Observers have long been fascinated by the phenomena of guys with red beards even if their hair is not naturally red. “Why do guys get red in their beards?” This ostensibly uncommon event is an intriguing illustration of how genetics may manifest itself in unexpected ways rather than merely a chance anomaly. Let’s examine the genetic and environmental elements that lead to this distinctive hair color variance as we delve into the science of red beards.
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Reasons why Guys Get Red Beard
The Enigma of Genetics
The key factor in determining hair color is the MC1R gene, which is at the center of the riddle surrounding red beards. Melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of hair, is produced by this gene. Mutations in the MC1R gene can result in the synthesis of pheomelanin, the pigment that gives red hair its color. The presence of a single mutant MC1R gene can cause red hair to appear in unexpected locations, such the beard, even in people whose hair is not typically red.
The Effects of Genetics on Hair Color
The MC1R gene belongs to a class of genes called “incomplete dominant hereditary traits” that control hair color. This indicates that all genes impact each other, even if no single gene predominates. A single mutant MC1R gene can cause red hair to appear on the body in a variety of places, including the beard. Individual differences in this genetic expression can result in a diverse spectrum of hair shades .
The ratio of the pigments eumelanin and pheomelanin determines the color of hair. Pheomelanin produces red tones, whereas eumelanin produces deeper, brown, or black tones. Darker hair hues are usually caused by more eumelanin in those with black or dark brown hair. Those with red or blond hair, on the other hand, have higher levels of pheomelanin, which causes lighter hair hues. This ratio also holds true for beard hair, which explains why some men may have red beards even when their hair isn’t red.
TikTok Theory on Red Beard
An interesting notion that has taken hold on TikTok concerns red beards among males with dark or brown hair. According to this idea, there is more to the color variation in beard hair than simply heredity. It also seems to be related to personal actions. This hypothesis states that a woman’s body’s acidity during specific activities might cause bleaching, which alters a man’s beard color. The man’s beard might change color—often into a lighter shade—due to this bleaching impact. A man with black hair could have a faint coppery hue to his beard, but a man with brown hair might have a copper beard.
Though amusing and extensively disseminated on the platform, the TikTok idea is founded on an incorrect understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying hair pigmentation. The ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin in the hair follicles determines the color of hair, including hair from beards. Pheomelanin produces red tones, whereas eumelanin produces deeper, brown, or black tones. Variations in hair color arise from the varied mixture of pigments produced in the follicles of beard hair compared to scalp hair due to the differential expression of the MC1R gene.