World Redhead Day Celebrates Red-Haired Individuals Globally

WASHINGTON — World Redhead Day kicks off on Monday, celebrating individuals with red hair around the globe. While this unofficial holiday is recognized every November, redheads also have another reason to celebrate every May 26.

The origins of World Redhead Day are unclear, but it has become an essential part of the unofficial holiday calendar. Special gatherings often take place to honor this unique hair color.

Fun facts about redheads include that less than 2% of the world’s population has red hair. The highest concentration is found in Scotland, where 13% of the population has red locks, followed closely by Ireland at 10%.

From 2010 to 2016, a festival brought thousands of redheads together each summer, featuring competitions for the longest hair and longest beards, and crowning a redhead king and queen. Red hair combined with blue eyes is the rarest color combination, with an occurrence of around 0.17%. Most redheads typically have brown, hazel, or green eyes.

Researchers believe red hair results from a mutation in the MC1R gene affecting hair color. A study in 2004 indicated that redheads experience more pain during surgery compared to those with darker or blonde hair.

Interestingly, studies suggest many redheads are left-handed. The belief is that red hair and left-handedness often appear together. Celebrations for redheads include World Redhead Day, Love Your Red Hair Day on November 5, and International Left-Handers Day on August 13.

A recent genetic study identified eight genes associated with red hair, providing new insights into how this trait is passed down. For a baby to inherit red hair, both parents must carry the redhead gene, even if they do not have red hair themselves.

Moreover, redheads have an average of 90,000 hair strands, fewer than blondes, who average around 110,000, and brunettes, who average about 140,000. Red hair is less likely to turn gray; instead, it fades from red to blonde and then to white.

Redheads also produce more vitamin D than individuals with other hair colors, increasing their chances of appearing in commercials. Some studies show that 30% of ads during primetime feature someone with red hair.

However, redheads are at a higher risk for skin cancer. A 2016 study revealed that red hair increases a person’s risk for this disease. Interestingly, men with red hair may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, being 54% less likely compared to those with blonde, brown, or black hair.

Despite several dubious studies circulating on the internet about redheads, the community continues to find strength and support among themselves. Additionally, National Love Your Red Hair Day, which occurs in November, was established in 2011 by sisters Stephanie and Adrienne Vendetti to empower redheads and combat bullying.

The world’s largest gathering of redheads, known as the Redhead Days festival, is scheduled to be held from August 29-31, 2025.