Which melanin type is primarily responsible for black or brown hair?

• A. Pheomelanin
• B. Pheomelanin and eumelanin mix
• C. Eumelanin
• D. No melanin

Answer: (C)

Eumelanin is the pigment that gives black and brown hair its color. Hair color depends on how much dark pigment the hair follicle produces: higher amounts of eumelanin yield darker hair, while lower amounts produce lighter brown shades. Pheomelanin creates red to yellow tones and is more noticeable in red or some blond hair. So, when you see black or brown hair, the primary pigment is eumelanin, with any warm tones coming from pheomelanin. If there were no melanin at all, hair would be colorless or white/graying. In laser hair removal, darker hair (rich in eumelanin) absorbs laser energy more effectively, aiding treatment effectiveness.