Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

How do skin and hair obtain their natural color?

1. Keratin

2. Collagen

3. Melanin

4. Elastic fibers

The correct answer is: Melanin

The natural color of skin and hair is primarily determined by the presence of melanin, a pigment produced by specialized cells known as melanocytes. Melanin is responsible for the variation in color from light to dark shades, and it plays a key role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The types and amounts of melanin, including eumelanin (which gives a brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which provides a yellow or red color), contribute to the diverse range of hair and skin colors observed among individuals. Keratin is primarily a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails, providing structural support and protection, but does not determine color. Collagen is another protein that is essential for skin structure and elasticity, playing a significant role in the skin's overall resilience and appearance but also not in color. Elastic fibers contribute to the skin's elasticity but are not related to pigmentation. Thus, melanin stands out as the key biological factor in determining the color of skin and hair.