How does the hair's natural melanin affect the outcome of hair color?

The presence of natural melanin in hair is crucial because it sets the foundation for the hair's base color. Melanin contributes to the natural pigmentation of hair, which ranges from blonde to black, and plays a significant role in determining how well hair dye will adhere to the hair strands.

When dye is applied, the existing levels of melanin can affect how the hair absorbs and responds to the color. For example, hair that is naturally darker due to high melanin content may require different dyes or processing times compared to lighter hair to achieve the same result. Additionally, the undertones present in natural hair color, dictated by melanin, can impact the final outcome of the dye, influencing whether the result is warm or cool.

Other options do not accurately reflect the impact of melanin. While vibrancy can be affected by the existing hair color, it is largely influenced by melanin. Similarly, melanin doesn’t influence the pH level of hair, nor is it correct to say that it has no effect on hair dyeing at all. Understanding how melanin functions helps colorists predict and achieve desired results in hair coloring processes.