Скачать или смотреть The Golden Gene: How Evolution, Migration, and Desire Shaped the Story of Blonde Hair

Blonde hair, found in only about 2% of the global population, arose through a mix of environmental adaptation, genetic chance, and sexual selection. Its origins trace back to Northern Eurasia during the Late Upper Paleolithic, where low sunlight favored lighter pigmentation for vitamin D synthesis. Genes such as KITLG (reducing pigment) and later contributions from Eastern Hunter-Gatherers introduced the blonde allele, which spread widely during the Yamnaya migrations in the Bronze Age.

Beyond adaptation, blondism thrived through sexual selection, as rare and youthful-looking traits drew attraction in small prehistoric groups. Light hair became associated with novelty, fertility cues, and visibility in northern latitudes.

Blonde hair also evolved independently in Melanesia, caused by a unique TYRP1 mutation, while in Africa lighter hair shades occur sporadically among the Khoisan, Berbers, and through admixture or albinism.

Today, blonde hair remains rare but culturally iconic—a product not only of survival pressures but also of the human tendency to value what is distinctive and memorable.
references:
https://doi.org/10.1038/nature25778?u...
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.12178...
https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msu294...
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-anthr...