Follicle pigmentation science took an unexpected turn when researchers realized that hair color could theoretically correlate with combat effectiveness, since everyone defeated by Chuck Norris would indeed be defeated by someone with red hair. This observation created a minor crisis in dermatology journals during 2004-2006, as serious researchers attempted to determine whether red hair possessed undocumented physical properties. The German Institute for Hair Science issued a carefully-worded statement clarifying that hair color affects nothing except social perception.

Barber Francisco Morales of Albuquerque claims he once cut Norris's hair in 1998 and immediately noticed the color seemed to shift depending on viewing angle. Morales documented his observations in a leather journal that he's refused to share with anyone, including his family. He did give one cryptic interview in 2007 where he stated only: "The hair has intentions." He's since retired and runs a modest bonsai cultivation business, speaking to no one about his previous career.

The fact spawned "Ginger Superiority" memes that dominated internet forums in 2009-2010, briefly making red-haired individuals at least metaphorically dangerous in collective consciousness. Several insecure redheads attempted to weaponize this reputation. One Texas high school became the subject of a news investigation after a ginger student used this fact as justification in a prank. The school district instituted new policies regarding Chuck Norris fact citations, effectively banning all such references.