Little Redheads Across America

Aunt B. sent an article from their paper yesterday telling about a great new book titled
"Little Redheads Across America," written by Nicole Giladi. After giving birth to twins, she and her husband were surprised when one of them had “orange fuzz!” About a year later, her curiosity got the best of her, and Giladi started researching. She discovered that the redhead gene has to come from both parents. She also learned how extraordinary red hair was. The more she searched, the more fascinating biological information she found. That’s when the idea of her book came to her, she said. She wanted to write a book for all redheaded children to let them know they weren’t alone and to give them information on their uniqueness. Soon she was hearing from parents of redheaded children across the country. She accepted photo submissions, seeking the best choices from each state. Of course, raising a redhead can be somewhat of a challenge. They say redheads have a fiery temper and are stubborn. I can't say for sure those traits are just for our redhead daughter Amy, since our blonde daughter Stephanie also shares the same ones!
Rarity — Red hair is the rarest hair color in humans. Redheads make up only 2 percent of those in the United States.

Genetics — Because it's a recessive trait, red hair can easily skip a generation. It can reappear after skipping one or more generations if both parents (no matter their hair color) carry the red hair gene.

Hands down — Being a lefty is more prevalent among redheads than among those with other hair colors.

Hair dye — Red is the most requested hair color at beauty salons. It is very difficult to dye naturally red hair. Red hair holds its pigment more tightly than most other natural colors.

Changes — The color of red hair changes over time. This is because the amount of melanin in hair changes with time. Someone who is a bright redhead as a child will notice the shade becoming more muted as she ages.

Freckles — Having freckles is genetic and is often found in people with fair hair and red hair. The appearance of freckles is triggered by exposure to sunlight.　　

Our daughter Amy at 2 had hair the color of a new copper penny!

By 3 her hair was still very coppery, and she had curls too!

By 8 she had heard every redhead joke you can imagine. Her favorite thing to tell people when they asked, "Where did you get your red hair? She'd smile and say, "My parents left me out in the rain!"
By 14 she had a mane of auburn hair. Strangers would come up to her to tell her how beautiful it was!

Amy's a Mom now to 2 year old BLONDE Ewan! She still gets compliments on her red hair, it's just so pretty!

Thanks Aunt B. for another great article!