Why Do Guys Get Red Hairs In Their Beards? Here’s The Truth

If you have black or even brown hair, you may ask yourself why do I have red hairs in my black beard? If your hair is all one color, then surely your beard should be that same color too, right? You may also wonder if it is normal to have them.

There are a few reasons why this happens, and this sort of thing is more common than you may think. Thus said, this article explores why men get red hairs in their beards, how to get rid of these red hairs, and more.

Why Do Men Get Red Hairs In Their Beards?

It is totally normal for red hair to come in a brown or black beard. The mutation of genes usually causes this to happen. In fact, MC1 R, i.e. the melanocortin 1 receptor, is the gene behind red hair.

There may be other reasons why you have red hair in your beard. However, since the usual cause is the MC1 R gene, it is important to learn a lot more about it and how it operates.

MC1 R creates a protein that directly affects the melanin (pigment) in a person’s body. And while most people only think of the skin when it comes to melanin, pigmentation or melanin is also associated with a person’s hair and eyes.

Furthermore, there are two types of melanin that are present in the body, and they are known as pheomelanin and eumelanin. Pheomelanin creates lighter colors, and eumelanin creates darker colors. The red color is produced when there is less eumelanin than pheomelanin and the MC1 R gene mutation.

People with hair that is totally dark brown or black only have eumelanin. However, those with red or lighter hair shades in some parts of the body have pheomelanin that is dormant which will activate later.

Red-haired man with a beard.

Please note that people often inherit two MC1 R genes that are different from each other due to their parents’ physical differences. However, there are some people who have two MC1 R genes that are the same color.

Whatever the case, don’t fret because this mutation is a good thing. Otherwise, a person can have a blonde beard with black hair or vice versa if these genes don’t mutate.

So, you will have red body hair if one of the MC1 R genes is mutated. Otherwise, you will have red hair all over if both MC1 R genes are mutated. In other words, if you have two of these genes in your body, you will have red hair all over your body.

On the other hand, you will only have red hair on some parts of your body if you only have one of these genes. In this case, you may have red hair on some body parts, like your legs, armpits, or beard.

If you discovered that the red hair in your beard is not caused by this gene, then there may be other reasons why you have red hair in your beard as previously mentioned. For instance, not getting enough nutrition, protein, and growth supplements will change a person’s hair color.

Another main reason could be excessive exposure to the sun. People with brown or black hair who have too much sun exposure will encounter their hair turning ginger or reddish color. The sun’s UV rays can demolish pigment-carrying cells in the hair on your head and your beard. This cell destruction will cause your hair to start turning red.

So, to protect your beard from turning red, you should wear sunblock every time you go out. The SPF should be less than 50.

The other reasons could be some soaps or other products you may be using or aging. Some products may have chemicals that react with hair follicles. And in this case, your body’s reaction to these chemicals could be your hair turning red.

When it comes to aging, our bodies encounter various changes. Some of these changes are visible, such as having red hair on the beard. So, as people get older, the body produces less melanin. As people age, the cells that produce pigmentation in the beard and hair also age. So, people entering their 40s who carry a red hair gene are more likely to get a red beard.

Should you be Concerned if There are Red Hairs in Your Beard?

No, you shouldn’t be concerned if you have red hair in your beard. This condition is usually a genealogical situation that commonly happens more than you probably realized. So, there is nothing wrong with your facial hair or you. Other than that, this situation occurs for the other reasons previously mentioned which you can easily correct by changing your diet, products, sun exposure, etc.

If you discovered that it’s not genetics, you just have to do your due diligence in looking at the ingredients on your hair products, soaps, etc. Once you found out which products are causing your beard color change, just throw the products out. Never use them again and make sure you buy products that are good for you.

How To Get Rid Of Red Hair In The Beard?

Please note that your red hair won’t automatically go away. You must do preventive methods, adjust your diet, etc. Otherwise, you can’t change your body processes if the red hair is caused by genetics. So, if the red hairs in your beard are caused by something other than genetics, use the following preventative methods:

  • Apply sunscreen or cover your face before going out in the sun.
  • Instead of using strong chemical products on your face, use natural products.
  • Maintain a good diet.
  • Occasionally check your vitamin and protein levels in your body. That way, you can adjust your levels as needed.

If your red hair is caused by genetics, you can temporarily get rid of the red hairs in your beard. Some solutions to temporarily get rid of them are as follows:

  • You can shave off your beard.

This must be done daily or on an every other day basis to keep the red hair from showing.

  • If you only have a little amount of red hair, you can pluck them out.

Your red hair won’t show for several days or several weeks when it comes to plucking them out.

Perhaps your red hair is not at the root of your beard, you can trim your beard down if you want to keep some facial hair. When using the beard trimmer, don’t pull the trimmer too short or too tight. Also, use its highest setting.

Adult man trimming his beard.

Even if you want to keep your beard and trimming it won’t eliminate all the red hair, you still can minimize the appearance. Trimming your facial hair will minimize your appearance.

  • You can dye your red hair.

The dye in your hair will last for two to three months. You will significantly reduce the appearance of red hair. Also, it is the best choice if you don’t know what you want to do about them. At least while you decide what you will do about your beard, you can use this temporary solution while you figure out the right solution for you.

You can use dye that is a few shades of a darker red than the red on your beard. When you do this, people couldn’t tell that your beard is turning red. Using a brown dye tint is also a great choice. Regardless of what choice of dye you’ll use, make sure it doesn’t have any chemicals.

Having said this, using an organic hair dye is a better choice. In fact, many high-end and organic options are available out there. So, you’ll always have a great choice to choose from.

Conclusion

You may ask yourself why I have red hair on my black beard. Of course, if the hair on your head is black then your facial hair should also be black, right? The truth is, however, that the mutation of genes usually causes this to happen. In fact, MC1 R. i.e. the melanocortin 1 receptor, is the gene behind red hair.

Other than that, there may be other reasons why you have red hair in your beard. Not getting enough nutrition, protein, and growth supplements will change a person’s hair color. Another main reason could be excessive exposure to the sun. People with brown or black hair who have too much sun exposure will encounter their hair turning ginger or reddish color.

Man in the bathroom reading a label.

The other reasons could be some soaps or other products you may be using or aging. Some products may have chemicals that react with hair follicles. And when it comes to aging, our bodies encounter various changes, such as the body producing less melanin. As people age, the cells that produced pigmentation in the beard and hair also age.

Whatever the case, you can either hide your red hair or temporarily remove it. Otherwise, you don’t have to worry about it. It is usually just genetics or things you can prevent.

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About Jerome Glover

Hi! My name is Jerome and I am a writer/editor for GentlemenCenter. I have a passion for helping men improve themselves, and I hope my writing will be able to help you in anything you may need!

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