Determining precisely who had the very first red hair is impossible, but evidence suggests that some Neanderthals possessed the red hair trait.
Here's a breakdown:
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Neanderthals: DNA studies have revealed that certain Neanderthals had red hair. However, the genetic mutation causing red hair in Neanderthals is different from the one responsible for red hair in modern humans.
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Modern Humans: The currently active gene for red hair in modern humans is estimated to have originated between 20,000 and 100,000 years ago. Therefore, pinpointing the exact individual with the first instance of this gene is not feasible.
Essentially, while we cannot name an individual, genetic research indicates that red hair existed in both Neanderthals and early modern humans, albeit resulting from distinct genetic pathways.
