Variability Among Redheads in Pain Thresholds

While a significant majority of redheads share the MC1R variant, not all individuals classified as redheads carry this gene, complicating research findings. Some studies showed a higher pain tolerance in genetically-confirmed redheads, while others implied that self-identified redheads without the genetic variant may have different pain responses. Additionally, some individuals with the MC1R mutation may have blonde hair, suggesting that pain sensitivity associated with redhead genetics could extend beyond traditional definitions of red hair. This variability calls for more rigorous research to understand the genetic factors influencing pain across different hair colors.