Recently, some news outlets have been buzzing with claims that redheads, often called “gingers,” might soon become extinct. Reports suggest that by 2060, redheads could be a rare sight. Is there any truth to these claims? Is the red hair gene really in danger of disappearing?
The idea that redheads are on the brink of extinction is more fiction than fact. The myth likely stems from a misunderstanding involving the Oxford Hair Foundation. This foundation was misinterpreted to suggest that recessive genes like the one for red hair could vanish completely. In reality, recessive genes don’t disappear entirely. They can become less common, but they persist as long as individuals carrying the gene continue to have children.
Interestingly, the Oxford Hair Foundation, which has been cited in these extinction claims, is funded by Procter & Gamble—a major corporation that sells red hair dye. This connection raises questions about the objectivity of the claims about redheads’ future.
Another source of confusion was a 2007 National Geographic article that some reports mistakenly identified as predicting redhead extinction. In truth, the article only included statistics about redheads and did not support the idea of their extinction. National Geographic clarified that while the number of redheads might decrease, the gene itself is not going away. Unfortunately, this clarification didn’t stop the spread of misinformation.
Why Is Red Hair So Uncommon?
Red hair’s rarity is due to a mutation in the MC1R gene. This gene must be inherited from both parents to produce a red-haired child. Because it’s a recessive trait, red hair can skip generations. If both parents carry the red hair gene, it might reappear in their children. Despite its rarity, the gene is not disappearing and will continue to exist as long as there are carriers.
Is There a Risk of Blondes Becoming Extinct?
Interestingly, redheads aren’t the only hair color facing similar myths. In the past, similar concerns have been raised about blondes. In 2002, headlines warned that blondes might disappear within 200 years. BBC News cited “German scientists” predicting that blondes would vanish by 2202. Some articles suggested that Finland would be the last place to have natural blondes due to the increasing popularity of dyed blonde hair.
This claim was controversial, with many experts disputing it. Dr. Johnathon Reese from the University of Edinburgh stated that blonde hair would only become extinct if it became an evolutionary disadvantage, which it is not. While the number of natural blondes may decline, they are not disappearing.
Who Started the Rumors About Redheads Disappearing?
Snopes, a site dedicated to debunking myths, found that the story of blonde extinction was false. They pointed to overreported claims and historical inaccuracies, noting that similar stories about blonde extinction have appeared throughout history. For instance, a 1961 article predicted blondes would vanish in 140 years, and a 1906 story suggested they would disappear in 600 years. These predictions were based on flawed “scientific research” and misleading information.
The World Health Organization never conducted a study on blonde extinction, as confirmed by the Washington Post. The original claim came from a German magazine that cited a fictional WHO anthropologist. This error led to widespread misinformation, which many media outlets later had to correct.
