More specifically, there are two main types of melanin:
* Eumelanin: Produces brown and black pigments. The more eumelanin you have, the darker your hair.
* Pheomelanin: Produces red and yellow pigments. The more pheomelanin you have, the redder or more golden your hair.
The ratio and concentration of these two types of melanin, produced by melanocytes (specialized pigment-producing cells) in the hair follicles, determine the specific shade of hair color. Other factors, such as genetics and age, can also influence melanin production and distribution, leading to variations in hair color.