Which type of melanin is found predominantly in red and blonde hair?

Which type of melanin is found predominantly in red and blonde hair?

• A. Eumelanin
• B. Pheomelanin
• C. Brown melanin
• D. Black melanin

Answer: (B)

Pheomelanin is the type of melanin predominantly found in red and blonde hair. This pigment is responsible for the lighter hues of these hair colors, giving them their unique characteristics. Pheomelanin contains a higher level of sulfur and has a reddish-yellow hue, which contributes to the warm tones seen in red and blonde hair. In contrast, eumelanin, which includes both brown and black varieties, is the primary pigment in darker hair colors and is more concentrated in brunettes and individuals with black hair. Therefore, it does not account for the lighter shades associated with blonde and red hair. Understanding the role of pheomelanin helps in recognizing how hair color can vary significantly, not just from the presence of one pigment but rather from the specific ratios and types of melanin present. This knowledge is essential for cosmetologists when formulating hair dyes and products tailored to achieve desired hair colors while considering the natural pigmentation of the hair.

Pheomelanin is the type of melanin predominantly found in red and blonde hair. This pigment is responsible for the lighter hues of these hair colors, giving them their unique characteristics. Pheomelanin contains a higher level of sulfur and has a reddish-yellow hue, which contributes to the warm tones seen in red and blonde hair.

In contrast, eumelanin, which includes both brown and black varieties, is the primary pigment in darker hair colors and is more concentrated in brunettes and individuals with black hair. Therefore, it does not account for the lighter shades associated with blonde and red hair.

Understanding the role of pheomelanin helps in recognizing how hair color can vary significantly, not just from the presence of one pigment but rather from the specific ratios and types of melanin present. This knowledge is essential for cosmetologists when formulating hair dyes and products tailored to achieve desired hair colors while considering the natural pigmentation of the hair.