Which pigment is responsible for natural hair color?

• A. Keratin
• B. Carotene
• C. Melanin
• D. Melatonin

Answer: (C)

Natural hair color is determined by melanin, the pigment produced by melanocytes in the hair follicle. The amount and type of melanin set the shade: eumelanin creates brown to black tones, while pheomelanin yields red to yellow tones. The mix and distribution of these pigments as the hair forms explain why people have different natural colors, from blond to black. Factors like genetics and aging can influence melanin production, leading to graying over time or changes in tone.

Keratin is the structural protein that gives hair its strength and shape, not its color. Carotene can contribute a slight yellowish cast in some cases, but it is not the primary pigment that determines natural hair color. Melatonin is a hormone involved in sleep regulation and has no role in hair pigmentation.