Women with red hair may have unique pain thresholds compared to others, according to a neuroscientist. Research indicates they are less sensitive to electric shocks but feel more pain from heat or cold temperatures. These differences are linked to a genetic mutation in the gene responsible for red hair, which partly affects a sensory receptor in the body.
Professor Irene Tracey, known as the “Queen of Pain,” explained that studying pain is challenging because it’s so subjective. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, she highlighted how scientific progress is offering hope to people dealing with chronic pain, one of the biggest health issues in developed countries.
She noted that genetics could explain why pain thresholds differ among people. She mentioned the possibility that women with red hair may have a different genetic basis for experiencing pain compared to others.
A report in the journal Anesthesiology confirmed that redheads’ pain responses are tied to a gene mutation that alters how their bodies handle different types of pain. This rare mutation, found in less than 2% of the global population, may explain their unique tolerance levels.
In separate research, red-haired women were found to have the highest orgasm rates compared to other hair types. Dr. Werner Habermehl, a researcher from the University of Hamburg, discovered that women with red hair tend to have more active sex lives, with more partners and more frequent intimacy. He suggested their reputation for being fiery may not be far from reality.
A 2022 study from the Czech Republic supported these findings, noting that red-headed women showed higher sexual desire, activity, and submissiveness. However, researchers said that genetics might not be the only factor. Social stereotypes about redheads being more open or sexually permissive could also influence behavior and perceptions.
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