Whether you were born a blonde and are curious about why you turned into a brunette or are looking to get that sun-kissed hair look without reaching for the bleach, you might be wondering – can hair color change naturally?

Unlike your eye color, naturally your hair color can change due to aging, gene activation or lifestyle changes.

While this might be bad news to some who fear going gray as they get older, this can also be good news for anyone interested in altering their natural hair color without the assistance of harsh chemicals and dyes. To learn more about how your hair color can change naturally, continue reading below.

The Genetics of  Natural Hair Color 

The reason that hair color can change over time is due to genetics. The specific genetics involved with hair color is called melanin. While melanin is also a determining factor of skin color and tone, skin color is far less likely to change over time as hair can.

The cause for natural hair color change, with no additional intervention from the individual, can happen when the melanin genes become activated or deactivated. In other words, the individual’s genes can be turned on or turned off during one lifespan.

This determination can happen towards just the top of the head, the bottom of the hair, or throughout. It can even happen in streaks or spots, causing light discoloration for some.

Suppose the levels of the body’s chemicals, which are called pheomelanin and eumelanin, are shifted when the body’s cells produce them. In that case, the hair follicles tend to become lighter or darker, resulting in a new or exaggerated color.

Can Hair Color Change Naturally?

Understanding Your Natural Hair Color Change

An individual’s natural hair color is defined as the organic hue they have after reaching adolescence and going through puberty.