Cherry red hair, as a vibrant and specific shade, is not a naturally occurring human hair color. Natural red hair exists, but it does not typically present itself in the deep, bright tones associated with cherry red.
Understanding Natural Red Hair
Natural red hair is rare, with the provided reference indicating it is the rarest natural hair color in humans. It is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair and skin color. This type of red hair usually appears in shades of copper, auburn, or strawberry blonde. Here's what makes it unique:
- Genetic Basis: Red hair is caused by a mutation in the MC1R gene, which results in a type of melanin called pheomelanin being produced more than eumelanin. Eumelanin results in brown or black shades.
- Rarity: As mentioned, red hair is the rarest natural hair color in humans.
- Geographic Distribution: The reference notes that the non-tanning skin associated with red hair may have been advantageous in far-northern climates where sunlight is scarce.
- Variety of Shades: Natural red hair varies in shade from very light strawberry blonde to deep auburn but does not include the deep bright tone of cherry red.
Why Cherry Red is Not Natural
The key difference lies in the intensity and shade of color. Cherry red hair is a vibrant, deep red with a cool undertone. This color is achieved through hair dye and does not exist naturally in human hair because of the following:
- Pigment Limitations: The natural pigments in human hair (eumelanin and pheomelanin) cannot produce the intense, bright colors needed to create cherry red.
- Dyeing Process: Achieving a cherry red requires chemical processing that alters the natural hair pigment.
- Lack of Genetic Basis: There is no known genetic mutation that would cause hair to grow in a cherry red shade.
Key Differences in a Table:
| Characteristic | Natural Red Hair | Cherry Red Hair |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Genetic mutation affecting melanin production | Hair dye |
| Shades | Copper, auburn, strawberry blonde | Deep, vibrant, cool-toned red |
| Natural Pigments | Pheomelanin (predominantly) and some eumelanin | Artificial pigments |
| Natural Occurrence | Naturally occurring, though rare. | Not naturally occurring in humans. |
Practical Insights
- If you desire cherry red hair, it will require hair dye and potentially bleaching, depending on your natural hair color.
- Maintaining cherry red hair will require routine touch-ups since it is not a natural pigment in the hair and will fade with washing and exposure to the sun.
- Consult with a professional if you wish to achieve a cherry red shade, as it involves chemical processes that can damage hair if not done correctly.
