Flames of Identity

Exploring the Myths, Mysteries, and Modern Realities of Red Hair

From historical beliefs to modern-day stereotypes, the myth of the redhead has followed us throughout art, literature and film. The mystery of red hair comes true as only 1-2% of the population are favoured in having it and the largest percentage of redheads are found here, in Scotland. What is it about this fiery hair that has swayed cliché-ridden tales for all these years?

Red hair is a genetic trait that both parents have to hold in order for it to occur, coming from variations of the MC1R gene, that any ethnicity can carry. Red hair is thicker with an average of 90,000 strands while brunettes maintain 140,000 and blondes sit somewhere in the middle. Not only does this hair come with every person's desired voluminousness, but it has also been found to come with every person's desired sex life. A German sex researcher found that women with red hair have sex more often than most, proving approximately 3 times a week compared to others' biweekly antics. The most interesting aspect of having this gene is that alongside acquiring this vibrant mane, the body that is attached internally produces vitamin D due to the low melanin concentration that is often found in the skin as there is a struggle to absorb it externally.

Neighbouring these facts are many myths and beliefs that have primarily stemmed from history, and the arts- typical. These myths range from temperament, to sexuality and luckiness. Examples of the written female redhead date from as early as the 1st century late BCE, in the New Testament. Mary Magdalene has developed her story through time from being written as a mystic nun in the Bible to a feminist icon in modern-day analysis. She has challenged stereotypes as feminist scholars have tried to rewrite the societal biases against women, Magdalene's originating from her association with sex work. Another element of her story is the witnessing of the resurrection which symbolises transformation and empowerment. The spiritual equality in Magdalene's significance holds great power from the very beginnings of storytelling and representation.

To take an example from the hub of red-headed folk, another historical figure that holds a great deal of significance is Mary Queen of Scots. She was known for her intelligence and uniqueness in looks as she stood tall with red-gold hair and amber eyes. Mary was married at 15, ripped from her youth, and beheaded at 44 in 1587. Her tragic story holds a series of unfortunate events from forced abdication to imprisonment and execution. Mary the Queen, and Mary the Disciple, both cement a strong representation in female history however their tragedies still announce an air of mystery and provocation. Aside from how redheads have been written in history, they have also been painted in promiscuity and deviousness. Art maintains a representation of red hair extremely stubbornly compared to other forms of media, as the red-headed female almost always has been painted or drawn in a light of sensuality, and of course, predominantly by male artists. The infamous 'Venus' by Sandro Botticelli, to a more modern take by Edgar Degas in the 'Women At Her Toilette', displays these locks depicting an element of prejudice and desire. In film, there are a variety of red-headed characters that come with varying personalities and natures. Nicole Kidman's many depictions of a woman in distress with an inconvenient lack of clothing show how this head of hair can be used to represent more than a genetic trait, with her messily styled hair matching her messily complicated roles.

Moving to an animated example, Jessica Rabbit is probably one of the most notorious redheads to grace the screen. On first assumption, it would be easy to target this cartoon character as an example of sexism however there are many who believe that Jessica Rabbit actually constitutes great feminist qualities, with her most famous line supporting this, 'I am not bad, I was just drawn that way.' Viewing a physical appearance of such attractiveness can tap into an element of internalised misogyny, before even reaching an impression of her strong personality and character.

To retire from the negative representations of red hair which have cemented many myths and beliefs, there are strong red-headed characters hopefully provoking the media to change their traditional ways. The likes of Karen Gillan who is announcing some female power into her superhero roles, and cartoons like Merida in Brave who focuses more on an action-filled plot line rather than a romantic one, are paving the way in using this colour of hair as a symbol of heritage and strength. A head of red hair has always been beautiful no matter how it has been portrayed and offers a great deal of pride in place.