Question

what is the cause of red hair?

Answer 1

The cause of red hair is primarily attributed to a variation in a gene called MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor). This gene produces a protein that affects pigmentation in hair, skin, and eyes. The MC1R gene variant results in a decrease in the production of brown or black eumelanin pigments and an increase in the production of reddish-yellow pheomelanin pigments. This leads to the characteristic red hair color.