Hazel eyes are not a single color; they typically display a mix of brown and green patches or swirls, sometimes with a hint of blue or amber. This characteristic causes hazel eye color to gradient from the pupil to the outer edge, and even appear differently under various lighting conditions, adding to the mystical allure of hazel eyes.

This article will detail the meaning of hazel eyes, explain why they are so rare from genetic and geographic perspectives, and compare them with other eye colors to highlight the distinctiveness and charm of hazel eyes.

What does "hazel eyes" mean?

To address this, we must understand what color is hazel?  Originally used to describe the brownish-green tint of hazelnuts, "hazel" later came to denote eyes that display a similar color blend.

Hazel eyes do not have a fixed color because they are a combination of several hues, and individual variations exist. Most hazel eyes consist of a brown pupil surrounded by a green outer rim, but some also include shades of blue or gold, with some leaning more towards green, brown, or yellow, though they generally are close to light brown. This mix of colors is what makes hazel eyes uniquely striking.

Illustration of a pair of hazel eye color

What color are hazel eyes?

We already know that hazel eyes are a composite of brown, green, gold, and other colors, but what do they actually look like? Due to the uneven distribution of pigments in hazel eyes (which will be discussed in detail later), people with hazel eyes appear to have different eye colors, and these colors can also vary under different lighting conditions. For example, hazel eyes might look darker or lighter depending on the light. This variability adds to the diversity and mystique of hazel eyes.

Since hazel color is typically a mix of brown and green, let's compare and see what the differences are.

Hazel eyes vs. brown eyes

Illustration comparing brown eye and hazel eye colors

The difference between hazel and brown eyes is quite apparent. Brown eyes typically display a single color, whereas hazel eyes feature a light brown texture around the pupil, radiating outward in a gradient to the edge of the iris, which is usually green or amber.

Hazel eyes vs. green eyes

Illustration comparing green eyes and hazel eyes colors

Some hazel eyes are very similar to green eyes, but you can distinguish them by checking for subtle brown and amber spots and gradients around the green pupil.

Hazel eyes vs. amber eyes

Illustration comparing abmer eyes and hazel eyes colors

Amber eyes, like hazel, are rare and also display a gradient of color intensity under different lighting. However, amber eyes are monochromatic, varying only in depth of color. In contrast, hazel eyes can include green and other colors, making the differences easily noticeable upon closer inspection.

How rare are hazel eyes?

It's challenging to define an accurate global percentage, but based on various studies and surveys, it's estimated that between 5% to 8% of the world's population, or approximately 300 to 500 million people, might have hazel eyes. This figure varies significantly by region and ethnicity. For example, in the United States, hazel eyes are not as rare as one might think, being the fourth most common eye color after brown, blue, and green, with a prevalence as high as 18%. In Europe and the Middle East, hazel eyes are also fairly common. However, they are rare in popular regions of Asia and Africa, where darker eyes predominate, contributing to the global rarity of hazel eyes.

Of course, there are many famous people we are familiar with who also have charming hazel eyes, I will list a few of the most famous ones.

David Beckham

Showing pictures of Beckham's hazel eyes

A former British footballer, his Hazel eyes are often praised by the media and fans as one of his signature looks.

Demi Moore

Showing pictures of Demi Moore's hazel eyes

An American actress, known for her profound hazel eyes and exceptional acting skills, particularly for her performances in films like "Ghost" and "A Few Good Men."

Tyra Bank

Showing pictures of Tyra Bank's hazel eyes

American model, actress and television host. Her Hazel eyes are often regarded as one of the most attractive features of her face and part of her success as a model.

What causes hazel eyes?

The development of hazel eyes results from a combination of biological factors, primarily involving genetics and pigment distribution.

Genetic factors:

Eye color is a polygenic trait, meaning it is influenced by multiple genes that affect melanin production and distribution. Variations in iris pigmentation and genetic mutations together determine the formation of hazel eyes. Known genes affecting eye color include OCA2 and HERC2, located on human chromosome 15. The OCA2 gene is particularly crucial as it affects melanin production. A variant of the HERC2 gene can regulate the expression of OCA2, thereby influencing eye color. This polygenic nature makes hazel eyes difficult to inherit, contributing to their concentration in certain regions.

Pigment distribution:

Eye color is primarily determined by the pigment in the iris, especially melanin. Hazel eyes have a melanin level that falls between that of dark eyes (such as brown or black) and light eyes (such as blue or green). In hazel eyes, melanin distribution is uneven, possibly showing different concentrations at various parts of the iris, thus creating a unique mix of colors like brown, green, and gold in spots or ring patterns.

Due to the complex interplay of polygenic inheritance and pigment distribution, the genetic diversity of different populations also leads to the varied distribution of hazel eyes across different global regions and ethnic groups.

How to get hazel eyes

The rich layers of color in hazel eyes contribute to their allure. Now that we know this is genetically determined, we can't acquire them later in life. However, this hasn't stopped fashion enthusiasts from pursuing beauty. Hazel Contact Lenses have become a trendy accessory.

6 different colors of Kriseye hazel colored contact lenses banner

                                 Kriseye Hazel Contacts Collection

Let's imagine, in less than a minute, you can have rare hazel eyes just like Beckham. Welcome to Krisesye, where we offer a variety of hazel contact styles, including dark hazel, green hazel, and amber hazel, to meet different user needs. Our hazel contacts are FDA and CE approved for safety and comfort. Plus, we have a promotional event coming up. Click the link to shop now.