IT is usually referred to as the “ginger gene” – MC1R, which gives people red hair – but now scientists have discovered eight genes linked to it, taking them closer to solving the mystery of how they inherit their flaming locks.

Previous studies have shown that redheads inherit two versions of the MC1R gene from each of their parents. However, the largest genetic study of hair colour to date has shed light on other genes that are involved.

A team from the University of Edinburgh looked at DNA from almost 350,000 people and identified eight previously unknown genetic differences that are associated with red hair.

Professor Albert Tenesa, from the university’s Roslin Institute, said: “We are very pleased that this work has unravelled most of the genetic variation contributing to differences in hair colour among people.”