Are Redheads Going Extinct? Separating Facts from Fiction
Recently, headlines have stirred up concerns that redheads, often referred to as “gingers,” might soon become a rare sight. Some reports suggest that by 2060, redheads could be nearly extinct. Is there any truth to these claims, or is this just another myth?
The notion that redheads are on the verge of extinction is more fiction than fact. This myth seems to originate from a misunderstanding of information from the Oxford Hair Foundation. The foundation’s work was misinterpreted to suggest that recessive genes, such as the one for red hair, could completely vanish. In reality, recessive genes don’t disappear entirely—they may become less common but persist as long as individuals carrying the gene continue to reproduce.
Moreover, the Oxford Hair Foundation, which has been cited in these extinction claims, is funded by Procter & Gamble—a major producer of red hair dye. This connection raises questions about the impartiality of the claims concerning the future of redheads.
Another source of confusion was a 2007 National Geographic article that some reports incorrectly identified as predicting the extinction of redheads. In truth, the article only provided statistics about the prevalence of red hair and did not predict its disappearance. National Geographic clarified that while the number of redheads might decrease, the gene itself will not vanish. However, this clarification did little to halt the spread of misinformation.
Why Is Red Hair So Rare?
Red hair is uncommon due to a mutation in the MC1R gene. This gene must be inherited from both parents for a child to be born with red hair. Since it is a recessive trait, it can skip generations; if both parents carry the red hair gene, it may appear in their offspring. Although rare, the gene is not disappearing and will continue to exist as long as there are carriers.
Are Blondes at Risk of Extinction Too?
Redheads aren’t the only hair color facing similar myths. Concerns about blondes becoming extinct have surfaced in the past. In 2002, headlines warned that natural blondes might disappear within 200 years. BBC News cited “German scientists” predicting that blondes would vanish by 2202, with Finland potentially being the last country to have natural blondes due to the rise in dyed blonde hair.
This claim was controversial and widely disputed. Dr. Johnathon Reese from the University of Edinburgh argued that blonde hair would only become extinct if it were an evolutionary disadvantage, which it is not. While the number of natural blondes may decline, they are not facing extinction.
Who Started the Rumors About Redheads Disappearing?
Snopes, a site dedicated to debunking myths, has investigated and found that the story of blonde extinction was false. They noted that similar rumors have circulated throughout history. For example, a 1961 article predicted that blondes would vanish in 140 years, and a 1906 story suggested they would disappear in 600 years. These predictions were based on flawed research and misleading information.
The World Health Organization never conducted a study on blonde extinction, as confirmed by the Washington Post. The original claim stemmed from a German magazine that erroneously cited a fictional WHO anthropologist. This mistake led to widespread misinformation, which many media outlets later had to correct.
