What Color Hair Does Little Red Riding Hood Have? A Look at Her Fiery Locks Through the Ages

Little Red Riding Hood is one of the most iconic characters in fairy tale history. Known for her bright red hooded cape and basket of goodies, generations have loved following her adventures through the woods to Grandma’s house. But what color are the tresses hiding under that famous red hood? Let’s take a look at how Little Red Riding Hood’s hair color has been imagined over the years.

A Brief History of Little Red Riding Hood

The origins of Little Red Riding Hood can be traced back to 10th century European folklore. The story was passed down through oral tradition and didn’t appear in written form until Charles Perrault published it in 1697. In Perrault’s version, Little Red Riding Hood is an imprudent young girl who gets tricked and eaten by the wolf.

In 1812, the Brothers Grimm published their take on the classic tale in Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children’s and Household Tales). Their Little Red Riding Hood was a bit wilier than Perrault’s, and managed to escape the wolf’s clutches. The Grimms also softened the violence and gore of earlier versions to make it more suitable for children.

Since then, countless retellings, spinoffs, and adaptations have cemented Little Red Riding Hood’s status as a cultural icon. From literary works to films, cartoons, and video games, artists continue reimagining the beloved character for new generations.

Hair Color in Early Versions Was Ambiguous

The original folktales did not specify Little Red Riding Hood’s hair color. Without colour printing methods, early published versions also left her physical description open to the reader’s imagination.

However, we can look at cultural context for clues. Since Little Red Riding Hood originated in parts of Europe like France and Germany, it is likely she was envisioned with common hair colors like blonde, brown, or black. Fiery red locks would have been rare and unusual at the time.

Illustrations from 1800s editions depict Little Red Riding Hood with golden hair, fitting innocence and purity themes. Darker hair also appears, contrasting her name and cloak. So even early on, artists took liberties with her tresses.

The Grimm Brothers’ Little Red Riding Hood Was Blonde

In the Brothers Grimm 1812 publication, Little Red Riding Hood has “golden hair.” The accompanying illustration by Ludwig Grimm shows blond curls peeking out from under her hood.

As the most widely read version, the Grimms’ blonde Little Red Riding Hood became the standard in Germany. It also influenced English translations that spread across Europe and North America.

So while not originally specified, the famous Grimm edition indirectly established Little Red Riding Hood’s hair as golden blonde for generations to come.

American Illustrators Depicted Chestnut and Auburn Hair

By the late 1800s, American illustrators put their spin on Little Red Riding Hood’s hair. Artists like L.J. Bridgman, Ida Waugh, and Louis Rhead showcased chestnut and auburn locks in their drawings.

These warmer hues gave Little Red Riding Hood a more vibrant, dynamic look compared to the static blonde seen in German editions. The change paralleled artistic style shifts from rigid Victorian-era sensibilities to more relaxed, animated American illustrators.

Disney’s Little Red Riding Hood Has Red Hair

Disney’s 1933 Silly Symphonies short film drastically changed perceptions by portraying Little Red Riding Hood with red hair. Her vibrant cartoon curls perfectly matched her bright red cloak.

Disney took creative license with the color, but it stuck in popular culture. The name “Little Red Riding Hood” lent itself to the red hair assumption anyway. Generations who grew up watching Disney cartoons pictured her as a redhead.

The Disney version exemplifies Little Red Riding Hood’s fluid depiction. There are no physical descriptions from the original folktales. Artists have freely adapted her hair color based on subjective visions over the centuries.

Pop Culture Keeps Her Hair Color Diverse

More recent Little Red Riding Hood retellings continue showcasing diverse hair colors. They range from strawberry blonde in The Company of Wolves (1984) to black hair in Freeway (1996). Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000) even gave Little Red green hair.

The ABC series Once Upon A Time splits the difference by having both a blonde and a red-headed Little Red Riding Hood. Amanda Seyfried sports medium brown hair as Red Riding Hood in the 2011 film adaptation.

No hair color owns the character anymore. Creative teams tailor her tresses to support desired themes or styles. Little Red Riding Hood’s essence shines through regardless of being blonde, brunette, or redhead.

Common Symbolic Meaning Behind Each Hair Color

Over time, different hair colors have become associated with symbolic meanings for the Little Red Riding Hood character:

• Blonde = Innocence, purity
• Black = Mystery, allure
• Chestnut/auburn = Cunning, deception
• Red = Passion, defiance

Artists select palettes that communicate their interpretive angle. For instance, a blonde Little Red Riding Hood plays up her childlike innocence. A fiery redhead embodies resistance to the wolf and coming of age themes.

Hair color is powerful visual shorthand. But the true meaning lies in Little Red Riding Hood’s actions, not appearances. Her cleverness and morality in facing the wolf’s deception convey the heart of the story.

How Realistic Are Some Depictions of Her Hair Color?

Modern audiences are more aware that red hair is genetically rare. Only 1-2% of the population naturally has red hair. So is a red-headed Little Red Riding Hood realistic?

In a medieval European village, it would be unlikely. But magic and whimsy surround fairy tales. A willing suspension of disbelief makes a vibrant red perfectly suitable.

Genetics matter little in a fairy tale world. Red hair marks Little Red Riding Hood’s bold spirit. Realism yields to imaginative symbolism.

Natural red hair requires a recessive MC1R gene mutation. Changes in melanin and phaeomelanin production from this gene disruption result in red pigmentation. The precise combination of eumelanin, phaeomelanin, and protein content determines the shade of red.

So scientifically, red hair in Little Red Riding Hood is improbable, but makes imaginative sense in a fairy tale context. Artistic interpretation triumphs over dull facts!

Blonde Stereotypes Can Also Prove Problematic

On the other hand, should blonde Little Red Riding Hood be scrutinized? Stereotypes about blondes being naive or dumb carry harmful weight.

But blonde hair remains a plausible and traditional fit for a European Little Red Riding Hood. And her wisdom in defeating the wolf subverts any vacant blonde stereotypes.

All hair colors have unfortunate stereotypes attached. Imaginative children’s stories help dispel preconceptions through positive portrayals. Little Red Riding Hood constantly proves she’s more than just hair.

Diverse Representation Is Most Important

Modern readers appreciate seeing diverse representation in characters. Restricting Little Red Riding Hood to one