Discover the exceptional rarity of redheads with blue eyes, a genetic combination that represents only 0.17% of the population. That is, approximately one person in a million.
In our world, the diversity of hair and eye colors is amazing. There are countless shades and combinations, each with its own unique intensity, brightness, and undertones. The variety is virtually endless, allowing each person to be truly unique in their appearance.
In addition, the diversity of hair and eye color combinations is influenced by factors such as genetics and ethnic mix. However, there is an extremely rare combination that affects only one in a million peoplewhich makes it a true rarity in the human population.
The World Atlas reveals that the vast majority of the world’s population, about 75-85% have dark brown or black hair. Also, between 70% and 79% of people have brown eyes. These statistics reflect the prevalence of these colors in the global population.
According to Dr. Julie Kaplan, a leading genetics expert at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Personalized Genetic Health, hair color is linked to particular genetic variations. His research reveals the close relationship between genetics and hair pigmentation, unraveling the mysteries behind the diversity of colors that we observe in people.
The role of genes in color variation
Through scientific research, it has been found that the most unusual hair color is deep redespecially when a father has brown hair and a mother is blonde.
This uniqueness is mainly attributed to the MC1R gene, which plays a crucial role in determining hair, skin, and eye color.. The rarest hair color is red due to the scarcity of genetic variants associated with this shade.
The MC1R gene plays a crucial role in determining hair color, and only three of its variants have been identified as being related to red hair. However, even those with only one variant have a higher chance of having red or reddish-blonde hair.
This discovery highlights the complexity of genetic factors that influence the diversity of hair colors observed in people. In addition, the other six variants of the MC1R gene have the ability to generate a wide range of hair colors, ranging from shades of blonde to brown.
In relation to the ocular part, it is important to highlight that, just as the MC1R gene influences hair color, there is a gene known as OCA2 that plays a key role in determining eye color.
In fact, it is estimated that approximately 75% of the variation in eye color can be attributed to this gene. The OCA2 gene is responsible for the production and distribution of pigments in the iris.which influences the tonality of the eyes.
The rarest combination of hair and eye color
Now, the rarest combination of hair and eye color in humans is red hair and blue eyes.
One fascinating discovery is the presence of another gene called HERC2, which interacts with the MC1R gene and the OCA2 gene. The HERC2 gene has been found to be able to turn off the redhead gene while expressing blue eyes and blonde hair.
This genetic combination makes the presence of blue eyes and red hair even more exceptional. In fact, it is fascinating to discover that only one in a million people in the whole world has this uniqueness of colors in their eyes and hair.
According to a study carried out by the professor of evolutionary biology, Mark Elgar, from the University of Melbourne, it has been verified that red-haired people with blue eyes are extremely rare, representing only 0.17% of the population.