In British English, the word ginger is sometimes used to describe red-headed people (at times in an insulting manner), with terms such as gingerphobia and gingerism used by the British media. In Britain, redheads are also sometimes referred to disparagingly as carrot tops and carrot heads.

Are gingers mutants?

Redheads have genes to thank for their tresses. Research shows red hair usually results from a mutation in a gene called MC1R, which codes for the melanocortin-1 receptor. The pigment found in redhair that makes it red is called pheomelanin.

What is the percentage of gingers in the UK?

Between one and two percent of the worlds population has red hair, but in England the figure is six percent and in neighbouring Scotland its even higher at around 13 percent.

Why are there so many gingers in UK?

About six per cent (300,000) Scots have red hair. In England four per cent are redheads – thats 2.1m people. Researchers point towards the migration of the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons as to why there are so many redheads in Britain and Ireland, but its perceived attractiveness in the past is another factor.

Can gingers tan?

Ginger-haired people DO tan they just react badly to the sun at the same time. If youre pale and ginger, heres the good news: your skin is potentially five times BETTER at tanning than olive-skinned sunbathers, according to scientists.

Why are gingers so pale?

In a nutshell, it increases the amount of the red pigment (phaeomelanin) that gingers have, and decreases the amount of the darker pigment (eumelanin) they produce. Thats what causes redheads to have fairer skin, freckles, pale colored eyes and, of course, red hair.