors.

Scientists have used birds and wild boars to study the pigment pheomelanin, which makes hair red. Scientists have studied chestnut feathers and fur in a similar way. Red boars were found to be at higher risk of cellular damage from free radicals; and a study of more than 1,400 bird species found that pigment may be associated with smaller brain size.

Redheads won't go extinct. As science journalist Maggi Court Baker writes, “In reality, redheads are sneaking into the rest of humanity. "Here's her proof: only 2 percent of people have red hair, 4 percent have the gene that makes people red-haired. (If you have freckles, you probably carry this gene). Thus, a pair of two red-haired parents is unlikely to have brunette children, but two brunettes can have a red-haired child.

Natural red hair is more difficult to dye than other shades. If a redhead wishes to dye his hair any other color, it will only make a noticeable difference after bleaching the hair in advance, otherwise the operation will fail. Bleaching is also a bad idea for hair. Red hair is much more fragile than other shades.

Redheads have less hair on their heads. In terms of total hair count, there is less hair. On average, there are 90,000 redheads, 110,000 blondes, and 140,000 brunettes. However, outwardly it seems that there are more of them. This happens due to the greater thickness of each individual hair.

Redheads don't go grey. Red hair retains its natural pigment much longer than other shades.

Red hair and blue eyes are the rarest combination in the world. Most natural redheads have brown eyes, less often they may be green. People with this combination are a unique minority in the world.

The Romans bought red-haired slaves at a higher price. Fiery red hair was revered in Roman art and culture. It was believed that such people were stronger and more decisive, and this automatically increased the status of their owner.

In the Kazan region of Russia, the number of red-haired people is more than 10 percent, the same percentage as in Scotland and Ireland.

Extensive research by BritainsDNA has found that 40 percent of Britons carry the MC1R gene, which is responsible for red hair.

Hair color is determined by the content of two pigments - eumelanin and pheomelanin. The latter has a reddish tint and, unlike dark and granular melanin, its molecules do not form granules (they are distributed diffusely). If a large amount of eumelanin is synthesized, then the hair color becomes dark - brown (if pheomelanin is present in sufficient quantities) or black (if there is a lot of eumelanin and very little or no pheomelanin). In the case of less eumelanin production, the hair acquires light brown shades (with a warm reddish tint if there is a lot of pheomelanin, and a cold tint if there is little). Red hair color is the result of a very large amount of pheomelanin and an almost complete absence of eumelanin.

1. About 1-2% of people, or about 20 people per thousand, have red hair.
2. The ancient Greeks were sure that red-haired people turned into vampires after death.
3. Sometimes dark hair can turn into red or blonde due to severe protein deficiency during fasting.
4. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that red-haired children were born as a result of “unclean sex” during menstruation.
5. Red hair turns gray differently than other hair types - it first becomes light and only then gradually turns gray.
6. According to research by Dr. Werner Habermehl, a sexologist from Hamburg, women with red hair are the most likely to have sex. He also postulated that women who want to dye their hair red are dissatisfied with many things and are looking for something better.
7. Natural red hair contains a record amount of pigments, so it is the most difficult to dye.
8. During the witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe, many women were burned at the stake simply because they were red-haired.
9. It is said that Hitler forbade redheads from marrying in order to prevent the birth of “deviant offspring.”
10. Red hair is a recessive trait, which means that a child must inherit one red hair gene from each parent. 11. Researchers argue that redheads influenced history disproportionately to their numbers. Great redheads included Emperor Nero, King David, Trojan princess Helen, Aphrodite, Napoleon Bonaparte, Mark Twain, Vincent van Gogh, Galileo Galilei, Winston Churchill and many others.
12. In 1995, Professor Jonathan Rees discovered that a mutation in the MC1R gene on chromosome 16 is responsible for red hair (this gene is known as the “ginger gene”). The first gene mutation leading to the appearance of red-haired people probably occurred between 20 and 40 thousand years ago.
13. There is an assumption that in 100 years there will be no red-haired people. However, an article from National Geographic states that while the number of redheads may be on the decline, the red hair gene is likely to remain.
14. Scotland has the largest proportion of red-haired people - 13%. Ireland ranks second with 10%. Despite this, the largest number of red-haired people live in the United States. There are about 6-12 million of them here, which is 2-6% of the total population. 15. “Gingerphobia” is the fear of red-haired people. “Gingerism” is the intimidation of redheads and a prejudiced attitude towards them.

