Hair color is determined by the amount and type of melanin in the hair. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. There are two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin.
- Eumelanin is responsible for brown and black hair colors. The more eumelanin in the hair, the darker the hair will be.
- Pheomelanin is responsible for red and blonde hair colors. The more pheomelanin in the hair, the lighter the hair will be.
The amount and type of melanin in the hair is determined by genetics. However, other factors can also affect hair color, such as:
- Sun exposure: Sun exposure can fade hair color over time.
- Diet: A diet that is low in iron can make hair appear lighter.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can cause hair color to change.
- Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause hair to fall out or change color.
It is rare to be born with different colored hair. However, it is possible to develop different colored hair over time. This can happen due to a number of factors, such as sun exposure, diet, or hormonal changes.
If you are born with different colored hair, it is likely due to a genetic condition called heterochromia. Heterochromia is a condition in which the hair follicles in different parts of the head produce different amounts of melanin. This can result in patches of hair that are different colors.