Elven Hair Colors

[Caitlin]

I've read a lot on the subject of Elven hair color, and pass on this knowledge to you for a more accurate role-play. There's a very good article written by one Laura Luchau here, but here I've stated the basics for those who don't have the time to read a long article, or aren't familiar with genetics.

• Dominant (will 'dominate' any other color, except ID's): Black, Brown
• Recessive (will 'be dominated' by anything except another Recessive): Gold (Blond), Silver
• Incomplete Dominant (blends, instead of dominating, with a Dominant or another ID): Red
• Co-Recessive (blends, instead of dominating, with a Recessive or another CR): Gold, Silver

What does all this mean for your Elvish character? Quite simply this: forget what you saw on the movies. By far, the vast majority of Elves have dark hair. Some have blond, and very few have red or silver. (Red is so rare because it came mainly through Fëanor and his sons, and they were more interested in getting the Silmarils back than having kids, so the red line fizzled out to almost-extinction)

Hope this helps! I know this is very technical, and can maybe be confusing, so feel free to PM me with any questions.