TLDR Hair color is determined by melanin produced and transferred in hair follicles.
The document "Hair Follicle Pigmentation" from January 1, 2005, examined the mechanisms and factors influencing hair follicle pigmentation, focusing on the role of melanocytes in melanin production. It discussed the genetic and environmental factors affecting melanocyte function, the biochemical pathways of melanin synthesis, and the changes in hair pigmentation over time, such as graying. The study highlighted the importance of enzymes like tyrosinase, the role of melanocyte stem cells, and the regulatory mechanisms involving hormones and cytokines. It also noted the sensitivity of follicular melanocytes to aging and the potential for therapeutic interventions to influence hair color and treat pigmentation disorders.
86 citations
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August 2000 in “Pigment cell research” Melanocyte activity in hair follicles is linked to the hair growth cycle, being active in growth phases and inactive in rest phases.
130 citations
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December 1998 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair follicle melanocytes die during hair regression.
161 citations
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June 1994 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair stops producing melanin as it transitions from the growth phase to the resting phase.
210 citations
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July 1993 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair color production in mice is closely linked to the hair growth phase and may also influence hair growth itself.
109 citations
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July 1993 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair color production is closely linked to the active growth phase of hair in mice and may also influence hair growth itself.
44 citations
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April 1979 in “Journal of Ultrastructure Research”
26 citations
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July 2016 in “PLOS ONE” Activating β-catenin in certain skin cells speeds up hair growth in mice.
April 2016 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Wnt ligands, produced by dermal papilla cells, are essential for adult hair growth and regeneration.
240 citations
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April 2011 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” Melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles are key for hair color and could help treat greying and pigment disorders.
95 citations
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July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Vitamin D receptors in hair follicles change with the hair cycle, affecting hair growth.
86 citations
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August 2000 in “Pigment cell research” Melanocyte activity in hair follicles is linked to the hair growth cycle, being active in growth phases and inactive in rest phases.
154 citations
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October 1996 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” Estrogen affects hair growth and skin cell multiplication.
