Defining Does Black Hair Exist?
"Does black hair exist?" is a question that refers to the scientific inquiry into the nature of hair pigmentation. Specifically, it debates whether hair can truly be classified as black or if it is, in fact, a very dark shade of brown.
Understanding Pigmentation and "Black" Hair
Human hair color is determined by the presence or absence of melanin, a pigment that affects skin and eye color as well. The more eumelanin (brown) and pheomelanin (red) pigments present, the darker the hair color. While hair is broadly classified as red, blonde, brown, or black, these categories represent extremes on a wide spectrum of shades.