Hazel Eye Colour: How Rare Are Hazel Eyes?

Published on March 5th, 2025

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 2-5% 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 an eye colour that is distinctive, as it is a combination of colours, and can often look different under different lighting conditions.

A close-up of a person with hazel coloured eyes.

How Rare are Hazel Eyes?

Hazel eyes are one of the rarest eye colours. According to a 2024 article published in The Conversation, hazel eyes, alongside green eyes, occur in only 2% of the population, making them one of the rarest eye colours. Other reports indicate that hazel eyes may occur in up to 5% of the population.

What Causes Hazel Eyes?

Hazel eyes are caused by a moderate amount of melanin in the front layer of the iris. According to Medline Plus and the National Library of Medicine, eye colour is determined by the melanin in the front layer of the iris. 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 determine what colour eyes, skin and hair are. 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. According to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, one factor includes the level of melanin pigment stored in the melanosome “packets” in the iris. 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. According to the Vision Centre, approximately 5% of the world’s population has hazel eyes. According to an article in The Conversation, this figure is 2%. A 2014 Harris Poll Survey, which questioned 2000 Americans on eye colour, determined that 18% of the country had hazel 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 and sometimes 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 and 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 refer to eyes that 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 compliments eye colour.

Are There Any Famous Celebrities with Hazel Eyes?

There are many famous 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. According to Spiritual Posts, in Native American and Celtic cultures, hazel eyes were seen as having a direct connection to nature. It was believed that hazel-eyed people had a special ability to communicate with animals and could be powerful healers or shamans.