Texas Esthetician License Practice Exam

What color is eumelanin?

1. Red to yellow

2. Light brown to blonde

3. Dark brown to black

4. Gray to white

The correct answer is: Dark brown to black

Eumelanin is primarily responsible for the dark pigmentation in hair and skin. It ranges in color from dark brown to black, making it vital for understanding pigmentation and the biological role of melanin. This pigment is predominant in individuals with darker hair and skin tones, contributing significantly to the overall color and aesthetic appearance. The other options describe different types of melanin or colors associated with variations in pigmentation. For example, pheomelanin, which is associated with lighter hair colors, such as red to yellow or light brown to blonde, does not pertain to eumelanin. Similarly, gray to white would signify a lack of pigment and is not connected to the eumelanin spectrum. Thus, recognizing eumelanin’s specific color range attributed to dark pigments aligns with the science of skin and hair color in esthetics.