Prediction of physical appearance based on genetic analysis is a very attractive 
prospect for forensic investigations. Recent studies have proved that there is a 
significant association between some genetic variants of the melanocortin 1 
receptor (MC1R) gene and red hair color. The present study focuses on the 
potential forensic applicability of variation within this pigment-related gene. 
Sequencing of the complete MC1R gene was performed on a group of red-haired 
individuals and controls with different pigmentation. A major role in 
determination of red hair color is played by two MC1R variants--C451T and C478T. 
The optimized minisequencing assay for genotyping of the above positions and 
three other important red hair-related MC1R polymorphisms, C252A, G425A, and 
G880C was successfully applied to analyze typical forensic specimens. 
Determination of a homozygous or heterozygous combination can be a good 
predictor of both red hair color and fair skin of a subject.