If you have red hair, this shocking new study says your wounds may heal differently |
Having red hair is usually seen as something purely visual. A bright and distinctive feature that stands out. Yet recent findings suggest that hair colour may be tied closely to how the body heals itself. For some people, injuries that should close and recover quickly can remain open, sore and inflamed for far longer than expected. The idea that a gene linked to hair pigment may also control the way wounds repair themselves is surprising, yet potentially life-changing. Understanding this connection could help people with red hair manage injuries more effectively and avoid long-lasting wound problems that affect comfort, mobility and confidence.A peer-reviewed study titled “MC1R determines healing outcomes in acute and chronic wound repair” (Nawilaijaroen Y. et al., 2025) discovered that the gene behind red hair, known as MC1R, often functions differently in chronic non-healing wounds such as diabetic ulcers or pressure injuries. When MC1R signalling was weakened or disrupted, wounds showed slower healing, prolonged inflammation and reduced skin regrowth. This suggests that hair colour and healing ability may be more connected than anyone expected.
How the red hair gene affects wound healing
MC1R controls pigment production in hair follicles and skin cells. It determines the balance between darker pigment and the red or yellow pigments that produce red hair and freckles. However, MC1R is also found in cells involved in immune function, skin repair and blood vessel formation. This means MC1R influences much more than appearance.When the skin is injured, the body triggers inflammation to protect against infection and clear damaged tissue. Once this initial stage is complete, inflammation should calm so that new cells can grow. The study found that when MC1R activity is poor, inflammation continues longer than necessary. Instead of switching off, the immune response becomes stuck, which prevents proper tissue rebuilding.
Evidence for the link between the red hair gene and slow wound healing
In laboratory tests, wounds on animals lacking functional MC1R closed more slowly than wounds on those with normal MC1R activity. Healing was delayed, skin regeneration was reduced, and blood vessel growth within the damaged area was weaker. When researchers applied a topical treatment designed to activate MC1R, healing improved noticeably. Inflammation is reduced, blood supply is increased, and new tissue is formed more quickly.These results suggest that individuals whose MC1R gene does not function efficiently may be more likely to develop chronic wounds. This may help explain why some ulcers resist treatment even when standard medical care is provided.
What this means for people with red hair
Not everyone with red hair will experience slow or difficult healing. Many factors influence recovery from wounds, such as age, circulation, diet, infection, diabetes or smoking. The study simply proposes that people with MC1R variations might begin from a slightly different biological starting point. For those who are already at risk of chronic wounds, this difference could matter significantly.The research also points toward new treatments. If doctors can safely activate MC1R using topical medication or other targeted therapies, stubborn wounds may become easier to heal. This could offer hope to patients who struggle with ulcers on the legs, feet or pressure areas.The idea that a gene controlling hair colour could also determine how the skin recovers from injury changes how we think about appearance and biology. The MC1R gene may influence inflammation, tissue repair and long-term wound outcomes. Awareness of this link may encourage people with red hair to treat injuries early and watch healing progress more closely. As science advances, personalised wound care based on genetics may become an important tool in modern medicine.Disclaimer: This content is intended purely for informational use and is not a substitute for professional medical, nutritional or scientific advice. Always seek support from certified professionals for personalised recommendations.Also read| Think chai keeps you warm in winter? Orthopaedic warns it might actually be stiffening your joints
