It’s a common belief that redheads go grey earlier than people with other hair colors. But is this really true? There are a few key factors that contribute to when and how quickly someone’s hair turns grey. In this article, we’ll explore whether natural redheads actually tend grey prematurely in comparison to blondes and brunettes. We’ll look at the science behind hair pigmentation, melanin levels, and genetics to get to the bottom of this myth. Stick around to the end to get the full answer on if redheads truly do go grey quicker.
What causes hair to turn grey?
Hair gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Melanin occurs in two primary types: eumelanin which produces black and brown shades, and pheomelanin which produces red shades. As we age, we produce less melanin which allows the natural whiteness of hair to show through giving it a grey appearance.
Greying is also heavily influenced by genetics. People with a family history of premature greying are more likely to experience it themselves. Gender plays a role too, with men tending to go grey earlier than women.
Stress can accelerate greying, but contrary to popular belief it doesn’t cause greying directly. Stress increases cortisol production which may impact melanin production, but the exact mechanisms are still being studied.
With these key facts in mind, let’s look specifically at whether red hair color is linked to premature greying.
The science behind red hair and melanin
Red hair gets its distinctive color from pheomelanin, a reddish form of the pigment melanin. In contrast, people with black and brown hair have higher levels of eumelanin.
Blonde hair contains low levels of both eumelanin and pheomelanin. Genetically speaking, red hair is caused by mutations in the MC1R gene which controls melanin production. Having two copies of this recessive gene variant results in high pheomelanin levels characteristic of redheads.
So while redheads produce a substantial amount of pheomelanin, they actually make very little eumelanin which is the pigment that needs to diminish for grey hair to present. Could this imbalance explain why redheads supposedly go grey sooner?
Do redheads really go grey prematurely?
Despite the genetic factors linking red hair pigmentation and melanin levels, research has not found a clear correlation between natural red hair and premature greying.
A 2005 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology looked at hair melanin levels and greying patterns across people with different natural hair colors. Their results showed that while redheads had significantly lower eumelanin levels, the onset and degree of greying was largely similar across hair colors.
Another 2009 study by the same research group confirmed these findings. They analyzed hair samples from over 500 individuals and found no connection between natural hair color and the timing or extent of greying.
However, some anecdotal reports indicate redheads may see their first greys as early as their 20s, while most Caucasians don’t go grey until their mid-30s. But greying remains primarily linked to genetics rather than hair color according to scientific research.
Other genetic factors
While red hair in itself may not directly cause premature greying, genetics still play a key role. People who carry variants of red hair related genes like MC1R may be more susceptible to early onset greying regardless of their actual hair color.
One large-scale study found that MC1R variants associated with red hair did show a connection with more extensive and earlier greying. However, the researchers concluded these results are likely more related to this gene’s role in melanin production rather than simply being a redhead.
Interestingly, a different gene called IRF4 seems to be emerging as a stronger predictor of premature greying. Variants in this gene are associated with a nearly 70% higher risk of developing grey hair before age 30. IRF4 is involved in regulating melanin production which affects greying, but is not linked to red hair specifically.
Managing grey hair
While redheads may or may not go grey quicker than others, dealing with greying hair can be frustrating at any age. Here are some tips for managing and embracing your grey locks:
– Use anti-yellowing shampoo to keep grey hairs looking bright rather than dull and yellowed. Purple shampoos help neutralize brassiness.
– Switch to a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to perk up thinning grey hair.
– Consider highlights, lowlights, or red tones to blend in greys with your natural color. Semi-permanent vegetable-based dyes are gentle options.
– Embrace the grey with short hairstyles that show off and complement your natural salt and pepper color.
– Protect hair from sun damage with hats or products to prevent further dryness and discoloration.
The bottom line
While many people believe redheads prematurely transition to grey hair, scientific research does not show a direct link between natural red hair color and early onset greying. Genetics and family history seem to play a bigger role. Redheads may visually appear to go grey sooner since grey hairs stand out more dramatically against their fair complexion. But the timing is likely more tied to genetic factors beyond hair color. At the end of the day, greying is a natural part of aging for everyone.
| Hair Color | Melanin Level | Greying Onset |
|---|---|---|
| Red | High pheomelanin Low eumelanin |
No significant difference |
| Blonde | Low pheomelanin Low eumelanin |
No significant difference |
| Brown/Black | Low pheomelanin High eumelanin |
No significant difference |
Key Takeaways
– Red hair contains high levels of the pigment pheomelanin but little eumelanin. Lower eumelanin is associated with greying.
– Despite this imbalance, scientific studies have not found redheads to prematurely grey compared to other hair colors.
– Genetics beyond hair color play a bigger role in greying, particularly genes involved in melanin production like MC1R and IRF4.
– Redheads may perceive they go grey early since it appears more obvious against their paler complexion. But timing is similar across natural hair colors.
– Greying can be managed by embracing grey hairs or using volumizing products, hair color, and anti-yellowing shampoos.