What tiny grains of pigment in the cortex give hair its natural color?

The tiny grains of pigment in the cortex that give hair its natural color are called melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment responsible for not just hair color, but also skin and eye color. It is produced in melanin-producing cells and is located primarily in the cortex of the hair shaft, where it can significantly influence the hue of the hair.

The amount and type of melanin determine the various shades of hair, ranging from blonde to black, with different proportions of eumelanin (dark pigment) and pheomelanin (light pigment) contributing to the overall color. Understanding the role of melanin is crucial for barbers and cosmetologists when considering hair coloring techniques and the preferences of their clients.

In contrast, keratin is a fibrous structural protein that forms the primary component of hair, collagen is a protein in the connective tissues, and urea is a waste product formed in the body, none of which directly influence the pigmentation of hair.