Do redheads feel more pain?

As a subject matter expert in genetics and human biology, I can provide some insights into the relationship between hair color and pain perception. It is a common myth that redheads, who have a genetic mutation that produces a specific variant of the MC1R gene, might feel more pain. This myth is often linked to the fact that redheads are more sensitive to UV radiation and may experience more severe sunburns, which can be painful. However, the perception of pain is a complex process that involves multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and individual differences.

The MC1R gene is associated with the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair, skin, and eye color. The variant of this gene found in redheads leads to a different type of melanin production, which contributes to their red hair and fair skin. While it is true that people with fair skin may be more susceptible to sunburn, this does not necessarily correlate with a heightened sensitivity to all types of pain.

Pain perception is influenced by a variety of genetic factors, as well as by the nervous system's response to stimuli, psychological factors, and even cultural and social conditioning. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the MC1R gene variant associated with red hair directly affects an individual's overall pain sensitivity.

In conclusion, while redheads might experience certain types of pain more intensely due to their unique genetic traits, such as sunburns, there is no evidence to support the claim that they inherently feel more pain in general.

Researchers believe that this may be due to a mutation in a gene that affects hair color and one's perception of pain, among other things. The amount of red pigment in the hair can be determined by one gene (MC1R). ... For instance, a person with the gene for red hair typically has a lower tolerance to cold weather.