As a biologist with a focus on genetics and cellular biology, I can explain why hair is black. Hair color is determined by the pigments produced by cells called melanocytes, which are located in the hair follicle. There are two types of melanin pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for black and brown hair, while pheomelanin is responsible for yellow and red hair.

The amount and type of melanin produced by melanocytes is controlled by several genes. The most well-known gene associated with hair color is the MC1R gene. Variations in this gene can lead to different levels of eumelanin production, which in turn affects the darkness of the hair color. For example, higher levels of eumelanin typically result in black hair, while lower levels can result in lighter hair colors.

Environmental factors can also influence hair color. For instance, exposure to sunlight can cause hair to lighten due to the breakdown of melanin by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

In summary, black hair is a result of the production of eumelanin by melanocytes in the hair follicle, which is influenced by genetic factors and can be affected by environmental factors.

read more >>

Two types of pigment give hair its color: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Pheomelanin colors hair orange and red. All humans have some pheomelanin in their hair. Eumelanin, which has two subtypes of black or brown, determines the darkness of the hair color.read more >>