I’m a redhead which means I’m often asked about my ginger locks – and if I’m Irish. This recent St. Paddy’s Day was no exception. (Side note: If I am Irish, it is a very distant relation.) I consider myself special because only about 2% of the world’s population has red hair. I didn’t realize how special I was until I watched a video from the American Chemical Association. I learned how my red hair affects my genetic makeup.
It’s interesting to learn about the chemicals that change my hair and skin pigmentation. This video also taught me some intriguing facts about my body due to the chemical variation that causes red hair.
While I was unaware of the difference in sensitivity, I did know that redheads sometimes need more anesthesia. When I had my wisdom teeth pulled, my oral surgeon told me I would require more anesthesia than non-gingers.
I’m also privy to red hair being a recessive gene because both of my parents have dark brown hair. I was always used as an example in lessons on genetics in middle school and high school because I won this genetic lottery.
All in all, I love my red hair. It makes me unique, and I would not change it for the world. Check out this short video and you’ll learn all you need to know about the chemistry of redheads. Enjoy!
Jordan Martin is Chemical Processing’s Social Media Outreach Intern. You can find her lathered in multiple layers of sunblock whenever she leaves the house during the summer because tanning is not possible.
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