Why do many people with Down's Syndrome have brown hair?

Question

Is this just a coincidence or is there a relationship between Down's Syndrome and brown hair? I know that it is not an absolute, as I have seen one or two blondes, but for the most part, they tend to have brown hair.

I would say that where I live, San Diego, at least 25% of the population has naturally blonde hair, including myself. Keep in mind that this is just my estimate, based on my acquaintances, and thinking of the ratio of blondes vs. brunettes.

Answer 1

I have a24 year old brother with downs, blonde hair and blue eyes. Eye, and hair colour are not determined by down syndrome. All it means is that they have an extra chromosome on chromosome #21. This does effect facial features (mild to severe) also stunts growth to a small degree as well as other characteristics. Along with mild to severe retardation. Down Syndrome is not a genetic "disease" or affliction and happens in 1 out of every 800-1000 live births. Hair colour and eye colour are determined as they would be in anyone, parental DNA.

Answer 2

I've never heard the part about Down Syndrome specifically, but I have heard some form of this theory before. I'd say the credibility of either theory (evolution or people with a genetic disorder) would hinge on the accuracy of the dating process. I've heard arguments both ways, and I don't know what to believe because I don't have enough specific or first-hand information on the subject.

Answer 3

I have to wonder how many people with Down syndrome you have actually met. My son has Down syndrome and is a blonde. We know many families who have children with DS and a lot of them have blonde hair, some have black hair. I don't think the occurrence of brown hair in the DS community is any greater than that of the general population.

Answer 4

It just may be something you have noticed cause as of right now I have yet to see a brown haired down syndrome person where I live. Mostly I see red heads and blond with downs. I see quite a few too as my child is mentally disabled and we around special folks all the time.

Answer 5

People's hair darkens as they get older. MOST children who now have blonde hair, will be dark, or darker, headed as adults. Thus, MOST of the blonde adults you encounter have color treated hair...something that is likely difficult to maintain for a person with DS.

I would venture to guess the above is the reason so many people are replying to this answer with "Wait! I know a lot of kids who have DS who are also blonde." Key word there is kids. And I get the feeling you asked this question thinking of the adults you've known.

Answer 6

First I would like to clarify that it is Down Syndrome. (not downs)
Its an interesting thought, and you always wonder about things like that. But in this case I would say that since the number is like 1 out of 800 births are bound to see a child with Down Syndrome, that this is linked to the fact that more folks have brown hair.

Answer 7

Majority of the population has brown hair, real blondes are rare.

Answer 8

Coincidence based on family genetics. My son has DS and has blonde hair and blue eyes, like me,his dad and two sisters.

Answer 9

Jet black hair. I have really dark brown hair and I consider dark hair looks better. I may really like blonde hair.

Answer 10

I don't know about Down's but I have a child with Fragile X Syndrome and all of us parents did a vote nationwide on our listserv one year and a vast majority had green eyes...wierd huh??