Gingers of America – The Scot Documenting the Redheads of the US

For Scottish photographer Kieran Dodds, the vibrant hue of red hair is far more than a striking visual; it’s a "golden thread" weaving through the diverse tapestry of American identity. Dodds, a proud redhead himself, has dedicated the last decade to capturing the portraits of individuals with ginger hair, a pursuit that began in his native Scotland and has since spanned continents, culminating in his latest book, "Gingers of America." This ambitious project delves into the unexpected connections and rich histories embedded within the red hair gene, revealing a surprising microcosm of global heritage within the United States.

Dodds’ fascination with red hair ignited in 2013 as part of a series exploring Scottish identity. His curiosity soon led him to photograph redheads in other known ginger hotspots, including the Russian city of Perm and Jamaica’s Treasure Beach. His 2020 book, "Gingers," showcased this global exploration, but upon its release, a significant "gap" became apparent. "I realised I didn’t have any American citizens," Kieran told the BBC, a realization that unexpectedly opened a floodgate of interest. "Then all these people got in touch." This surge of interest led him to embark on a new chapter of his photographic journey, focusing exclusively on the redheads of America.

The United States, a nation built on waves of immigration and a complex history of cultural intermingling, proved to be fertile ground for Dodds’ project. He found that America, in its vast diversity, was a "microcosm" of the world, a place where different ethnicities and backgrounds converged, often carrying the ginger gene with them. A message from a Native American man with red hair particularly piqued his interest. "I found it very interesting and it made me think, ‘where on earth did it come from?’" Kieran mused, highlighting the genetic mysteries that often accompany red hair.

The cover of "Gingers of America" features Joshua Elliot from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma, a testament to the project’s exploration of diverse ancestries. Elliot explained to Dodds that his red hair likely stemmed from a mix of German, English, and Swedish heritage on his father’s side, while his mother’s side has always been deeply connected to the Muscogee tribe. Elliot’s story powerfully illustrates how a physical trait can transcend stereotypical expectations of ethnicity. "Our chief’s wife told me it’s about your involvement in your community and your tribe, the people around you and what you put back into it," Elliot shared, emphasizing that identity is about more than just appearance.

Dodds’ travels across America revealed a recurring theme: the early intermarriages between Scots, Irish, and Native Americans, a historical confluence that often explains the presence of red hair within indigenous communities. Lottie Wahkinney, a Comanche girl from Oklahoma, whose Scottish grandparents hailed from Galashiels, embodies this fusion. Her father, Jared, shared how his own visits to Scotland as a young man were met with curiosity about his Native American heritage, a stark contrast to his modern attire. "Folks were like, ‘Where are your moccasins? Where’s your headdress?’" he recalled. "I explained ‘I wear Nikes’." This anecdote underscores the evolving nature of cultural identity and the blending of traditions.

However, not all instances of red hair in Native American communities have a clear European link. Kieran was particularly intrigued by a Cherokee girl named Lakia, whose family had no known European ancestry, yet she possessed a strikingly deep ruby red hair. "It is a totally different colour of red," Kieran observed. "That really intrigued me." Lakia herself recounts how her hair turned red during childhood, leading to assumptions that she dyed it, a testament to the uniqueness of her genetic makeup.

The project also took Dodds to Alabama, a state often associated with racial segregation and the civil rights movement, but which he discovered to be a vibrant hub of diversity. He met Rachel Releford, an African American woman with red hair, who shared the common experience of being mistaken for her daughter Liliana’s nanny. "I’m like, ‘nope, she’s mine’," Rachel stated, reflecting on the lingering prejudices she and her family have navigated. Her grandparents’ support for her interracial marriage, despite initial hesitation from some of their peers, highlights the progress made and the enduring power of love and acceptance.

In Alabama, he also encountered Henry Davis and his young son, both with red hair. While the elder Henry’s red hair had faded with age, he noted its presence in his father’s beard, suggesting a paternal lineage. The Smith family from Burke, Virginia, a group of six with striking red hair, also featured in the book, showcasing a generational continuation of the trait.

Dodds acknowledges the historical use of "ginger" as an insult but chooses to reclaim the term for its "descriptive power." He contrasts the harshness of "red" with the warm, golden undertones of "ginger," seeing it as a symbol of connection and vibrancy. He views the red hair as a "golden thread" that binds together America’s complex and often difficult history, revealing an underlying unity among its people. "We are all made of the same stuff and with the ginger hair it shows," Kieran declared, articulating his central thesis.

The book also highlights the challenges and triumphs of individuals embracing their unique heritage. Evelyn Lee from Birmingham, Alabama, once disliked her ginger curls but now cherishes them, likening them to "Spanish princesses’ flowing locks." Keisha Engley, from rural Washington State, whose American grandfather fought in Vietnam and met her grandmother there, represents another layer of this intricate mosaic.

In Scotland, red hair is exceptionally common, with an estimated 13% of the population being natural redheads. Globally, however, it’s a rarer trait, affecting less than 2% of people. Dodds’ research suggests that in the US, the genetic prevalence of red hair is around 4%, translating to approximately 14 million people. He vividly imagines "Gingertown," a hypothetical gathering of these individuals, as a "big city" so bright it would be visible from space.

Dodds emphasizes that what sets America apart is the pervasive awareness of migration and ancestry. "Everyone has self-consciously moved from somewhere," he observed, a sentiment that extends to Native Americans who have been displaced within the continent. This constant movement and intermingling of populations, he believes, is what makes the American story so compelling. His book, therefore, becomes a photographic road trip across the US, an exploration of the nation’s identity through the lens of this distinctive genetic trait.

Kieran expresses a newfound patriotism for America, inspired by the recent men’s football World Cup and the positive interactions he’s had. He is heartened by visitors who discover the US is "not what I expected," finding a land filled with "amazing people and communities" with whom they can connect and agree. His project, he hopes, reveals this underlying sense of unity and shared humanity, proving that even a single genetic characteristic can illuminate the profound interconnectedness of a nation.