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GlossaryMelanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R)

regulates melanin production, affecting hair and skin color

The Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) is a protein found on the surface of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. Variations in the MC1R gene can influence hair color, skin tone, and susceptibility to UV radiation, and are also associated with red hair and fair skin.

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research Genetic Variation at the MC1R Locus and the Time Since Loss of Human Body Hair

152 citations , January 2004 in “Current anthropology”

Humans lost body hair relatively recently in evolution.

research Dissecting the Impact of α-MSH-MC1R-cAMP Signaling on UVA-Induced Stress in Fibroblasts: Implications for Regulation of Cutaneous Photoaging

January 2026 in “Aging and Disease”

The α-MSH-MC1R-cAMP pathway does not protect skin cells from UVA damage.

research Spectrum of Phenotypes Associated with Human MC1R Variations

June 2025 in “Albus Scientia”

MC1R gene variations affect skin, hair color, UV sensitivity, and melanoma risk.

research Study of MC1R and SLC24A5 Gene Diversity in Global Populations: Evaluation of Evolutionary and Environmental Aspects

April 2017

SLC24A5 shows a clear selective sweep, but no link to UV radiation intensity.

research Human Hair Melanins: What We Have Learned and Have Not Learned from Mouse Coat Color Pigmentation

140 citations , August 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research”

We know a lot about mouse hair color, but not much about human hair color differences.

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community PSA: Caffeine and Hair Transplants

in Transplants 31 upvotes 1 year ago

A user shared their experience with a hair transplant, emphasizing the importance of avoiding caffeine 7 days before the procedure. Ignoring this advice led to reduced effectiveness of the numbing agent, causing significant discomfort during the transplant.