In a world of diverse features and characteristics, red hair stands out as a rare and captivating trait. While precise numbers elude us, redheads hold a unique place in the tapestry of global diversity. With estimates suggesting they comprise only 1 to 2% of the world’s population, their rarity makes them all the more intriguing. With that being said, it seems as though our rare hair color has turned into a joke with countless myths and stereotypes running rampant; so as the token redhead, I am going to debunk my favorite ginger myths.
1. Redheads have no soul
We’ve all heard it, but is there any actual scientific backing? Yeah, absolutely not. This is a myth with zero foundation and is used to taunt ginger children in their adolescent years. With that being said, people historically have associated red hair with demonic activity, so it seems as though this time-old tale about redheads being Satan worshippers still finds a way to creep its way into pop culture and media.
2. Does the carpet match the drapes?
First of all, is invasive much? Why is it anyone’s business to know what color bush I am rocking? Like everyone else on this planet, our genes code for the melanin production of our hair and pubic hair. In the case of redheads, no one is rocking a “fire crotch” — pubic hair color varies from person to person and is mostly dependent on the concentration of melanin within one’s genitals.
3. Gingers are allergic to the sun
There’s a joke that gingers burst into flames when exposed to sunlight because of their fair skin and freckles. While it’s true that redheads may have a higher risk of sunburn due to their lighter skin tone, they don’t burst into flames! With that being said, here is my favorite sunscreen as a ginger who is prone to sunburn: Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++).
4. Gingers are hot-tempered
There’s a stereotype that gingers have fiery personalities to match their hair color, leading to the belief that they’re quick to anger or have a short fuse. Of course, like any stereotype, this one is not universally true and varies from person to person. I also think this one is rooted in misogyny and is only really used to dismiss my fellow redhead women. A good chunk of redhead myths only apply to women, and historically, men weaponized red hair against women and accused them of being vampires, witches, and mutants. Funny how some things don’t change.
5. Gingers steal your luck
The myth that encountering a redhead brings bad luck or steals luck is rooted in ancient folklore and cultural beliefs associating red hair with supernatural beings, witchcraft, and betrayal. Despite lacking a scientific basis, this superstition has persisted throughout history and is still referenced in popular culture. I find this one funny, especially with Saint Patrick’s Day around the corner, because leprechauns are associated with luck — so is society just selective with their superstitions? If I was a short ginger man in a green suit would I be treated better? Who knows, but now I am tempted to go around and spread my gingerness everywhere.
Being a redhead comes with its challenges, from being the butt of jokes to facing unfounded superstitions about bad luck. However, embracing one’s ginger identity can also bring a sense of uniqueness and individuality. Despite the stereotypes and myths, many redheads take pride in their distinctive appearance and refuse to let outdated beliefs define them. In a world where conformity often reigns, being a ginger can be a badge of honor, a symbol of standing out and embracing what makes you different. So, while the jokes may persist and the superstitions linger, being a ginger is ultimately about celebrating uniqueness and embracing one’s identity with confidence — along with humor like claiming Ed Sheeran as your brother.