you are still young (not trying to sound conceited, we are both in fact similar ages) and your hair will turn less red. Im guessing you don't have just "kind-of" red hair? I knew some people with this amazing fire red hair. Well that died down as they grew older. I see pictures of them when they were younger and it was as red as a stop sign, but as they grew older it was more brown than red. So if it is a very bright shade im sure it will eventually cool down.

Also, for what it is worth in my 19 years of existance i have not heard one human laugh at the color of another humans hair. Well this excludes Dennis Rodman and stuff. But honestly, where i am from hair really isn't a big deal at all. I don't think im alone when i say that either, but hair is just hair- i mean its not your 'fault' you have red hair.

*edit* you said you have a friend named Nate with red hair? Is his last name "Schoviac" or something weird? I know a kid, same age, red hair, named that. Wouldn't be surprised if he picked up that nickname either.