Mythbusters: Redheads

Myth # 1: Redheads Don't Turn Grey
True: Grey hair is caused by the build up of hydrogen peroxide in our hair follicles. When this happens melanin, the natural pigment in our hair, is blocked from the follicles and over time our natural hair color starts to fade (Science Daily, 2009). Redheads however, don't get Grey hair as they age, they instead get white hair. Over time redheads will loose all the pigment in their hair, turning it white. Grey hair means partial loss of pigment, white hair means total loss of pigment (Redhead Myths, 2008).

Myth # 2: Redheads are Harder to Sedate Than Other Patients
True: Redheads have more of the MC1R gene, a key protein used to determine hair and skin color. After scientific studies it has been speculated that this gene effects neurological hormones or enzymes. Making it so that redheaded people need twenty to thirty percent more anesthetic to receive the same amount of sedation as other patients (Red Hot Redheads, 2009).

Myth # 3: Redheads Have Fiery Tempers
False: This stereotype is completely false. Yes, it's true that some redheads do have bad tempers, but some don't. It is just like saying blonde's are incredibly dumb and brunette's don't have as much fun. You have to base it on your instincts and judge each person separately