What is melanin?

What is melanin?

• A. An enzyme that softens hair
• B. The natural pigment that gives color to hair and skin
• C. A lipid that nourishes scalp
• D. A protein that strengthens hair

Answer: (B)

Melanin is the natural pigment produced by pigment cells in the skin and hair follicles, giving hair and skin their color. It’s formed in melanocytes and the amount and type of melanin determine whether hair appears blonde, brown, or black and influence skin tone; it also helps absorb some UV radiation. It is not an enzyme, a lipid, or a protein that strengthens hair—the pigment itself colors hair and skin, while hair strength comes from keratin and follicle structure.

Melanin is the natural pigment produced by pigment cells in the skin and hair follicles, giving hair and skin their color. It’s formed in melanocytes and the amount and type of melanin determine whether hair appears blonde, brown, or black and influence skin tone; it also helps absorb some UV radiation. It is not an enzyme, a lipid, or a protein that strengthens hair—the pigment itself colors hair and skin, while hair strength comes from keratin and follicle structure.