Hazel Eye Color: How Rare Are Hazel Eyes?

Published on March 9th, 2026

Hazel eyes are a distinctive eye colour characterised by a mix of brown, green, and amber colours. Hazel eyes are caused by a moderate amount of melanin in the front layer of the iris and are inherited through a series of factors passed down from someone's parents. Hazel eyes are one of the rarest eye colours, occurring in approximately 5% of the world’s population. Keep reading to learn more about hazel eyes.

What is Hazel Eye Colour?

Hazel eye colour refers to eyes that are a mix of brown, green, and gold or amber. Hazel is a distinctive eye colour, as it is a combination of colours and can often look different under various lighting conditions.

How Rare are Hazel Eyes?

Hazel eyes are one of the rarest eye colours. Hazel eyes account for approximately 5% of the global population, making them one of the rarest eye colours, according to Helio Optometry.

What Causes Hazel Eyes?

Hazel eyes are caused by a moderate amount of melanin in the front layer of the iris. Eye colour is determined by the concentration and distribution of melanin within the iris, which is shaped by genetic factors, according to optometrist and optician Dr. Sophia Moh. The iris is the coloured part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. Melanin is a pigment created by cells in the body called melanocytes that determines the colour of your eyes, skin, and hair. A person with brown eyes will have a lot of melanin in their iris. A person with blue eyes will have a limited amount of melanin in the eyes. A person with hazel eyes will have less melanin than those with brown eyes, but more than those with blue eyes.

Are Hazel Eyes Dominant?

Hazel is a dominant eye colour according to the Vision Centre Organisation. If one parent has hazel eyes (i.e. if there is a ‘single copy’ of the gene), then their children will likely have them too.

How are Hazel Eyes Genetically Inherited?

Hazel eyes are genetically inherited through a series of factors passed down from someone's parents. One factor includes the level of melanin pigment stored in the melanosome “packets” in the iris, according to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Hazel eyes show moderate pigment and melanosome levels. Hazel eyes are a dominant trait according to the Vision Centre Organisation. This means that, as opposed to recessive eye colours, which can only be passed if both parents have the eye colour, if one parent has hazel eyes, the child can inherit them.

Why do Hazel Eyes Change Colour?

Hazel eyes do not generally change colour physically, but may appear a different colour under certain lighting conditions. Hazel eyes are distinctive for their many colours within the one iris, which, under different lighting conditions, may look different colours.

Is Hazel Eye Colour Considered Rare?

Hazel eye colour is one of the rarer eye colours throughout the world. Approximately 5% of the world’s population has hazel eyes, according to Helio Optometry. Optometrist John Dreyer writes that green eyes are the rarest eye colour, with only around 2% of people possessing this eye colour. He adds that if you are unsure if you have green or hazel eyes, chances are you have green eyes.

Do Hazel Eyes Have Multiple Colours?

Yes, hazel eyes appear to have multiple colours, due to the differing levels of melanin in the iris. Hazel eyes may appear to be brown, green, amber, or even blue.

Three close up eyes, one hazel, one brown, and one green.

What are the Different Types of Hazel Eyes?

There are two main types of hazel eyes: hazel eyes with green dominance and hazel eyes with brown dominance. Hazel eyes with green dominance refer to hazel eyes with green as the more dominant iris colour over brown. This means the eyes may appear more green, with hints of brown, gold or amber. Hazel eyes with brown dominance refers to hazel eyes with brown as the dominant iris colour.

How do Hazel Eyes Differ from Brown Eyes?

Hazel eyes differ from brown eyes in that they will have brown and green hues, and sometimes gold or amber, whereas brown eyes are just one colour. Brown eyes are the most common eye colour throughout the world, developing from a high amount of melanin pigment in the iris.

How are Hazel Eyes Different from Green Eyes?

Hazel eyes are different from green eyes in that green eyes are generally one colour, whereas hazel eyes will have green as well as brown and golden hues. Green eyes are the rarest occurring eye colour and are generally caused by low levels of melanin in the front layer of the iris.

How do Hazel Eyes Compare to Amber Eyes?

Hazel eyes can be compared to amber eyes in that they can share a coppery or golden appearance. Hazel eyes have a combination of green, brown and sometimes gold. Depending on the lighting, hazel eyes can appear a coppery colour. Amber eyes are rare and may resemble a warm, yellow-brown or even golden tint.

Can Hazel Eyes Have Blue in Them?

Yes, hazel eyes may have some blue in them, but usually, the lighter colour in the iris appears more green. Hazel eyes are a result of a moderate amount of melanin in the front layer of the iris. There is enough to cause some degree of brown pigment in the eye, but more than is needed for a person to have completely blue eyes.

What Makeup Enhances Hazel Eyes?

The makeup that enhances hazel eyes will be eye makeup such as eyeshadow and eyeliner, in complementary colours such as purples, browns and golds. Purples will contrast well with the green in hazel eyes, whilst gold will help emphasise the amber or golden hues in hazel eyes.

What Glasses Frames Work Best for Hazel Eye Colour?

The glasses frames that work best for hazel eye colour are purples, violets, browns, and gold. Glasses frames of any shape will work well for hazel eyes, but certain frame colours may help to enhance this eye colour and make your eyes pop. Purples, violets, browns, and gold will help to bring attention to and complement this eye colour. You can also match these frames to your outfit to create a further cohesive look that complements eye colour.

Are There Any Famous Celebrities with Hazel Eyes?

There are many celebrities with hazel eyes, including Kelly Clarkson, Tyra Banks, Tina Fey, and Ben Affleck.

What are the Myths and Superstitions About Hazel Eyes?

There are some lesser-known myths and superstitions about hazel eyes. Hazel eyes have been celebrated throughout history in art and literature, with some people believing that hazel eyes carry supernatural qualities, according to optometrist and optician Dr. Sophia Moh. However, in reality, eye colour is simply determined by genetic factors.

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