Human genetics are remarkably complex.
Parents pass thousands of genetic variations to their children.
Some influence height.
Others affect eye color.
Some affect hair texture and pigmentation.
Many characteristics are produced by combinations of genes rather than a single genetic switch.
Pigmentation depends in part on melanin, the group of pigments responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes.
When melanin production is reduced or altered, hair can appear much lighter than expected.
Certain inherited conditions can result in very light or white hair from birth.
One example is albinism, a group of genetic conditions involving reduced production of melanin.
Some forms can affect the eyes and vision as well as pigmentation.
But not every child with unusually light hair has albinism.
