Are you asking yourself why your black beard is turning brown? If so, you are not alone.
There are many possible reasons for this phenomenon, including genetics and environmental factors. In this post, we will discuss nine possible reasons for brown hair in a black beard.
Hair Color Science
Genetics
Hair color genetics play a big role in determining the color of our hair, and brown beard genes are particularly responsible for our brown beard color.
Brown hair is predominantly caused by the presence of the gene BHT, which leads to the production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that darkens hair and gives it its characteristic hue. More on the 3 forms of melanin below.
Eumelanin
Eumelanin is responsible for producing dark hair colors. People with light hair colors and pale skin are missing this type of melanin, resulting in a lack of color.
Black is the most common hair color because the MC1R is active in producing black eumelanin. Eumelanin produces different shades of black and brown hair. Blonde hair is caused by a lack of black eumelanin and a small amount of brown eumelanin.
Pheomelanin
Pheomelanin is a pigment found in hair, skin, and eyes. It is responsible for the pinkish parts of the body, such as lips and nipples.
When pheomelanin and eumelanin levels are equal, you’ll get red hair. Brown eumelanin and pheomelanin results in strawberry blonde hair.
Neuromelanin
People with light hair colors and pale skin have a low amount of neuromelanin, which can lead to light hair colors and skin tones. However, people with black hair have a higher level of neuromelanin, and as a result, their hair is darker.
Sunlight
Apart from causing hair to turn lighter over time, sunlight can also strip the melanin pigment from your beard, causing it to lighten. This is especially true if you’re not careful about keeping your beard in the shade or using beard grooming products that help protect your hair.
Hard Water Minerals
Hard water minerals can also be a problem for brown hairs if they contain high concentrations of minerals with elements such as magnesium and calcium.
If you live in an area with hard water, you may want to consider using a water softener to help reduce the amount of mineral buildup in your beard.
Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals used in hair products can strip away hair color over time and damage your hair. If you want to keep your brown hairs in a black beard, try using safer alternatives to hair care products that contain harsh chemicals.
For example, avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals, such as ammonia or chlorine. Instead, use products that are made with natural ingredients like argan oil or jojoba oil.
Hair Color Genetics
Black
The black hair color is the most commonly seen around the world. The pigmentation in black hair is due to higher levels of eumelanin and lower levels of pheomelanin. People with higher levels of tyrosinase will produce more eumelanin, resulting in black hair.
Brown
Brown human hair comes in various shades, including brown-ebony, brown-mahogany, brown-oak, and so on.
An allele’s presence, a specific variation in the gene found at a specific spot on the chromosome, is responsible for the various shades of brown.
Blond
Blond hair is caused by a lower amount of brown eumelanin present and other pigments are absent. KIT ligand (KITLG), which can fight skin cancer, is the mutant gene responsible for blondness in the Northern European countries.
The color of blond hair is determined by the alleles of a gene. There are different types of blondes, based on the alleles of the gene that control enzyme production.
Red
The red hair color is caused by a recessive gene. Red hair is caused by a recessive gene on chromosome 16 that produces an altered version of the MC1R protein. The mutation alters the way in which pheomelanin is transmitted to the hair, resulting in a red color.
What are the possible reasons for brown hairs in a black beard?
The brown hair in a black beard can be due to any of the following reasons:
- A person may have a dominant gene for black hair, but a recessive gene for brown hair.
- A person may have two genes for black hair, but one of those genes may be mutated.
- A person may have a gene for black hair and a gene for brown hair, but the brown hair gene may be more active.
- A person may have a gene for brown hair and a gene for red hair, but the brown hair gene may be more active.
What to Do About Your Black Hair Turning Brown?
1. Avoid using harsh shampoos or conditioners
Harsh shampoos and conditioners can damage your beard hair over time. Use non-sulphate hair products.
2. Apply a black beard oil or balm daily
Apply a black beard oil or balm with a darkening agent to tint your beard and keep looking its best. Purchase a high-quality beard oil to get the best coloring results.
3. Trim brown hairs and split ends
If your beard has split ends, you can trim them off to prevent them from growing any further. Snipping the split end just below where it’s visible will prevent it from growing any further.
Though tedious, if you don’t have too many, then trimming the stray brown hairs could be a workaround option.
4. Limit sun exposure
When exposed to the sun, hair will naturally lighten up. If you’re getting brown beard hair, it’s important to stay out of the sun as much as possible to prevent more hair from lightening. You can reduce your exposure or staying out of the sun during peak hours.
5. Avoid toothpaste bleaching your beard
Yes, some whitening toothpastes may contain bleaching agents that can lighten hair on the scalp. However, because the results are unpredictable, it’s important to be careful and only apply whitening toothpaste to areas you want to lighten (like the front of your hair).
Avoid toothpaste bleaching your beard by using a gentle soap and warm water and brushing your teeth.
6. Dye your beard
One way to fix the problem of brown beard hair is to simply dye it. Dying your beard is a relatively simple process, and doesn’t take too much time or effort. This will cover up the brown hairs and give you an even, consistent look.
There are many beard dyes available on the market, so be sure to do your research and find one that will work well for your beard color.
FAQ
Why some hairs in my beard are brown?
Black hair is made up of the highest concentration of melanin which gives it its color. Brown hair, on the other hand, has a lower concentration of melanin so it’s less likely to be black.What is the difference between black and brown hair?
Why do I have red brown hair in my beard?
If you have red or brown hair in your beard, it could be due to several reasons. One possibility is that you have a genetic mutation that causes this coloring. Another possibility is that you are experiencing a temporary change in your hair color due to stress or other factors. Finally, it is also possible that you are simply experiencing a normal variation in your hair color.
Why does my black beard have brown?
There are a few possible reasons for brown hairs in a black beard. One possibility is that the person has a genetic mutation that causes their body to produce more of the pigment melanin, which gives hair its color. Another possibility is that the person has a genetic condition called albinism, which prevents their body from producing any pigment at all. Finally, it’s also possible that the person simply has a lot of sun exposure, which can cause their hair to lighten over time.
Conclusion
There are many possible reasons for brown hairs in a black beard. It could be due to genetics, age, or even diet. However, with the right care and products, you can achieve the perfect black beard. Follow the tips and tricks in this article, and you’ll be on your way to looking your best!
