Why are there different hair colors?

Blonde, brown, black or red – the natural hair color is as individual as every human being. But why do people actually have different hair colors? The answer lies primarily in our genes and a natural pigment called melanin.

What determines the hair color?

Our hair color is determined by melanin. This natural pigment is produced in the hair roots by special cells called melanocytes. Depending on how much melanin is formed and which type of melanin predominates, a different hair color results.

The two types of melanin

There are two main forms of melanin:

Eumelanin

Eumelanin gives dark hair colors. The more of it there is, the darker the hair is. It is responsible for brown and black hair.

Phaeomelanin

Phaeomelanin gives the hair warm colors. A high proportion of this pigment causes blonde or red hair.

The mixture and amount of these two pigments determine the natural hair color of each person.

Why do some people have red hair?

Red hair is relatively rare. It is caused by a genetic change that results in the production of particularly high amounts of pheomelanin and low amounts of eumelanin. Globally, only a few people are naturally red-haired.

Can the hair color change?

Yes. The natural hair color can change over the course of life.

Reasons for this include:

• increasing age
• Hormonal changes
• Sunlight exposure
• Certain diseases or medications

As we age, the hair follicles also produce less and less melanin. As a result, the hair gradually turns gray or white.

Why do hair become lighter in summer?

Many people notice that their hair looks lighter in summer. This is because UV rays break down part of the color pigments in the hair. This can make blonde and light brown hair visibly lighter.

Is there the rarest hair color?

Yes. Natural red hair is considered the rarest hair color worldwide. Blonde hair follows closely behind, while brown and black hair are the most common.

Conclusion

Hair color is mainly determined by our genes and the natural pigment melanin. The amount and type of this pigment determines whether our hair is blonde, brown, black, or red. Over the course of life, hair color can change due to age, hormones, or sun exposure – and that’s what makes each person unique.