TLDR Melanin is important for hair color, health, and UV protection.
Melanin is a crucial pigment for determining hair color and providing UV protection, synthesized by melanocytes through melanogenesis. It exists in two forms: eumelanin, which gives darker hair tones and stronger UV protection, and pheomelanin, associated with lighter hair and less UV resistance. Reduced melanin production leads to greying hair with age. Beyond its role in color, melanin is vital for scalp and hair health, influencing growth and vitality, thus playing essential aesthetic and protective roles in human hair biology.
7 citations
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February 2019 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Gray hair is caused by reduced melanin production or transfer issues, linked to aging and possibly health conditions, with treatments focusing on color camouflage.
May 2021 in “GSC Advanced Research and Reviews” Hair color is influenced by genetics and can indicate certain health conditions.
January 2025 in “American Journal of Stem Cells” Melanocyte stem cells hold promise for skin regeneration and treating pigmentation issues.
6 citations
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September 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” We know less about human hair pigmentation than mouse coat color, but pH and cysteine levels are key factors.
140 citations
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August 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” We know a lot about mouse hair color, but not much about human hair color differences.
9 citations
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July 2022 in “Cell reports” Sox2 controls hair color by affecting pigment production in hair follicles.
