# Why is Red Hair Called Blue? Unpacking the Ironically Colorful Slang Nickname

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- Published: 2023-11-08
- Author: Nelson Ayers
- Categories: [Business & Worth](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/worth/)

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At first glance, calling redheads "bluey" seems as absurd as calling brunettes blondies. So where does this contradictory slang term come from, and what cultural perceptions does it reveal about rare and striking red hair? Read on to unpack the myths and realities around this colorfully ironic nickname.

## The Logic Behind the Illogic of "Bluey" for Redheads

"Bluey" originated in Australia around the early 1900s as a humorous slang term for people with natural red hair.

Using a descriptor that means the opposite of reality adds ironic humor. Since blue and red lie on opposite sides of the color wheel, calling redheads "bluey" flips the script for comedic effect.

The nonsense of labeling a ginger person "bluey" highlights the uniqueness of their hair color in a cheeky, affectionate way. It also may subtly poke fun at stereotypes of hot-tempered redheads by giving them an illogically chill nickname.

## Why Red Hair is Not Called Orange: A Color Naming Evolution

You might wonder why red hair is not called orange or "orangey," since the hue skews toward reddish-orange shades more than pure red.

The answer lies in the historical evolution of color terminology in English:

- Until the 1540s, there was no word for orange as a distinct color. Red was the closest label.
- "Redhead" became established to describe people with reddish-orange hair long before "orange" entered the lexicon.
- By the time orange became widely recognized as a color name, redhead was too deeply ingrained to change.

So while red hair appears more orange than red, it was defined in English before orange was an option. And redhead has stuck as the standard descriptor even centuries later.

## The Global Rarity of Natural Red Hair

What makes red hair so rare globally? Only 1-2% of the world population has naturally red tresses.

The genes behind red hair originate from mutations in the MC1R gene involved in melanin production. Redheads have higher levels of reddish-orange pheomelanin pigment but less dark brown/black eumelanin.

MC1R mutations likely arose thousands of years ago in northern and western European populations. Having more UV light absorption capacity may have provided health benefits in cloudy climates.

While uncommon, red hair can appear in any population:

- Up to 10% of Scots and Irish have red hair
- 2-6% of northwestern Europeans are redheads
- 1-2% of Mediterranean peoples have the MC1R gene variants
- Less than 1% of Asians, Africans, Arabians, and Indigenous Americans have red tresses

So while the MC1R mutations occur worldwide, they primarily persist in European ancestry.

## Perceptions and Stereotypes About Red Hair Through History

Like many genetic rarities, red hair has been the subject of many myths, stereotypes, and perceptions across cultures and eras:

| Ancient Egyptians | Sacrificed redheads to Osiris |
| --- | --- |
| Ancient Greeks | Associated red hair with the god Seth‘s bloodthirsty nature |
| Middle Ages | Seen as magical, mystical, and supernatural |
| 16th-18th Centuries | Persecuted as witches during witch hunts |
| Victorian Era | Viewed as passionate, fiery, and quick-tempered |
| Early 20th Century | Marginalized as outsiders and "other" |
| Late 20th Century | Exoticized and hypersexualized in popular media |
| 21st Century | Celebrated for uniqueness but still stereotyped |

These stereotypes reveal more about societal bias than innate traits. Science disproves assumptions that redheads are more prone to hot tempers, high libidos, or mystical powers.

Yet the "bluey" slang nickname plays into stereotypes by jokingly labeling redheads the opposite of their "fiery" nature.

## Redhead Trivia and Pop Culture Spotlight

Beyond stereotypes and perceptions, red hair has fascinated people for generations. Even today, redheaded celebs and characters capture pop culture buzz:

- Famous redheads: Prince Harry, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, Ed Sheeran, Amy Adams
- Redheaded TV/movie characters: Merida (Brave), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Ron Weasley (Harry Potter)
- Historical figures: Queen Elizabeth I, Thomas Jefferson, Vincent Van Gogh, Galileo, Malcolm X
- Red hair dye became trendy after Lucille Ball went red in the 1950s

Redheaded celebs make up an estimated 2-6% of the American population but over 10% of Hollywood actors.

Yet fewer than 4% of Hollywood film characters have red hair. Redheaded roles are often played by non-redhead actors wearing wigs or dye.

So red hair‘s portrayal in media is complicated – exoticized yet also underrepresented. Pop culture spotlights famous real-life redheads yet minimizes them in fictional works.

## The Genetic Science Behind Red Hair

What biological factors cause red hair‘s distinct coloring?

