Are redheads going extinct? Absolutely not, says Sammamish photographer Anne Lindsay.
That is one urban myth that has been floating around over the past few years – that fiery-red locks are becoming less and less common and were in danger of being bred out of the human race.
Red hair is by far the rarest of all the hair colors – only about 3 percent of the U.S. population has it.
“There are a lot of myths and folklore associated with this vibrant hue,” Lindsay said.
She ought to know – Lindsay has a husband, a daughter, and a dog with red hair. And for the past year or so, she has been tracking down every redhead she can find and taking their photographs, for her upcoming book “Redheads and More Redheads.”
It will feature photos and personal stories of those with naturally red locks in every hue — from the strawberry blondes to those with auburn and copper-toned tresses, and from 0 to 100 years old of any ethnic group around the globe.
“This is a book to celebrate redheads,” Lindsay said.
In researching her book, Lindsay has heard some strange stories, like how redheads were once considered witches and burned at the stake.
The highest population of redheads is in Scotland, with 14 percent.
“It’s time to celebrate the beauty of redheads, their freckles and fun personalities,” Lindsay said.
So far Lindsay has photographed 65 redheads – but she needs more. She wants to feature 200 ginger models in her new book, and so is hoping to hear from anyone with red hair who wouldn’t mind posing for a photograph. Lindsay is particularly interested in the most unusual ones – those of African Americans, Japanese, Greeks, Indians – ethnic backgrounds that rarely have red hair.
Got red hair? Know someone who does? Get in touch with Lindsay at 425-391-2226, or via e-mail at anne@annelindsayphotography.com
Lindsay will host a redhead gathering, which will include a slide show presentation about “Redheads and More Redheads,” a photo exhibit, and discussion about the broad range of redheads, as well as a talk on how to pursue ideas for books, from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 14 at the Sammamish Library.
