What Is Melanin?

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By jolene
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Reviewed: Dr. Mera
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2. Types of Melanin in Humans

In humans, there are three types of melanin. Eumelanin is melanin that makes the dark colors in the skin, hair, and eyes. Eumelanin can be brown or black resulting in different shades of brown and black in hair, eyes, and skin. In blond hair, there is a small amount of brown but absence of black eumelanin.

Pheomelanin is melanin that colors the pinkish parts of the body such as the lips. Individuals with red hair often have equal amounts of pheomelanin and eumelanin. In those with strawberry blond hair, there is absence of black eumelanin, presence of brown eumelanin, and pheomelanin. Neuromelanin can be found in neurons and typically cannot be seen.

Melanin

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