National Redhead Day: Gingers Are Having the Last Laugh

According to Reader's Digest, today is National Redhead Day, which means it's time to celebrate the fiery-haired minority that's been taking abuse for generations but is finally getting a little respect.

As a redhead myself, I feel qualified to speak on this subject. Growing up with red hair wasn't always a picnic. We got called just about every name in the book, constantly reminded that we looked different, and some of us were even punched or kicked simply because our hair wasn't the same color as everyone else's. Apparently, having a different shade of hair was enough to make you a target.

Well, look who's laughing now. Red hair is fashionable, gingers are getting attention, and according to Reader's Digest, we've got a few interesting statistics working in our favor.

For starters, natural redheads make up only about 1% to 2% of the world's population. Scotland and Wales have the highest concentrations, with roughly 10% of their populations sporting red hair. And if you have red hair and blue eyes, congratulations. You've got one of the rarest combinations on the planet, found in only about 0.17% of people.

There's also some interesting science behind being a ginger. Red hair is a recessive genetic trait, which means two parents without red hair can still produce a redheaded child. Redheads also produce more vitamin D, although their lighter pigmentation comes with a higher risk of skin cancer, so sunscreen is still your friend.

But here's the statistic I really want everyone to remember: A 2022 study reportedly found that redheads have more sex.

That's right. After years of ginger jokes, bullying, and getting blamed for everything, we've apparently been getting it in more than you.

Happy National Redhead Day. The gingers have officially won.