Two of many possible sources for some ancient nobility having red or blonde hair:
https://redhairedroots.com/2018/04/ancient-egyptians-had-red-hair/
Personally, I've never heard of a person from the Middle East or further south in Africa telling their children, "When I die and before I am laid in my tomb make certain to dye my gray (or black) hair to a red (or blonde) color.
Embalming has unintended consequence
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