Which term describes a mixture of both eumelanin and pheomelanin?

The term that describes a mixture of both eumelanin and pheomelanin is balanced color. In hair color, eumelanin is responsible for the darker hair shades, typically seen in black and brown hair, while pheomelanin imparts the lighter, warmer shades of red and yellow. When these two types of melanin are present in a balanced ratio, the resulting hair color reflects a harmonious blend. This balance can create a natural-looking color that exhibits depth and dimension, as it captures the nuances of both melanin types.

In contrast, highlights and lowlights refer to specific coloring techniques rather than a mixture of melanin types. Highlights are lighter strands added to the hair, while lowlights involve darker shades. Neutral color typically describes a lack of strong undertones, often seen in colors that do not lean heavily towards warm or cool tones, rather than indicating a mixture of the two melanin types. Therefore, balanced color accurately encapsulates the concept of a combination of eumelanin and pheomelanin.