Disorders of Hair Pigmentation

Hair pigmentation results from interactions among dermal papilla fibroblasts, matrix keratinocytes, and follicular melanocytes, and is influenced by the types and amounts of melanin granules in the hair cortex. Active hair pigmentation occurs only during the anagen phase of the hair cycle. Red hair is linked to pale skin, a higher likelihood of burning rather than tanning, and an increased risk of skin cancers. Hypopigmentation or depigmentation disorders can be congenital or acquired, with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) being a group of genetic diseases where melanocytes cannot produce melanin properly, affecting hair and skin color based on OCA type and ethnicity.