Here's a breakdown:
* Melanin: This is the same pigment that colors our skin and eyes. There are two main types:
* Eumelanin: Produces brown and black pigments. The more eumelanin you have, the darker your hair.
* Pheomelanin: Produces yellow and red pigments. The more pheomelanin you have, the redder or more golden your hair.
* Ratio: The specific ratio of eumelanin to pheomelanin determines the exact shade.
* Genetics: Your genes determine how much of each type of melanin your hair produces. That's why hair color tends to run in families.
* Changes Over Time: As we age, melanin production can decrease, leading to gray or white hair.
Therefore, natural hair color is the color your hair is before you introduce any artificial colors.