People with red hair make up about 1-2 per cent of the world's population. What genes influence this unusual colour has long been the subject of speculation and interest among scientists.

During an extensive genetic study, scientists from the University of Edinburgh relied on data from a UK biobank. In total, they analysed the DNA of almost 350,000 people and compared the genetic information of redheads with people with blonde, brown or black hair colour. Only people of European descent were included in the study due to the wide variety of hair colours between them.

Previously, the researchers found that a mutation in the MC1R gene inherited from both parents is responsible for whether a person will have red hair colour. Reduced function of this gene can lead to red hair and freckles on the face.

However, not everyone who has both 'red mutations' of MC1R is a redhead. Other genes must also be involved. So far, however, it has not been known which genes are involved in the development of red hair colour.

8 genes influence red hair colour

During the new study, the researchers identified eight genes linked to red hair. The authors also focused on how these genes work and discovered that some of them can control the 'on' or 'off' of MC1R.

In addition to these eight genetic differences, the study authors also discovered nearly 200 genes that are in turn associated with blonde and brown hair. One of the least expected findings was that many genetic differences influenced much more hair texture than colour.

- ' We are very pleased that this work has revealed most of the genetic differences that contribute to differences in hair colour in humans,' said Albert Tenes, professor at the University of Edinburgh.

History of red hair colour

In the past, people with red hair colour did not have it easy. Along with their hair colour, there were many prejudices attached.

It was believed, for example, that redheads had "sharp tongues" and a "fiery nature". In the Middle Ages, red hair was considered a sign of animal sexual desire and moral degeneration. Sometimes the colour red was seen as a sign of witches, werewolves or vampires.

During the Spanish Inquisition, people with reddish hair colour were subjected to similar oppression as Jews. In medieval Italy and Spain, this hair colour was associated with the 'heretical nature of the Jews' and their rejection of Jesus. For this reason, Judas was depicted in works of art as having red hair colour.

Today, people with red hair colour are also met with antipathy. There are many stereotypes about red-haired people: "redheads are mean", "red hair is not a hair colour, it's a lifestyle", "don't get along with redheads" are just the mildest terms that appear in the contemporary space for the exchange of ideas, i.e. above all on the Internet.