Where in the hair is melanine located?

Melanin is located in the hair shaft within specialized cells called melanocytes. These melanocytes are primarily found in the hair follicles, specifically in the bulb region at the base of the hair. As hair grows, the melanin produced by these cells is deposited into the keratinized cells of the hair, giving it color. The type and amount of melanin determine the hair's color, ranging from blonde to black.