The pigment pheomelanin gives red hair its distinctive color. Red hair has far more of the pigment pheomelanin than it has of the dark pigment eumelanin. The genetics of red hair appear to be associated with the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which is found on chromosome 16.

Why does ginger mean red hair?

Another theory is that those with red hair are called 'Gingers' thanks to ginger-flavoured food, which tend to show an auburn, reddish tinge: ginger cake, gingerbread, and ginger snaps. American TV has also been cited as an influencing factor towards Gingers' nickname.

Is red hair considered ginger?

“Redhead” is used to pertain to a hair color; “ginger” is a derogatory label when referring to an overall look of an individual. 3. Anyone with red hair color can be called a redhead. Individuals with pale, freckled skin and vibrant red hair color are called a ginger.