Dating a ginger man is a bit different from dating anyone else, though perhaps not in the ways you might expect. Red hair is rare, it comes with a few practical quirks, and most gingers have spent years hearing the same tired jokes. Here is what to expect, what he is likely to appreciate and how to win him over.

Why dating a ginger man is different

Only around one to two per cent of people worldwide have natural red hair, and it is more common in Scotland and Ireland. A ginger man usually has a lifetime of being noticed, for better and worse. Some love it. Some have mixed feelings after being teased at school. Either way, he has probably heard every nickname going, so skip the obvious ones until you know how he feels about them.

The good news is that most ginger men have a thick skin and a sharp sense of humour. If you want to know why so many people find them attractive, our post on why ginger guys are the best kind of guys to date has seven reasons.

What to expect when you date a ginger man

• Fair skin and sun care. Many ginger men burn easily. Beach days, outdoor festivals and summer barbecues need sun cream, shade and a hat. Treat it as a practical detail, not something to tease him about.
• Humour. Many redheads have learned to laugh at themselves first. Share the joke, but let him lead.
• Confidence that has been earned. Standing out from the crowd tends to build it, and that comes across on a date.
• A distinctive look. Beards often come through in different shades from the hair on his head, which is a quirk plenty of people find charming.

Myths to leave behind

Ginger men do not have a “fiery temper” any more than anyone else does. Red hair has no link to personality, and the stereotypes come from old stories, not evidence. The same goes for the idea that gingers are “going extinct”. Red hair is a recessive trait that can skip generations, but it is not disappearing. Our article on how rare red hair and blue eyes really are explains the science.

How to compliment a ginger man

Be specific and sincere. Tell him you love the colour of his hair in the light, or that you like how his beard has gone coppery. Avoid anything that sounds like you are ticking a box. Compliments about who he is, such as his humour or the way he talks about things he cares about, land well too.

If you want more ideas, our guide to attracting a redhead covers conversation and confidence in more detail.

Date ideas that suit a ginger man

• Evening walks and sunset drinks. Easy on fair skin, and the golden light is lovely against red hair.
• A cosy pub or a good coffee shop. Relaxed settings where conversation can run.
• A gallery, museum or comedy night. A shared laugh is a great starting point.
• A cooking class or a food market. Doing something together takes the pressure off.
• A trip to Scotland or Ireland. Where red hair is at its most common, with plenty of countryside to enjoy.

What if you are dating a ginger man and you are not a redhead?

Plenty of people love red hair without having it themselves, and plenty of ginger men would like to meet someone who simply likes how they look. Be honest about what draws you to him, and show him that it goes beyond his hair colour. If you are curious about the other side of this, read about men who love redheads.

Red flags to watch for

Red hair is not a red flag. But as with anyone, pay attention to how he treats you and other people. Respect, honesty and consistency matter far more than hair colour. Our article on dating someone with ginger hair has more advice on making a relationship work.

Where to meet ginger men

If you would like to meet a ginger man who is looking for someone too, a niche site saves a lot of time. Our comparison of the best redhead dating sites is a good place to start, and Redhead Dates is free to join.

Quick answers

Are ginger men good to date?

Hair colour does not decide that, but many people find ginger men funny, confident and easy to talk to. Treat him as an individual and you will find out for yourself.

Do ginger men like being called ginger?

It depends on the man. Many are happy with it, others are not. If you are not sure, ask him or follow his lead.

Why are ginger men attractive?

Rarity, standing out and a distinctive look all play a part. Attraction is personal, though, and it is the person behind the hair that counts.

Ready to meet someone? Head to the Redhead Dates home page and sign up for free.