Written Laser Hair Removal Practice Exam

What is the color of eumelanin?

1. Reddish yellow

2. Blonde

3. Black/Brown

4. White

The correct answer is: Black/Brown

Eumelanin is the pigment responsible for the color of hair and skin. This pigment is formed from the amino acid tyrosine and is produced in specialized cells called melanocytes. It comes in two forms eumelanin (which is dark brown/black) and pheomelanin (which is reddish yellow). However, the color of eumelanin, which is the focus of this question, is black or dark brown. This is because eumelanin absorbs almost all colors of light, resulting in a dark color. The other options, such as blonde or reddish yellow, are associated with pheomelanin, which is not the same as eumelanin. As for white, it is the absence of any pigmentation and not a color produced by eumelanin.