Red hair / fair skin (MC1R gene)

The MC1R gene shifts pigment toward red hair, fair skin and freckles. Red hair usually appears only when two MC1R variants combine, so several of these variants are counted together.

Possible results

Red hair likely. You carry two or more MC1R red-hair variants, which strongly favors red or strawberry-blond hair, fair skin and freckles. Fair, freckle-prone skin burns more easily, so sun protection helps.

One red-hair variant. You carry a single MC1R red-hair variant. Alone it usually means slightly fairer skin or a few freckles rather than red hair, which typically needs two such variants together.

No red-hair variant. You don't carry the MC1R red-hair variants this panel reads, so red hair is unlikely from MC1R. A few rarer MC1R variants aren't tested here.

Evidence & sources

This panel reads R151C, R160W, D294H, R142H.

Reads the four most common MC1R red-hair variants. A few rarer red-hair variants are not tested, so red hair is still possible with a 'no variant' result.

Related

Body mass index · Earwax type / body odor · Endurance / aerobic capacity (PPARGC1A) · Freckling / sun sensitivity · Height · Male-pattern baldness tendency · Muscle fiber type (power vs endurance)