Blondes, brown-haired, brunettes - people with fiery red hair, milky white skin and freckles stand out sharply against this background. At all times, such a bright and unusual appearance aroused a lot of curiosity and doubt. But only one thing is certain: red-haired people are unique and carry a sunny charge, a special temperament and disposition.

Origin

Before talking about features and talents, it is necessary to understand where red-haired people came from. There are two versions of their origin. The first is due to historical factors and suggests that people with red hair are descendants of Neanderthals. Their gene is several tens of thousands of years older than the gene of “homo sapiens,” that is, modern humanity. According to scientists at Oxford University, the hypothetical ancestors of redheads were dexterous and fierce hunters, stockier and stronger than Homo sapiens. Over time, both subspecies mixed, but retained information about their unusual appearance (hair pigmentation) and “explosive” and rebellious disposition. Traces of Neanderthals have been found in Western Europe, just where the red-haired Irish, Scots and Gauls (Germans) can be found today.

The second version of the origin is ufological. She suggests that these unique creatures flew to Earth from a parallel world or another star system. A number of historical cases provide evidence for this hypothesis. These include medieval records of interrogations of sorcerers and witches. All of them, according to the description, had red hair and had supernatural abilities (they predicted the future, treated people from complex ailments, influenced the weather and communicated with other worlds). And today this trend has not yet outlived its usefulness. Many fire-haired people are credited with extraordinary talents and capabilities. For example, there is an opinion that red-haired nurses and doctors make patients recover faster.

Another proof of the ufological hypothesis is the sensitivity of red-haired people to solar radiation. Researchers from the UK's Newcastle University have discovered that the average person's skin secretes two types of melanin when exposed to ultraviolet light for protection. In red-haired people, this process occurs partially, so they hardly tan and are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.

Types of redheads

Red-haired people and the peculiarities of their appearance have always worried those around them, giving rise to an incredible variety of disputes, legends and prejudices. However, not all redheads are the same. Unlike “stamped” blondes with light eyes and brown-haired people with brown, they are divided into several types.

• The classic (or common) type is a combination of red hair with green eyes and freckles. As a rule, such natures are quite eccentric, gentle and vulnerable. They do not immediately become close to new acquaintances, but if a friendship does begin, it will last forever. Because the classic “saffron milk caps” are very loyal and stable.
• A rarer combination of fiery hair with brown eyes and dark skin. Usually passionate, slightly cunning people have this set. They love to dominate and be the center of attention. They know their worth and are always ready to advantageously present their talents and virtues to others. They become soft and obedient from praise.
• The ideal of beauty among redheads is people with fiery hair and rich blue eyes. Such “lights” are very capricious and sentimental. If something cannot be achieved through tears and complaints, they will find another way, but will achieve their goal. Red-haired people with blue eyes are not vindictive, they quickly cool down after quarrels, but they remember insults for a long time. This is a very complex cocktail of contradictions, desires and passion.

Character traits

Many psychologists draw a relationship between hair color and the characteristics of his temperament. Despite the external differences that red-haired people have, their characteristics are conventionally reduced to general parameters.

Temperament

Red-haired people are very sensitive to all kinds of external stimuli. Their soul resembles a tense nerve that is always ready to suffer and suffer from pain. And even if outwardly they smile and dance, hurricanes are raging inside them. A hot temperament often pushes fiery owners to dangerous adventures and makes them vulnerable to allergies and nervous diseases. But otherwise, the life of the “saffron milk caps” will become bland and ordinary, which will certainly cause depression. Such extremes are the norm in the life of almost every red-haired person.

Children

Since childhood, “saffron milk caps” have shown themselves to be hyperactive. As a rule, sunny kids are restless, overly curious and mysterious. Their mood can change quickly, and it is very difficult to guess what to expect in the next minute from such a child: a smile or another whim.

Growing up, they seem to be immersed in their own unreal world, they love to play alone and imagine themselves as heroes of their own made-up stories. Over time, this quality can develop into musical or literary talent. Red-haired children, if you do not miss the moment, almost always early demonstrate unusual abilities that need to be developed.

