Reasons Sex With Red Heads Is Simply the Best, According to Science

August 06, 2024

Believe it or not, the MC1R genes that cause red hair are also responsible for other physical characteristics that make redheaded sex the best ever.

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Whether you love a redhead or you’re a redhead yourself, those vibrant tresses can actually translate into a wild bedroom experience.

Redheads are more physically sensitive

The genes responsible for red hair also cause redheads to respond differently to physical stimuli than men or women with other hair colors. Redheads feel hot and cold temperatures more rapidly and respond to pain differently than blonds or brunettes. This heightened sensitivity can easily translate into exciting sexual play with hot and cold lubes, ice cubes and even sex toys that trigger heightened physical responses. With faster and fuller physical responses, many redheads report that it doesn’t take much effort to reach the big “o.”

In 2012, Danish researchers discovered that redheads’ sensitivity may be even more complex — redheads may be tougher than we give them credit for, reacting less to a burning sensation in the skin. You can only imagine what this might translate to in the bedroom.

Redheads have special pheromones

Redheads exude sexiness from their very pores. In his book The Redheaded Encyclopedia, author Stephen Douglas asserts that redheads have a sweet and musky scent on their skin as a result of pheromone production. These pheromones, in turn, drive would-be suitors absolutely mad with desire. Online forums dedicated to the sexiness of redheads (yes, they exist, and it only takes a quick Google search to find them) further support the claim that redheads smell like sexiness in all the right ways.

And if you’re wondering just how special the inner makeup of a redhead really is, the answer is very. In the year 2000, researchers pinpointed the exact gene responsible for red hair, the mutated MC1R protein that may only manifest as fiery locks in as little as 1 to 2 percent of the population.

Redheads have more sex

As it turns out, the stereotypical lusty redhead isn’t too far from the truth. The most compelling argument for hot redheaded sex is the simple fact that gingers have more sex than their blond or brunette counterparts. A University of Hamburg sex researcher found that women with red hair, whether they’re single or in a committed relationship, participate in substantially more sexual activity than other women. If they’re hitting the sheets all the time, it’s bound to be pretty hot, right?

It doesn’t hurt that redheads have the highest orgasm rate of all hair types at 41 percent.

Redheads have a reputation for eroticism

We’re all familiar with the stereotype of the hot-tempered redhead. Some theorists purport that redheads are emotional and volatile because of their heightened sensitivity to pain and other physical stimuli. A redhead’s reputation for being passionate and opinionated can certainly pay dividends when it comes to sex, and there’s some research to support the sexy redhead concept, too. Red has long been known to be the color of arousal. Think red lipstick, red wine and naturally red hair, and you’re on the right track.

A passionate lover is always a fabulous thing, especially when he or she knows how to say loudly and convincingly, “Touch me there!”

A version of this story was published February 2016.

Whether you have a partner or not, here are some of our favorite positions for great solo sex:

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