Will redheads go extinct?

In 2007, the Internet was filled with headlines that reported redheads were going extinct. Some, like the Oxford Hair Foundation, said that by 2060 there might no longer be any redheads.

But of course, WE ARE HERE TO STAY!

Scientists say that the MC1R gene (the ginger one!) dates all the way back to the ancient human times, so it is likely that the recessive gene first appeared around 30,000 to 80,000 years ago. It has been said that scientists once thought that red hair evolved to help humans who lived in chillier places with small amounts of sunlight to produce vitamin D – think Ireland or Scotland.

Yes, it is true that recessive features can become extremely rare – but the only way recessive genes will completely die out is if everyone who carries the gene either dies or fails to reproduce.

So of course, looking at the number of carrot-topped descendants, it is very unlikely. And, then there are those millions of people who simply carry the gene and don’t have red hair themselves! We like to call them ‘secret gingers‘.

For instance, National Geographic once wrote: “While redheads may decline, the potential for red isn’t going away.”

Because the MC1R gene is a recessive trait, we all know that red hair can easily skip a generation unless both parents carry the gene in some form. 

But the good thing about the magical ginger gene is that it can randomly reappear if both parents carry the gene – despite their hair colour looking completely different. 

It is unfortunate that the myth that redheads will soon no longer exist has become widespread information (or non-information). Because, guess what, ginger is not the only endangered hair colour – why are natural blondes not bombarded with questions that refer to extinction!?

Another theory that leads people to believe that redheads will eventually die out is the big GW phrase: GLOBAL WARMING. 

Yes really, people think that because of our stereotypical pale skin and sizzling in the sun traits, global warming will wipe out redheads. 

But fortunately, and unfortunately, global warming is as big of a threat to any member of the human population as it is to the less than 2% club. 

In 2014, The Independent newspaper shouted the headline: “Gingers face extinction due to climate change, scientists warn.” Not only is this dangerous media scare mongering, but it is also untrue.

Alistair Moffat, the Managing Director of ScotlandsDNA told the reporters that, “if the climate is changing and it is to become more cloudy or less cloudy then this will affect the gene. If it was to get less cloudy and there was more sun, then yes, there would be fewer people carrying the gene”.

But thankfully, both Rick Potts, a Paleoanthropologist and Leader of the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program, and Peter M. Elias, a Researcher at the University of California, disagree. 

Potts revealed: “Although geneticists tend to discover individual genes that play a role in hair colour and texture, often many genes play a role. So, the matter may not be as simple as the decrease in a single recessive gene.”

Peter M. Elias also explained: “Recent studies show that dark-skinned humans make vitamin D after sun exposure as efficiently as lightly pigmented humans.”

So, ignore what you read guys. Redheads will continue to shine no matter what the world throws at us.