What is the origin of the term towhead?

The term "towhead" originated from the Old English Word "taw" which means "blonde" or "pale." It was first used in the 19th century to describe someone with very light-colored hair, particularly children with blonde or light-colored hair that resembled the color of flax or tow (fibers of flax). Over time, the term "towhead" became commonly used in American English to describe individuals, especially children, with very light blonde or almost white hair.