Human hair color

Overview of human hair color

Human hair color is the pigmentation of hair follicles due to two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Generally, if more eumelanin is present, the color of the hair is darker; if less eumelanin is present, the hair is lighter. The levels of melanin can vary over time causing a person's hair color to change, and it is possible to have hair follicles of more than one color on the same person.

Types of Hair Color

Black Hair

Black hair is the darkest and most common of all human hair colors globally, due to its high levels of eumelanin and low levels of pheomelanin. It is a dominant genetic trait and is found in people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Brown Hair

Brown hair is characterized by higher levels of eumelanin.

Brown hair is characterized by higher levels of eumelanin and is a dominant trait. It is common among people of European, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. The shade of brown can vary from light brown to almost black.

Blond Hair

Blond hair is associated with lower levels of eumelanin and is a recessive trait. It is most commonly found in people of Northern European descent. The color can range from pale blond to a darker, golden blond.

Red Hair

Red hair is the rarest natural hair color.

Red hair is the rarest natural hair color and is caused by a mutation in the MC1R gene. It is characterized by high levels of pheomelanin and low levels of eumelanin. Red hair is most commonly found in people of Northern and Western European descent.

Gray and White Hair

Gray hair occurs naturally as people age. It is caused by a reduction in melanin production, leading to a loss of color. White hair is the result of complete absence of melanin.

Genetics of Hair Color

Hair color is determined by multiple genes, with the primary genes being located on chromosome 16 and chromosome 15. The MC1R gene is associated with red hair, while the OCA2 and HERC2 genes are associated with blond and brown hair.

Cultural Significance

Hair color has significant cultural and social implications. In many cultures, hair color is associated with certain stereotypes and social perceptions. For example, blond hair is often associated with youth and beauty in Western cultures, while red hair has been historically associated with witchcraft and fiery temperaments.

Related pages

• Melanin
• Genetics
• Human skin color
• Hair follicle