Found in around 5% of the world’s population, hazel eyes are among the rarest eye colours after heterochromia, red/violet, green and grey eyes. Featuring brown, gold, green or a blend of all these shades, hazel eye colour is certainly a mesmerising shade that stands out for its uniqueness. Hazel colour eyes tend to appear different under various light conditions, making them one of the most enigmatic and attractive eyes to exist across the globe. They are more commonly found among people of North African, Spanish, Middle Eastern and Brazilian descent.
What Causes Hazel Eye Colour?
Every eye colour is determined by melanin pigmentation in the coloured part of the eye (iris) and the way light scatters through it. The amount of melanin present in the front layer of the iris is responsible for deciding the colour of the eye. There are two types of melanin, namely eumelanin and pheomelanin. A higher amount of eumelanin gives darker brown eyes, while a lesser amount gives a blue-green appearance. Pheomelanin, on the other hand, is responsible for providing warm yellow and reddish tones to the eyes. Hazel eyes are the result of the uneven distribution of both these melanins, with a moderate amount of eumelanin present near the pupil and a decent amount of pheomelanin present towards the outer edge of the iris.
Myths and Facts About Hazel Colour Eyes
Let’s Burst Some Myths Around Hazel Eye Colour
- Hazel eyes change colour based on mood
The truth is that hazel eyes appear to change their colour because of the Rayleigh effect (the scattering of light), different clothing colours and surrounding light conditions. There’s literally no change in the colour because of mood or any other reason whatsoever.
- They exhibit certain personality traits
While legends associate hazel eyes with mystery, creativity and wisdom, no scientific study has shown that individuals with hazel eye colour possess these specific characteristics.
- Hazel eyes are the rarest of rare
It’s true that hazel eyes are rare, occurring in 5% of the total population, but there are other eye colours that are rarer, with grey, green, red/violet and heterochromia, appearing in approximately 3%, 2%, 1% and less than 1% of the population worldwide, respectively.
Some Fun Facts About Hazel Colour Eyes
- The intensity of hazel eyes can vary significantly from one individual to another, depending on the combination of melanin levels in the eyes. No two pairs of hazel eyes are alike, which makes each person’s eyes truly unique.
- As ageing occurs, hazel colour may change due to the natural decrease in melanin levels, causing eyes to appear more green or lighter over time.
- Thanks to their allure and rarity, hazel is one of the most common colour choices when it comes to coloured contact lenses.
Celebrities With Hazel Eyes
Some of the A-listers who are naturally gifted with mesmerising hazel eyes are:
- Angelina Jolie
- Kristen Stewart
- Jude Law
- David Beckham
- Ryan Reynolds
- Rihanna
- Ben Affleck
- Zendaya
- Lady Gaga
Tips to Enhance Hazel Eyes
Follow these tips to beautify the hazel eyes and make them look more attention-grabbing:
1. Makeup – Those with hazel eyes can accentuate their eye colour by using complementary makeup and eyeshadow in shades such as purple, green and gold.
2. Fashion – Speaking of clothing colours, earthy green, rich brown and warm gold can enhance the appearance of hazel eyes and make them appear even more vibrant.
3. Eyewear – While picking a pair of glasses, choose frames in different shades of tortoise, gold, green and brown to make hazel eyes stand out more.
4. Jewellery – Accessorising has the potential to make or break any look. Go for gold, rose gold or copper jewellery that complements hazel eyes, adding warmth to the overall look.
A stunning blend of different hues, there’s no doubt that hazel eyes are indeed rare. What makes this colour different from other rare eye colours is that it is not a solid colour. Individuals with hazel eyes should cherish this rare feature and take care of their eyes!
Having graduated from City and Islington College in 2016, Krina Halai is a certified Dispensing Optician working with Feel Good Contacts. With 13 years of experience in the optical field, she has worked in multiple practices, including Boots and Specsavers, performed paediatric dispensing, supervised and trained future optical professionals and triaged patients for numerous spectacle fittings, repairs and adjustments. She has also taken an online course on myopia control and helped many children prevent their myopia from progressing.
