Blond Hair Darkens With Age: Why
Hormonal changes during puberty trigger an increase in eumelanin production, causing blond hair to darken over time, with noticeable changes often occurring between 10 and 13 years old
Blond hair tends to darken with age due to a complex interplay of genes, pigment-producing cells, and hormones. The darkening of hair is caused by an increase in the production of eumelanin, a type of melanin that produces brown and black shades.
The amount and type of melanin produced by a follicle largely determine the color of the hair that grows from it. There are two main types of melanin: eumelanin, which produces brown and black shades, and pheomelanin, which contributes yellow and red tones to hair. More eumelanin means darker hair.
The most noticeable darkening of blond hair often happens around puberty, typically between about 10 and 13 years old. Hormonal changes during puberty, such as estrogens and androgens, can stimulate an increased production of eumelanin, causing blond hair to darken over time.
Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is involved in telling pigment-producing cells to make more melanin. UV light can trigger the release of alpha-MSH, encouraging the production of melanin in skin cells.
## Why it matters The darkening of blond hair with age is a natural process that affects many people. Understanding the complex interplay of genes, pigment-producing cells, and hormones that control hair color can help individuals anticipate and prepare for these changes. As people grow and develop, the biological signals controlling pigment production can change, leading to noticeable changes in hair color.
