Skin:
* Melanin: Skin contains a pigment called melanin, which is responsible for skin color. There are two main types: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (red/yellow).
* Sun Exposure: When exposed to UV radiation from the sun, the skin produces more melanin to protect itself from damage. This increased melanin production leads to the darkening of the skin, which is known as tanning.
Hair:
* Melanin Production: Hair also contains melanin, and its color is determined by the type and amount of melanin present.
* Limited Melanin Production: Hair follicles, where hair grows from, have limited melanin production compared to skin cells. While the melanin in hair can be affected by sun exposure, the change is less noticeable than in skin.
* Lightening: Sun exposure can actually *lighten* some hair colors, particularly blonde and red hair, by breaking down the melanin molecules.
Therefore, while hair doesn't tan in the same way as skin, it can still be affected by sun exposure. It's just that the changes in hair color are often less dramatic and may involve both darkening and lightening depending on the hair color and individual factors.