Redhead bad temper myth

Red hair or ginger hair occurs naturally in one to two percent of the human population , appearing with greater frequency two to six percent among people of Northern or Northwestern European ancestry and lesser frequency in other populations. It is most common in individuals homozygous for a recessive allele on chromosome 16 that produces an altered version of the MC1R protein. Red hair varies in hue from a deep burgundy or bright copper , or auburn , to burnt orange or red-orange to strawberry blond. Characterized by high levels of the reddish pigment pheomelanin and relatively low levels of the dark pigment eumelanin , it is associated with fair skin color , lighter eye color , freckles , and sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

By Carly Stern For Dailymail. Redheads really are different from everyone else — but you still shouldn't believe the stereotypes. Writer Erin La Rosa loves her red hair, but she grew tired of hearing about her supposed 'fiery temper' and getting asked whether 'the carpet matches the drapes. Here, find some of the most surprising facts from the book.

Or that she must be insensitive when she doesn't seem to mind ferociously hot curry sauce that sets your mouth on fire? An increasing number of studies show that redheads are differently constituted in terms of pain perception and body reactions. Research reveals that redheads:. Some studies indicate that redheads are more prone to illness because they prefer to keep out of the sun and so lack vitamin D, or because their ability to absorb the vitamin is less efficient.

Lucille Ball was actually a natural brunette. Photo: Getty Images. British author Jacky Colliss Harvey , a lifelong ginger and a museum publisher, decided to do something about these myths that have shaped her entire life.