Why Does My Black Hair Look Brown In The Light

Why Does My Black Hair Look Brown In The Light 2024 ?

Want to learn more about the science behind why does my black hair look brown in the light? Check out this article where we discuss all the details about melanin and how it affects hair color.

You must have seen some of your pictures where the hair color changes in the light. For the black hair, it turns out brown or sometimes even red. The change in color looks attractive and urges you to get it colored. 

The effects last only during the light and get back to normal once you are away from the light. 

Though the color is temporary, why does it happen? 

There are scientific reasons beyond this and there are some natural reasons. Through this write-up, we are planning to enclose scientific reasons first.

In the conclusion, you will find some natural reasons of your hair color’s temporary transformation. 

Just to give you a hint, there is nothing serious to worry about! Read along and explore. 

Why Does My Black Hair Look Brown In The Light
Source: Instagram @diana_larrea

Why Does My Black Hair Look Brown In The Light?

What Is The Science Behind Change In Color In Sunlight? 

Two types of melanin pigments are found in hair: eumelanin (dark) and pheomelanin (light).  The color of a person’s hair is created by interacting these two components in a unique ratio for each individual. 

Melanocytes are the specialized cells that are responsible for the production of melanin. These cells, located on each hair follicle, secrete melanin into the hair strands growing out of the follicle. 

black hair looks brown in sunlight
Source: Instagram @hair_by_jademelissax

The melanin in individual strands of hair will be lightened when those strands are exposed to sunlight. Because hair is composed of cells that have died, the impacted area will continue to have a lighter appearance.

Sunlight will make hair lighter if it is allowed to be exposed to it. Because of the sun’s damaging rays, your naturally dark hair may wind up appearing drab, lighter, or even brown with time.

Does Jet Black Hair Dye Look Brown In Sunlight

Before knowing the color effects of Jet Black hair Dye, let’s understand what the product is. 

Jet Black hair dye is not similar to any other hair color dye. The vibrant and darker black shade Jet black hair dye is incompatible. Black is the darkest of all colors and once it is done there is no going back at least for a few months. 

Jet Black hair dye after application makes the hair black and it has no side effects. Anyone who is a lover of dark black hair should use this. 

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Now coming back to the main question. The hair will look brown in the sunlight but not instantly. The darker shade of black doesn’t turn into brown instantly, it takes time. 

black hair looks red in sunlight
Source: Instagram @elanofficiaal

The reason of it turns brown is because of the same pigment. Normal hair when dyed black gets a double layer and the light takes time to reach the area. Once the mark is reached, the hair starts to look brown. 

If you have used any henna apart from Jet Black Hair Dye, the color will instantly turn brown in the sunlight, because it doesn’t create any dark black layer. 

How To Prevent Black Hair Color From Turning Brown?

Hair color transformation that occurs without any dye is rare. If you are among that crowd, the following pointers are your savior. If followed, we have some advice that can help keep your black hair from becoming brown.

Continue reading since we also have some of the most famous procedures that may be used to restore damage to black hair.

  • Tempted Water: You should wash your hair with water that is neither too hot nor too cold. We often refer to it as lukewarm water. The lukewarm water has a moderate temperature and it doesn’t harm the hair.
  • Avoid Hard Water: If the water in your home is hard, you should wash your hair with filtered water instead. Hard water contains huge amounts of iron. Chemical like iron is not good for the hair and it damages the hair to unexpected levels. 
  • Standing Position: It is best not to wash your hair while standing directly under the shower. Most minerals and metals, such as calcium and sulfur, may be found in show heads. As a result, the likelihood of these substances being deposited on the scalp and hair is increased. When all the minerals and calcium get accumulated at one place, the hair becomes unhealthy. When the hair becomes unhealthy it loses its moisture. 
  • Exposure: Avoid walking under direct and bright sunlight. When you go outside and stroll in the sun, it is best to cover your hair or wear a scarf. After a few minutes of walking, you can slowly remove the scarf and allow the light to fall on the hair. 
  • Conditioner: After washing your hair or before going outdoors into the sun, give a leave-in conditioner a go.
  • Harsh Chemicals: When treating your hair daily, you should avoid harsh chemical-based solutions. It is always said to use ammonia-free products on hair. The reason is, nobody can tolerate chemicals. For one or twice it can but the reaction will emerge after constant usage. Therefore, to avoid any further coloring issues, use herbal or organic hair cleansers. 
  • Old Time Formula: Use an umbrella to prevent heat and sun damage.
  • Protein Mask: At least once a week, treat your hair with a protein mask. You may look up the instructions online and create one at your house. There is a certain organic protein mask that you can use on your hair. While you are using the mask on the hair don’t condition it after the shampoo. Extras are bad for the hair. 

How To Identify If My Hair Is Black Or Dark Brown?

The natural color of most people’s hair is dark brown or black, and both terms refer to two different shades of the same hue. But what about the natural shade of your skin?

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One of the easiest mistakes when coloring your hair at home is picking the incorrect root color. Your colorist will require important information, including an accurate evaluation of your natural hue, to generate the hair color formula you want. Even if your hair is dark, it does not necessarily indicate black. 

why does my black hair look white in the light
Source: Instagram @hairbytikiizic

Most people are incorrectly under the impression that the deepest brown and dark brown hair is black. Even when exposed to light, black hair retains its dark color.

You have the deepest brown or dark brown hair color if your dark hair exhibits a golden or crimson sheen when exposed to direct sunshine. And don’t be fooled by the fact that you’ve colored your ends before! 

Those light brown roots seem to take on a much deeper tone when placed near your highlights. When assessing your roots, ensure that your ends are covered if dyed differently. 

Cover the colored portion of your hair with your hands or a piece of white paper so that you can concentrate on the roots. Discovering your genuine natural color identity may be accomplished by following these few easy steps. 

When attempting to return to the color of your natural hair, it is best to choose a shade somewhat lighter than your original hair color. Go darker gradually. 

If you choose a shade that is too dark, you will either have to wait for the color to fade naturally or grow out, or you will have to spend a significant amount of money to light it with a professional.

Why Does My Black Hair Look Red In The Sunlight?

The pigment melanin, which also controls skin and hair shade, gives hair its color. The deeper the color of your hair, the more melanin content it will have. 

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Eumelanin and pheomelanin are the two forms of melanin responsible for determining the color and tone of the hair. 

The amount of eumelanin in our hair is the primary factor that determines its color. However, the degree to which pheomelanin pigment is present in the hair defines its red color.

The genes that control the creation of each color in hair determine the quantity of that pigment in the hair. 

black hair looks grey in light
Source: Instagram @brigiis

The fact that genes function as instruction manuals for the body’s production of pigments, hormones, and proteins lends credence to their significance. The fact that genes may be switched on and off, thereby either halting or beginning the creation of pigments, is an intriguing aspect. 

If you have a certain set of genes turned on, your body will produce more pigment, pheomelanin, which gives your hair its red hue. As a result, genetics is the most plausible reason for why certain people have naturally red hair. 

And there is absolutely nothing that can be done to alter the outcome of the situation!

It’s a Wrap!

Sometimes the hair looks naturally brown even though the indoor color is black. The natural reason is the reflection of sunlight on the black color.

The brightness of light turns the color brown. There is nothing to worry about, but if the color changes for some extra time, it is because of aging, nutrition, or body temperature. 

You can either go for the easiest option of choosing the hair dye or you can consult an experienced person here to come out of this issue. If you lack an experienced person, consult the dermatologist. They are the best to have guidance from. 

If you are still worried about the hair color temporary transformation, follow the measures mentioned by me for some repair help.

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