Barber Practice State Board Practice Exam

Eumelanin contributes to which colors in the hair?

1. Red / Orange

2. Brown / Black

3. Blonde / Gray

4. White / Silver

The correct answer is: Brown / Black

Eumelanin is a type of melanin that primarily influences the color of hair, specifically contributing to shades of brown and black. It is the most abundant form of melanin found in the hair follicles and is responsible for the darker, richer colors. The higher the concentration of eumelanin, the darker the hair tends to be, resulting in different shades ranging from light brown to dark black. In contrast, other types of melanin, such as pheomelanin, are responsible for lighter hair colors, including those in the red or orange spectrum, while gray, white, or silver hair typically occurs due to a lack of melanin or the combination of eumelanin and air in the hair shaft. This understanding of the role of eumelanin helps to clarify why it is specifically associated with brown and black hair colors.