Kiss a Ginger Day is observed each year on January 12 as a response to the teasing and bullying that red-haired people have historically faced.
The day was created in 2009 by Derek Forgie, who introduced it as a positive alternative to “Kick a Ginger Day,” a joke trend that emerged after a 2005 episode of South Park and led to real incidents of harassment. Instead of encouraging literal kisses, the observance promotes respectful, consensual ways to show appreciation for red-haired friends, family members, or partners.
Other national days celebrating red hair:
- National Redhead Day on November 5
- Redhead Appreciation Day on September 23
- World Redhead Day on May 26
When Is International Kiss A Ginger Day?
International Kiss A Ginger Day is observed on January 12 and highlights red hair, the rarest natural hair color. The table below lists the upcoming dates for the observance through 2030.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | January 12, Monday |
| 2027 | January 12, Tuesday |
| 2028 | January 12, Wednesday |
| 2029 | January 12, Friday |
| 2030 | January 12, Saturday |
Did You Know? Facts About Red Hair
Red hair is the rarest natural hair color in the world, shaped by distinctive genetics that influence more than appearance.
Rarity and genetics
- Only about 1–2% of the global population has natural red hair.
- Red hair is a recessive trait, meaning both parents must carry the gene for a child to inherit it.
- The rarest hair–eye combination worldwide is red hair with blue eyes; many redheads actually have green, hazel, or brown eyes.
Biological traits
- Research shows redheads often require higher doses of general anesthesia and may respond differently to local numbing agents.
- Lower levels of eumelanin allow more efficient vitamin D production in low-light conditions, an adaptation linked to northern climates.
- Redheads tend to sense temperature changes more quickly and intensely than people with other hair colors.
Hair characteristics
- Natural red hair usually does not turn gray; it fades gradually to blonde or white.
- Redheads have fewer hair strands overall, but each strand is thicker, giving the hair a dense appearance.
Population patterns and history
- Red hair is most common in Scotland and Ireland, where it appears in a much higher share of the population than elsewhere.
- Across history, red hair has attracted both fascination and stigma, appearing in myths, folklore, and shifting cultural attitudes.
Ways to Celebrate International Kiss A Ginger Day
International Kiss A Ginger Day focuses on appreciation and positivity toward red-haired people. The name is playful, but the spirit of the day is about respect, consent, and simple acts of kindness—both in person and online. Here are a few easy ways to take part in the celebration:
- Give your favorite ginger a kiss—but only if you know them well and have their consent. A friendly kiss on the cheek can brighten their day.
- Share your appreciation on social media with the hashtag #KissAGingerDay, spreading positivity for redheads everywhere.
- For those without a ginger in their life, you could give virtual kisses by sending fun memes or videos celebrating redheads.
