No, blonde hair is not common, but it's not the rarest hair color either. It's actually quite rare globally.
Global Prevalence of Blonde Hair
It's a surprising fact that only a small percentage of the world's population is naturally blonde. As stated in the provided reference, only 2% of the world's population is naturally blonde. This signifies that blonde hair is indeed a relatively uncommon genetic trait.
Factors Affecting Blonde Hair Rarity
Several factors contribute to the rarity of blonde hair:
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Genetics: Blonde hair is determined by a recessive gene. Individuals need two copies of this gene to have blonde hair. This is different from, for example, brown hair, which can be expressed with only one copy of the dominant gene.
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Geographic Distribution: Blonde hair is most prevalent in certain regions of the world, particularly Northern and Western Europe. Its frequency significantly decreases as you move away from these areas.
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Environmental Factors: While genetics play the primary role, other factors may influence hair color's expression. However, these factors are not usually significant enough to drastically alter the overall rarity of the trait.
Conclusion: Understanding the Rarity
Blonde hair is relatively uncommon globally. The low percentage of naturally blonde individuals worldwide makes it a relatively rare trait. The recessive nature of the gene responsible for blonde hair and its concentrated geographic distribution contribute to its rarity.