Men

Red-haired men always stand out against the backdrop of brutal brunettes and handsome blondes. They are bright, charismatic and have a lot of personality, which gives them great confidence and determination. Psychologists note that their non-standard, perky appearance helps them win over others, causing more curiosity. They are prone to creativity, selfishness is alien to them. A great sense of humor and sexuality are the perfect complement to such a perfect cocktail.

In addition, it has been historically proven that they are very courageous and courageous. A striking example of these qualities are the desperate Vikings and Celtic warriors.

The disadvantages include the inconstancy of “fiery” men in love. Sexologists claim that they inherited this quality from their distant Neanderthal ancestors. At the biological level, they are trying to make up for the “deficit” of redheads on the planet, which is why they often walk to the left.

Beard

Recently, psychologists discovered a relationship between male character and beard color. So, men with have a calm and friendly character. The golden color speaks of some prudence and secrecy of the owner.

Having a well-groomed beard matters. A clearly edged and “combed” beard speaks of a neat, judicious and attentive character. Red, scraggly facial hair usually characterizes a creative man or one who does hard work.

And finally, it can give away its owner. The so-called skipper's beard is characteristic of creative and self-confident people. The Spanish type is chosen by red-haired people with a stubborn and fickle disposition. In addition, they are adventurous. People with a red beard and sideburns, on the contrary, are a sign of reliability and constancy.

Women

If the cartoon song “Red-red, freckled” is usually addressed to “sunny” men, then women with fiery hair are called red furies. And this is not surprising! As a rule, these natures are very emotional, exalted, proud and independent. They have a complex and stubborn character, but at the same time they are very energetic, optimistic and sexy. Red-haired girls are always the center of attention, capable of seducing any man and settling in his heart for a long time.

Red-haired women are often impetuous and too straightforward, they do not recognize compromises and danger. This is why they often find themselves in unpleasant situations. But their persistence and flexible, cunning mind help them come out of it with dignity.

Psychologists distinguish two types of red-haired women: sophisticated women prone to creativity (poetry and music) and strong women with a masculine character. The first type includes classic red-haired young ladies with pale skin, light eyes and freckles. They are dreamy and fickle in their decisions, prone to solitude. The second type is more determined and, as a rule, has darker skin and darker eye color. Both types do not strive for a quiet, family haven. Rather, on the contrary, career and self-realization are always kept in the foreground.

Famous redheads

External originality always carries within itself extraordinary qualities, talents, and abilities. From ancient times to the present, history includes many famous people with a “sunny appearance”. These include people of art (Leonardo da Vinci, Vivaldi, Van Gogh), scientists (Galileo Galilei), rulers (Emperor Nero, William the Conqueror, George Washington), etc. All of them left a bright mark and confirmed their supernatural originality.

Famous red-haired people of our time are also seen in Hollywood cinema (Mila Jovovich, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore). On the Russian stage this is the group “Brothers Grim”, Andrei Grigoriev-Apollonov. All these red-haired celebrities are united by creativity, independent spirit and great charisma.

• Red-haired people make up only 2% of the entire planet. This is approximately 20 thousand people. Of course, this number includes people who were born with red hair, and who did not have their hair chemically dyed.
• A larger percentage of red-haired people live in Scotland and Ireland. In Russia, the largest number of them is concentrated in the Udmurt Republic.
• Red-haired girls are often called vampires because of their complex and unbridled nature. Perhaps these are echoes of medieval prejudices.
• In the same connection, two phenomena arose in psychology: gingerism and gingerophobia. The first includes a prejudiced attitude towards “sunny” people, their intimidation and discrimination. The second phenomenon is the other side of the moment, the fear of redheads.
• Scientists suggest that in a century and a half the gene for red-haired people will disappear. Although this idea is quite controversial, and only time can confirm it.

The Scots are leading in this regard. In this country, thirteen percent of the total population is red-haired. Next come the Irish, who have ten percent, and then only the English with their six percent. Scientists say this is due to a lack of sunlight.
As a rule, all northern people are very fair-skinned. It’s the same with people with red hair - they have just such snow-white skin, which in most cases is sensitive to sunlight, and also often have freckles.”

Scientists have established a pattern that where it rains more often and there are many bodies of water nearby (England, Norway, Sweden, etc.), red-haired people appear there. Now it remains to understand why this gene is activated precisely in these natural conditions.

Some photos for clarity: