That, Redhead! Issue #1

A Day In The Life

Hello, It's me. Your everyday, friendly neighborhood Redhead.

I'm not sure if you know this, but having Red hair is kind of like having a superpower. No. Really.

There's lots of things that I enjoy, in which comes with being a Redhead.

But I'll get to those in time, of course.

First, I need to start from the beginning. I was indeed born with the fiery curly locks, and I couldn't be happier. Don't get me wrong, other hair colors are lovely! But if I'm being honest, I don't think another color would quite suit me, as Red does.

The dark, copper Red has a sort of "label" if you will, that says: Caution. May Have A Temper, Mysterious, And Prone To Shenanigans And Malarkey. (And I like it like that.)

It's also a reminder of part of my heritage, the emerald isle herself. Ireland.

And being someone who honors, as well as respects Heritage, Culture, and Family

I smile, for I am proud!

Throughout the years I've noticed that I have gotten more compliments, than insult of being a Redhead.

And even though this might sound a tad bit comical, the worst thing that I've been called was, "Redhead" in a mean off hand sort of way. Which I couldn't help but respond in laughing to the rude girl that said this.

But overall, people have been kind with their words and some even go on to tell me about how they know or have a Redhead in their family. I of course thank them, and it genuinely makes my day!

In fact, one of the most common things that I've gotten, is along the lines of, "You should love your hair." And "Never dye it." And "One day you will love it."

(And be as it may that I have loved my hair my entire life, and have heard this time and time again, it still makes me smile.)

Fact or Fiction

Now, on to the stuff I just know you're dying to hear.

Like for instance, is it true that Redheads steal souls and/or have one? Feel about 25% less pain than other people? Are we going extinct? And do we go grey? To name a few.

Before I get into this, I am speaking from my own perspective and learnings. Meaning, if you happen to be among the Redheaded folk, and disagree, keep this in mind.

(I would love to hear more on what you think in the comments. Xx.)

In short answer form to these questions: No, Yes, No, No.

In long form, continue reading.

Stealing Souls

Ah, yes. I swear this one has been around since the beginning of time.

We do in fact have souls, (this is what I believe for everyone.)

And Redheads DO NOT take them from other people. Some even believe that each freckle we have, this is proof of a soul taken. To this I say phooey! Even though I haven't tried, I highly doubt this is a real thing.

Less Pain

Do Redheads feel 25% less pain than most? Yes.

There was a scientific article I read some time back, that stated that a certain amount of us indeed we affected by this. It has to do with the MC1R mutant gene.

And before you start thinking about the X-Men, (although they are indeed badass, and I happen to be a total geek for anything Marvel related.) This isn't quite what I mean.

Redheads just tend to perceive pain differently is all.

Extinction?

There has been much controversy on this topic. And for the most part of what I've read from science reports is this. Even though numbers in the Red community can decline, as long as there is still the gene, we will continue on. There is no extinction.

The Redhead gene can lay dormant for generations. So there is no need to worry, ladies and gents. Because we aren't going anywhere.

Red to White

You may have heard of this one before. When Redheads reach a certain age, does our hair go grey like the rest of the population? No.

Instead, our hair tends to go lighter and lighter, until it turns to white.

Pretty cool, Huh? This is because when Red hair follicles stop producing their pigment, the colors begin to fade.

Red is Rad

Not only having Red hair is rare, it's also pretty rad, when you think about it.

There are a great MANY things I could add to this post. But I'll save them for That, Redhead! Issue #2. (Which is going to be really interesting.)

Be as it may, us Reds only make up 2% of the entire population, we are here to stay, and keep being all the things that make us, us.

For my fellow Redheads out there, you are absolutely spectacular! I hope you rock it like a Redhead this week, and just own who you are. Embrace it. The hair, the temper, and everything in between.

Till next Tuesday, stay golden. Xx. -A

If you haven't yet read the latest blog post, you can find it below under the "related" section. Where you can read a bit more about on what "That, Redhead!" touches base on. And stay tuned for Issue #2 coming soon!