Why are redheads so rare?

Redheads are rare primarily due to the genetic factors involved in hair color. The gene responsible for red hair, known as MC1R, is a recessive trait, meaning that both parents must carry the gene for a child to inherit red hair. This rarity is further influenced by geographic and ethnic factors, as red hair is most commonly found in individuals of Northern or Western European descent. As a result, in the global population, redheads make up only about 1-2%.