Your baby is a redhead because they likely inherited two copies of a specific gene variant, known as the MC1R variant.
Understanding Red Hair Genetics
The color of your baby's hair is determined by the genes they inherit from their parents. One key gene is called MC1R, which plays a significant role in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. Here's a breakdown:
- Melanin: There are two main types of melanin:
- Eumelanin: Creates dark brown and black pigments.
- Pheomelanin: Produces red and yellow pigments.
How the MC1R Gene Works
The MC1R gene typically tells the body to produce eumelanin. However, if someone inherits a variant of this gene, it can result in less eumelanin and more pheomelanin production.
The Red Hair Scenario
According to the reference, if a baby inherits two copies of the MC1R variant, they are likely to have hair that is considered "classic red", appearing quite orange. This is because they will produce mostly pheomelanin and very little eumelanin.
Why Two Copies are Important
- Two Redheaded Parents: If both parents have red hair, it is highly likely they each carry at least one copy of the MC1R variant. Therefore, they are more likely to pass down two copies to their child, resulting in red hair.
- One Redheaded Parent: It's also possible for a child to have red hair even if only one parent is a redhead. This happens when the other parent carries a hidden variant of the MC1R gene, and the child inherits one copy from each parent.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Gene | MC1R gene variant |
| Pigment | Predominantly pheomelanin production |
| Appearance | "Classic red" hair, often appearing orange |
| Inheritance | Two copies of the MC1R variant needed |
In summary, your baby’s red hair is a result of inheriting two copies of the MC1R variant, causing their body to produce mostly pheomelanin rather than eumelanin, which leads to their classic red hair.
