Red hair is a unique and eye-catching trait that has captivated people for centuries. It is estimated that only 1-2% of the world’s population has naturally red hair, making it one of the rarest hair colours in the world. But just how many redheads are there in the world? Let’s explore this fascinating topic.

So how many redheads are there in the World?

According to a study published in the journal Science, the global population of redheads is approximately 140 million people. This may seem like a large number, but it is a relatively small proportion of the total population, which is currently estimated at over 7.9 billion people.

Genetic Mutation – MC1R gene

Red hair is caused by a genetic mutation. This mutation affects the MC1R gene, which is responsible for producing a pigment called melanin. Melanin gives hair its colour, and people with the MC1R mutation produce much more of a type of melanin called pheomelanin, and much less of a type of melanin called eumelanin, which results in them having red hair.

It’s worth noting that while red hair is a genetic trait, it is not always passed down from parents to children. In some cases, the MC1R mutation can occur spontaneously, which means that someone with no family history of red hair can still have it.

Red hair around the World

Red hair is most commonly found in people of Northern and Western European descent, although it can also occur in people from other regions such as the Middle East and North Africa. In fact, some estimates suggest that the highest proportion of redheads is found in Scotland, with around 13% of the population having red hair.

Asia has the least red hair

The distribution of redheads around the world is not uniform. As previously mentioned, red hair is most common in Northern and Western Europe, where it can be found in countries such as Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands. In other parts of the world, red hair is much less common. For example, in Asia, it is estimated that less than 1% of the population has red hair.

Conclusion 

Red hair is a rare and unique trait that is estimated to be present in around 1-2% of the global population. While it is most commonly found in people of Northern and Western European descent, it can also occur in people from other regions. While the number of redheads may be relatively small compared to the total population, those with red hair have certainly made an impression throughout history and continue to do so today.