Why Is My Beard a Different Color Than My Hair?

Why Is My Beard a Different Color Than My Hair?

Have you ever wondered why your beard or hairs on other body parts are of a different color than your head?

If you have a copper-colored beard that doesn’t match your head hair color, don’t worry – you’re definitely not alone. In fact, it is quite common to have different shades of hair on the body, and there is a science behind it.

Different colors of hair on body parts

It is actually quite common that various parts of your hair and throughout your body are going to come with different shades and textures.

Here is the list of key factors responsible for the different colors of hairs on different body parts than that of your hairs on the head.

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Genetics and Mutation

Hair color is determined genetically. The hair color and texture can be inherited through different genes from parents, grandparents, and ancestors that reach even further back.

That increases the wide range of hair colors and combinations that can be expressed on a person’s body.

The science says that’s because of a curious genetic quirk that makes it possible for people to grow red hair in the first place.

Red hair pigmentation is caused by a mutation in a gene researchers call the MC1R. Having a red beard and non-red head hair is linked to a mutation on the MC1R gene, which appears on chromosome 16 in the DNA sequence.

MC1R plays an important role in making a protein involved in the production of the melanin that determines red hair. It is because of a mutation in a chromosome involved in producing hair pigment.

  • If you have two of these mutated genes then you have all red hair.
  • If you just have one of these genes then you’ll have red hair in random places in your body – including your beard.

The levels of pigmentation in your hair follicles

Your hair color is determined by levels of pigmentation. The contributing factor comes from something called melanin (1).

It is a type of organically developed pigment — in your hair. The type and the levels of melanin ultimately determine your hair color.

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Each follicle contains a mixture of eumelanin (black or brown shades) or pheomelanin (red and yellow shades) pigment.

The person with low levels of brown eumelanin and high levels of yellow pheomelanin end up with blonde hair.

The difference in combinations will determine what pigment color of hair an individual follicle takes. It is the reason for those random red hairs and dark patches.

That’s why people have so many unique varieties of hair throughout their bodies. There is the possibility of variance in each individual follicle.

Hence, if you have a light brown top, your beard could be predominantly dark brown or sport patches of lighter hairs in spots.

The eyebrow hair will probably appear darker because those follicles tend to produce more eumelanin.

Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight is considered the biggest culprit of changing hair color. Overexposure may lighten your hair, but it will weaken it in the process. A lot of exposure to the sun will lighten your hair.

Stress and Malnutrition

Besides natural pigment, stress and malnutrition can change your hair color. Grey hairs are the first sign of stress, whereas the reason for dull and lackluster hair can point to a vitamin deficiency.

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Age

Absolutely, age can certainly influence hair and beard color. Not essential to mention why a younger man can sport a decidedly different beard tone than what’s on the rest of his head.

As it turns out, you have different types of hair that grow during different phases of life – and they can come in different colors and textures.

As we age, the melanin production decreases, and which is why hairs start to appear gray.

Hormonal changes after puberty

The hairs on your genitals or on your tummy – they differ in terms of growth. They appear wiry and curly usually – even while the stuff on your head is normal (2).

These hairs coming out belong to a type of hair called androgenic hair. Such hairs sprout during and after puberty to change in its levels of a certain type of hormone called androgens.

Keynote

So, it has researched very much – having a red or brown beard or a different color of your beard than your hair is not linked to any anomaly or deadly disease.

If you have curly hair in one place and straight hair in another, embrace it. It’s perfectly natural – a marvelous aspect of your unique nature.

No matter what color your beard is, make sure to keep good care of it. Use these practical tips to grow your hair faster and stronger.