What is responsible for the color of hair?

Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of hair. It is produced by specialized cells known as melanocytes, which are located in the hair follicles. The amount and type of melanin present in the hair determine its color. There are two main types of melanin: eumelanin, which is responsible for black and brown hair, and pheomelanin, which contributes to red and blonde shades. The precise mix of these pigments directly influences the overall hue of an individual’s hair.

While keratin is a protein that forms the structure of hair, it does not influence the color. Collagen, another protein found in the body, plays a role in the structure of skin and connective tissue but also has no effect on hair color. Hormones can impact hair growth and texture but do not impact the pigmentation of hair. Thus, melanin holds the key to understanding why hair exhibits different colors.