How many types of melanin are present in the hair?

Hair contains two primary types of melanin, which are responsible for the various natural hair colors. These types are eumelanin, which is associated with brown and black hair, and pheomelanin, which is connected to blonde and red hair. The combination and concentration of these two melanins determine the specific color of an individual’s hair.

Understanding the different types of melanin is important not just for recognizing hair color variations but also for hair care practices, as these insights can influence the choice of hair dyes and treatments based on the underlying pigmentation.