Red is an ageless classic when it comes to hair color; its bold hue complements nearly every complexion and stands out most prominently among those with fair skin. Redheads have long been celebrated for their fiery bombshell looks and powerful superhero roles; some examples are Game of Thrones’ Ygritte, Disney princess Merida and DC villain Poison Ivy!

Yet scientists are a little perplexed as to why red hair stands out so much from other colors, and have pinpointed multiple genes linked to red hair’s unique traits; Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) appears to be most influential here; MC1R encodes a protein which controls pigmentation by telling cells where to produce melanin (the natural pigment responsible for our hair and skin colors), specifically melanosomes which attach themselves to our keratin cells that make up our hair follicles before discharging them into our surrounding skin or hair as we mature follicles. If these melanosomes contain MC1R then reddish hues will result; otherwise dark shades will result.

Genetically speaking, to be a redhead requires two copies of the MC1R gene from both parents. Therefore, it can occur even without family history of red hair in their lineage; parents could even carry recessive genes which contain instructions for red hair which could pass onto their offspring and produce unexpected results.

Gene mutations that give us light-skinned redheads may also increase our risks for certain diseases. One study suggests that those carrying the R variant of MC1R are at an increased risk for cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer – this may be related to prenatal estrogen exposure as scientists speculate.

Not only can vibrant red hair colors such as Drew Barrymore’s enhance our sexual allure, they can also boost feelings of confidence and power. Warm-toned skin tones should consider copper or burgundy hues while those with cooler complexions should go for shades with purple undertones such as cherry red.

Red balayage like that worn by Chloe Dykstra can be an excellent way to experiment with bold hues without going too dark. Starting darker at the roots and gradually lightening towards the ends, this style can help those concerned about maintaining such vibrant shades with ease.

Marcia Cross epitomizes the timeless, luxurious appeal of deep red hues with her deep red shade worn in this photo, ideal for those wanting to experiment with color but are unsure how long-term to commit. Additionally, its vibrant yet understated look works great on olive and neutral skin tones as an unexpected pop of hue that brings life and depth into their complexions while accentuating green or blue eyes beautifully.

Hoyeon Jung offers this cool burgundy red shade to add warmth and dimension to their locks. This deep rusty shade has two distinct temperatures; cooler on top while warming towards the bottom, making it suitable for people with cool-toned skin tones who would benefit from complementing it well.