Dr. Augustin Galopin revealed in his 1886 book, Le Parfum de la Femme, that redheads could have genetic superpowers. He allegedly discovered that redheaded women radiate a unique aroma known as ambergris, an earthy, sensual smell.
Eventually, science termed this a thin, acidic film on the surface of our skin. This is even more true for redheads, which causes their perfume to evaporate and release a smell on its own. Galopin’s book is full of fascinating observations and facts about Redheads.
‘Gingers’ or redheads are quite rare and unique and account for only 2% of the population. Research shows that they have a much higher pain tolerance and require less vitamin D than the rest of us. This is probably thanks to the MC1R gene mutation, which is responsible for their red hair.
These are some of the ‘facts’ from the book that show redheads have genetic superpowers:
They don’t need as much Vitamin D.
Due to the excessive concentration of red hair and pale skin in European climates, they have adopted a much greater ability to produce their own Vitamin D. What this means is that when a redhead steps outside, they tend to produce more Vitamin D than people with other colored hair. This gives redheads an evolutionary advantage, especially because a lack of Vitamin D can lead to diabetes and arthritis.
They know when it is getting cold.
They feel extreme temperatures much more strongly than others. The University of Louisville found that the lucky redhead gene, MC1R (which only redheads have), can make the human temperature-feeling gene overactive. This makes redheads more sensitive to temperature extremes.
They handle pain better.
A study conducted by McGill University showed that redheaded women can tolerate up to 25% more pain than people with other hair colors. Another study conducted by the University of Oslo found that redheaded women feel less pain when pricked by a pin. The University of Louisville concluded that it takes 20% more anesthesia to sedate a redheaded woman. That is some pain tolerance!
Red is the hardest color to hide.
This is the easiest color to spot because red is a more intense hue. The bolder the color, the faster it will fade. The dye molecules found in red hair are considerably larger than those in other hues. Larger molecules cannot penetrate the hair as easily as smaller ones, so there is no hiding the red.
They are not all fair-skinned.
Many people believe that all redheads are fair-skinned, but this is not the case. Native redheads come from various places, such as Papua New Guinea and Morocco. Hawaiians have their own word for redheads, ehu, and they believe that redheads are descendants of a fire god.
