Red Hair Could Make You More Susceptible To Illness

Spanish scientists have just published research linking red hair with increased cell damage. They carried out a study on wild boars and found that those with reddish coats had more cell damage than those with duller coats. The research also suggested that grey hair could be a sign of good health.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2176368/How-grey-hair-sign-good-health--redhead-make-susceptible-illness.html

The study suggests that the production of red pigment is to blame. Pheomelanins, which produce red and 'rich chestnut' hues, require a chemical called glutathione (GSH). This chemical is also an antioxidant. The suggestion is that producing red pigment uses up the GSH leaving less to work their antioxidant magic.

Yet more bad press for redheads!