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Red-haired people feel pain more strongly than brunettes, browns, and blondes
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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British doctors are planning to test the hypothesis that redheads feel pain more than brunettes, brown-haired people and blondes. According to scientists, preliminary molecular genetic data speaks in its favor.
Redheads don't have it easy - if only because they enjoy increased attention from others. Sometimes this attention can be flattering, sometimes - quite burdensome. By the way, did you know that in ancient times it was believed that redheads consorted with evil spirits, flew to sabbaths and generally drank human blood? Some still attribute supernatural abilities to them: what is worth at least the expression "red-haired witch" that has taken root in the language. Even small children, who are not prone to mystical pathos, pester redheads in their own way: it is enough to remember the song "Red, red, freckled".
And nature itself, apparently, is not too kind to redheads. Scientists from the University of Southampton (UK) have launched a study in which they intend to find out how redheads differ from other people in their ability to feel pain. Women and men over 30 were invited for the experiment, each of whom will have to endure a weak electric shock after a dose of anesthesia. Presumably, redheads require more painkillers, that is, their pain is more intense and deeper than, for example, brunettes or blondes.
The reason for the work is not far-fetched. Researchers have long suspected that red-haired people are particularly sensitive to pain. However, most of the arguments in favor of this theory lie in the field of psychological observations. For example, red-haired people are twice as afraid of visits to the dentist, and therefore try to avoid them more often than others. It is also known that red-haired women need 19% more anesthetic to avoid twitching during sudden pain stimulation. These data were obtained some time ago at the University of Louisville (USA). The British will have to confirm or disprove the hypothesis about the increased pain sensitivity of red-haired people. The work will be completed by September...
However, there is every reason to believe that the theory will be confirmed. The gene that causes red hair and characteristic skin color also affects the production of endorphins. These endogenous opiates, produced by neurons in the brain, are capable of not only influencing emotions, but also suppressing pain. It is quite possible that there is a connection between hair color and pain; it remains only to understand what exactly. If the assumptions are correct and redheads are indeed more sensitive to pain, then they will be able to demand an additional dose of anesthesia from the doctor on completely scientific grounds.
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