Brown-haired

Brown hair is the second most common human hair color, after black hair. It varies from light brown to almost black hair. It is characterized by higher levels of the dark pigment eumelanin and lower levels of the pale pigment pheomelanin. Its strands are thicker than those of blond hair but thinner than those of red hair.

Characteristics

Brown hair is typically divided into two main types: light brown and dark brown. Individuals with brown hair are often referred to as brunette, which in French is the feminine form of brunet, the diminutive of brun (brown, brown-haired or dark-haired).

Brown hair has more eumelanin than blond hair but also has far less than black. There is a wide range of skin tones, eye colors, and hair shades associated with this hair color, from the lighter shades of brown to near-black. Brown-haired individuals are often known for their full hair follicles, which contribute to the thickness of the hair.

Genetics

The genetics of brown hair is complex, and it is not determined by a single gene. Instead, it is the result of the interplay between several genetic loci. The primary gene responsible for the brown hair phenotype is located on chromosome 16 and is associated with the production of eumelanin.

Distribution

Brown hair is common across many regions of the world. It is particularly prevalent in Western Europe, particularly among populations from Central Europe and Southern Europe, as well as parts of the Balkans and Turkey. It can also be found in parts of South Asia and among the indigenous peoples of North and South America.

Cultural aspects

In popular culture, brown hair has been associated with various traits and stereotypes. For example, in some cultures, brown-haired individuals are seen as stable, serious, or intelligent. However, these perceptions can vary widely across different societies and cultural contexts.

See also

• Hair color
• Human hair growth
• Blond hair
• Black hair
• Red hair