Red hair results from mutations in the MC1R gene:

- MC1R provides instructions for making the melanocortin 1 receptor protein
- This receptor plays a key role in pigment production

Normally, the MC1R receptor binds to alpha-melanin stimulating hormone to trigger eumelanin synthesis:

- Eumelanin produces brown and black pigments
- More eumelanin = darker hair

But mutated MC1R receptors have reduced binding affinity. This impairs eumelanin production and causes overproduction of pheomelanin instead:

- Pheomelanin produces red and yellow pigments
- More pheomelanin = redder hair

Thus, mutations in the MC1R gene tip the balance from dark eumelanin to light pheomelanin, resulting in red hair.

Over 100 MC1R variants associated with red hair have been identified. But only a few common mutations account for most redhead cases:

| MC1R Variant | Frequency in Redheads |
| --- | --- |
| D84E | 42% |
| R151C | 18% |
| R160W | 18% |
| D294H | 7% |

These mutations likely arose in northwestern Europe and were passed down over generations.

## Unique Care Needs and Sensitivities of Redheads

Beyond hair color, redheads‘ genetics lead to other biological differences:

- **Sun sensitivity:** With less protective eumelanin, redheads burn easier in sunlight. They have a higher melanoma risk and must take care to prevent UV damage.
- **Pain sensitivity:** MC1R variants may boost pain perception, making redheads more sensitive to heat, cold, and pain. Redheads require more anesthesia for procedures.
- **Aging and hair changes:** Red pigment fades with age, causing hair to shift to blonde and then white tones rather than grey like other hair colors.

Red hair also requires special care:

- More moisturizing, as the hair tends to be drier
- Blue- or purple-tinted shampoos, as red tones needs cooler hues to stay vibrant
- Avoiding chlorine, heat styling, and other damaging factors
- Higher sun protection with hats, shade, and SPF products

So while the genetics behind red hair affect more than tint, redheads can thrive with proper lifestyle adaptations and care.

## Why Red Hair Dye Fades Quickly on Non-Redheads

Red hair dye tends to fade faster than other unnatural colors on people without natural red pigment. Why?

Permanent hair dye works by forming bonds within the hair strand. These bonds break down and leach out with washing.

Redheaded hair contains ample pheomelanin to rebond with added red dye, prolonging color. But non-redheads lack this underlying pigment.

With no pheomelanin to hold onto the new bonds, the red color molecules easily wash away. This causes the vibrant shade to fade quickly back to the original tone.

Those with dark brown hair have the most eumelanin to overcome, so vibrant reds fade fastest on brunettes. People with light blond hair retain red hues better.

For non-redheads who love the red look, choosing an auburn or strawberry blonde shade over firetruck red will likely last longer. Adding red highlights rather than dying all hair is another low-commitment option.

## How Sun and Age Lighten Red Hair Over Time

While most elderly develop grey hair as pigment production stops, aging affects red hair differently.

Redheads are unlikely to turn grey since human hair greys due to a buildup of hydrogen peroxide, and the red pigment lacks this.

However, red hair still loses vibrancy with age. Sun exposure and other oxidative stressors degrade red pigment molecules over decades.

Without new pheomelanin formation, the constant breakdown causes red hair to progressively lighten into blonde, ginger, and eventually white-blonde tones.

The photobleaching effects of UV rays accelerate this process. However, redheads can slow pigment degradation by limiting sun exposure and using protective products.

While grey and white hair results from different mechanisms in redheads vs. other hair colors, the end result of lighter locks with age remains the same.

## Conclusion: Celebrating Red Hair Uniqueness Beyond Stereotypes

So why call redheads "blueys" when their hair is clearly red-orange in tone? The nonsensical nickname highlights how uniquely rare red locks are.

While cultural perceptions have shifted over time, science shows that red hair results simply from genetic mutations affecting melanin synthesis.

Beyond the stereotypes and slang terms, redheads can take pride in their rare hair color that arises from fascinating biology.

As society moves beyond judgment toward celebrating diversity, red hair is now seen as beautiful and exotic rather than alien and odd.

So whether you consider it red, ginger, titian, auburn, strawberry blonde, or jokingly "blue"- there‘s no doubt that the 1-2% of people with natural red tresses stand out in a sea of brunette and blonde.

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Source: [Why is Red Hair Called Blue? Unpacking the Ironically Colorful Slang Nickname](https://33rdsquare.com/why-is-red-hair-called-blue/)