It's impossible to identify the first person with red hair by name, but the origin can be traced to a genetic mutation.
The Genetics of Red Hair
Red hair in Homo sapiens is a result of a mutation in the MC1R gene. This is different from the origin of red hair in Neanderthals.
- MC1R Gene: This gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps determine hair and skin color. The mutation causes the production of a different protein, leading to the distinctive red hair, fair skin, and freckles commonly associated with it.
- Origin: It's believed this mutation emerged in Central Asia sometime in the last 50,000 years.
- Spread to Europe: The red hair trait then spread into Europe between 8,000 and 4,000 years ago.
Why the First Person Can't Be Identified
Because the mutation occurred gradually across a population and not in a single individual, it is not possible to name a single first person with red hair. There would have been a period with individuals having the mutation but not the fully expressed red hair phenotype, and multiple individuals likely started showing the fully expressed phenotype around the same time.
Timeline Summary
| Time Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 50,000 years ago | Mutation of the MC1R gene likely started in Central Asia. |
| 8,000 - 4,000 years ago | Spread of red hair phenotype into Europe. |
Therefore, instead of a single "first person," red hair gradually emerged in the human population as the genetic mutation became more prevalent.
