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Related Experiment Videos

Hair pigmentation: a research update.

Desmond J Tobin1, Maria Hordinsky, Bruno A Bernard

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. dtobin@bradford.ac.uk

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Symposium Proceedings
|December 31, 2005
PubMed
Summary
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Human hair color, unlike skin color, is determined solely by the presence or absence of melanins. This review explores the evolutionary pressures and biochemical pathways, melanogenesis, that create diverse natural hair shades.

Area of Science:

  • * Biology
  • * Genetics
  • * Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • * Hair color is a significant aspect of human visual appearance, with variations across ethnic groups.
  • * While skin color is influenced by melanins, hemoglobins, and carotenoids, hair color depends exclusively on different types of melanins.
  • * The physical structure of the hair shaft has a minimal impact on perceived color.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review research on the determinants of human hair color.
  • * To explore the biochemical pathways and evolutionary factors influencing hair pigmentation.
  • * To provide an overview of natural hair shades and the process of melanogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • * Review of research presented at the 4th Intercontinental Meeting of Hair Research Societies 2004.

Related Experiment Videos

  • * Analysis of the biochemical pathway of melanogenesis.
  • * Discussion of evolutionary pressures shaping hair color diversity.

    • Main Results:

    • * Human hair color is determined by the type and amount of melanin produced.
    • * Melanins are synthesized in melanosomes within melanocytes, cells derived from neural crest cells.
    • * A wide spectrum of natural hair colors, from blonde to black, arises from variations in melanin composition.

    Conclusions:

    • * Hair color is a complex trait resulting from the interplay of genetics and evolutionary factors.
    • * Melanogenesis is a fundamental biochemical process responsible for hair pigmentation.
    • * Understanding hair color provides insights into mammalian evolution and human diversity.