Redheads more likely to be bullied, research shows

Redheads are more likely to be bullied because of their hair colour with so-called gingerism still considered the last, socially accepted form of prejudice, new Irish research has found.

More than 90% of men with red hair have been bullied simply because of their hair colour, foxy British men fared worst with higher levels of anxiety and depression, and 87% of flamed-haired females have experienced ‘gingerism,’ the study of redheads around the world shows.

UCC psychology student Kevin O’Regan, who conducted the research, found that this bullying, combined with the often negative portrayal of redheads in movies and cartoons, may contribute to anxiety disorders and depression.