The Color of Human Hair

The document explained that human hair color was determined by the presence and ratio of two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R) gene played a crucial role in regulating melanin production, with mutations leading to red hair. Tyrosinase, an enzyme, controlled melanin production, with higher activity in red or blond hair and reduced activity in grey hair due to aging. Hair color perception was influenced by the combination of individual hair colors, and methods for determining hair color included subjective comparison and colorimetric analysis. The document also noted that hair was a common form of evidence in forensic science, with methods available to associate hair with individuals.