Yes, people of Asian descent can have red hair.
The Genetics of Red Hair in Asia
Red hair is determined by variations in the MC1R gene. While less common in East Asian populations compared to those of European descent, the MC1R gene variants responsible for red hair are present across various Asian ethnic groups. This means that individuals with Asian ancestry can inherit these gene variants and thus have red hair.
Examples of Asian Populations with Red Hair:
The provided reference notes the presence of red hair among people of several Asian ethnicities, including:
- Afghans
- Arabs
- Iranians
- East Indians
- Mongolians
- Turkic peoples
- Miao people
- Hmong people
Furthermore, archeological evidence from an Iron Age cemetery in Khakassia, South Siberia, shows the presence of red hair in preserved samples. This highlights the historical presence of red hair within Asian populations.
Understanding the Frequency of Red Hair
It's important to note that the frequency of red hair varies significantly across different Asian populations. It's far more common in some groups (e.g., certain populations in Central Asia) than in others (e.g., East Asian populations). This variation reflects the complex interplay of genetic factors and historical migrations across the continent.
