"Consider that redheads are almost unknown among African and Asian populations, and are extremely rare in Latin America. So that eliminates countries with about 4.8 billion people, or about 80 percent of the world's population.
Nearly ALL the world's natural redheads (and blondes, for that matter) are found among the populations of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada. Even in those countries, it is doubtful that natural redheads account for as much as 5 percent (1 in 20) of the white population. If they did, however, then redheads would be something less than 5 percent of 20 percent of the world's population -- or 1 percent of the total world population! VERY rare, indeed!"
Genetics
· Red hair comes about due to a pigment called pheomelanin.
· Red hair is generally thought of as a recessive gene. It may skip generations.
· However, as with other pigments that determine eye and skin colour, the red hair gene can often be seen in varying shades, such as strawberry blonde or dark auburn hair - depending upon how much pheomelanin is present.
· Both parents must have the red hair gene for their child to have red hair.
· Professor Jonathan Rees conducted a study of redheads at Edinburgh University. He identified the "gene for red hair" the melanocortin 1 receptor. Professor Rees found that this single gene, carried by up to 40% of Scots, was responsible for red hair. He estimated that the first human redheads walked this earth 50,000 years ago and then spread throughout northern Europe.
People with dangerous variants of a gene called the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) have at least double the risk of contracting skin cancer, even if they have medium or olive skin.
· It is more difficult for redheads to dye their hair than other colours, as the cuticle of the hair strand is very tight and holds its pigment ... hence a reason why many redheads end up with green hair if they try to dye their hair black without using the proper products.
· "...fair skin allows the absorption of ultraviolet light to help stave off vitamin D deficiency. But the skin is not much fairer in blond than in dark swedes; truly fair skin goes with red hair, not blond." (Ridley 1993: 294, The Red Queen).
"Approching a goddess is intimidating....Approaching a redhead is more so." - "SouthBeach/1019"
"Most of the redheads I've encountered know they are special and they enjoy being special. Redheads are like fine wine, magnificent art, and exquisite food. They are people who should be savored, slowly over long periods of time." - Qartist
"The beauty is not only on the outside it comes from within. A confidence that is unmatched and un-moved. Its not all on the inside don't get me wrong, with almost translucent skin and a crown of fire who could help but fall under your power? This is why I worship you so! A true beauty." - Thomas Webster
"To be fair, not every redhead on the planet should be idolized. They are human after all, and to worship them as ideal beings is to beg for disappointment. But enlightened redheads are the most potent creatures on earth. The truest friends, the most beautiful lovers, the strongest souls I know. If I have to do battle with demons, let me march alongside a redhead valkyrie maiden. Afterwards, we can raise a cup by the roaring fire--and maybe she'll let me steal a kiss goodnight --Sweet dreams Red Ones...." - Aaron Brown
"An unmistakable, yet alluring presence enters the room and she is noticed. Not for the blue outfit that clothes her... Nor for the sapphire that adorn her pale skin. But for the fiery mane that flows silkily about her. Like a living entity of it's own that surrounds her head in a surreal glow.... The elegant way she carries herself to her seat. All eyes are upon that unmistakable, yet rare beauty. Men cherish her memory, mere brunettes and blondes wish they could capture that essence for themselves yet know that a bottle just won't do it..... Damn, I should've
become a writer. I admire all beauty, but only to redheads do I bow. If you dig deep enough in my homepage, you'll see who's doing the bowing....." - Lone Wolf
