Pheomelanin is a type of pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes of many living organisms, including humans. It is responsible for the yellow to red hues seen in lighter hair colors, such as blonde and red. Pheomelanin works alongside another pigment called eumelanin, which provides darker shades like brown and black. The balance between these two pigments determines an individual's overall hair and skin color. This pigment plays a role in protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, although it is less effective than eumelanin. People with higher levels of pheomelanin may be more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage. Understanding pheomelanin helps scientists study genetics and the evolution of human traits,