Grey blue eyes are a unique and striking eye color that can range from a pale icy blue to a dark steely grey. They are quite rare which makes them all the more mesmerizing. But what exactly causes grey blue eyes and how are they different from regular blue eyes? Read on to learn more about this uncommon and beautiful eye color.
What Causes Grey Blue Eyes?
Eye color is determined by the amount and type of melanin pigments in the iris of the eye. There are two main types of melanin:
- Eumelanin – This melanin produces brown and black hues.
- Pheomelanin – This melanin produces red and yellow hues.
The combination and ratio of these two melanins produce different eye colors:
| Eye Color | Melanin Type |
|---|---|
| Brown | High levels of eumelanin |
| Hazel | Moderate eumelanin, some pheomelanin |
| Green | Moderate eumelanin, high pheomelanin |
| Blue | Low eumelanin, some pheomelanin |
Grey blue eyes are caused by having very low levels of melanin in the iris overall. This results in an eye color that has a desaturated or muted tone. The minimal melanin produces a pale icy blue hue that can also contain some grey or silver specks.
So in summary, grey blue eyes are caused by:
- Very low levels of eumelanin
- Low levels of pheomelanin
- Not enough melanin overall to produce a vivid blue or green eye color
How Are Grey Blue Eyes Different From Blue Eyes?
While both are caused by low melanin levels, there are some key differences between grey blue and regular blue eyes:
| Grey Blue Eyes | Blue Eyes |
|---|---|
| – Very pale, desaturated icy blue hue | – Vibrant, richer blue hue |
| – May contain grey, silver or white spots/flecks | – Usually a solid blue color |
| – Overall muted tone | – Overall brighter tone |
| – Very low melanin levels | – Low to moderate melanin levels |
The main difference comes down to the amount of melanin. While both eye colors have low levels, grey blue eyes have extremely low concentrations of melanin overall.
This minimal pigmentation leads to a washed out icy appearance compared to normal blue eyes that appear more vivid and intense. The additional grey and silver flecks also set grey blues apart, creating added dimension and complexity.
What Does It Mean to Have Grey Blue Eyes?
Aside from being rare and beautiful, do grey blue eyes indicate anything about health or genetics? Here are some key facts about what it means to have this eye color:
- It is a genetic mutation – Grey blue eyes are caused by a rare mutation in the gene for melanin production.
- Rarity – Only about 1% of the population worldwide has true grey blue eyes.
- European ancestry – Most people with grey blues have European heritage, especially Northern and Eastern European.
- Sensitivity to sunlight – The lack of protective melanin can make grey blues more sensitive to UV rays.
- No health issues – Grey blue eyes are not linked to any vision or health problems.
So in summary, grey blue eyes simply reflect a unique genetic quirk that results in reduced melanin expression. They do not indicate any underlying health conditions. Their rarity just adds to their mystique and allure.
What Ethnicities Are Associated With Grey Blue Eyes?
As mentioned earlier, grey blue eyes are most commonly found amongst people of European descent, especially:
- Northern Europeans (Scandinavians, Baltics, Russians)
- Eastern Europeans (Poles, Ukrainians, Finns)
- Western Europeans (Germanic and Celtic people)
Some key statistics on ethnicity and grey blue eyes:
| Ethnicity | Percentage with Grey Blues |
|---|---|
| Icelandic | 89% |
| Finnish | 59% |
| Danish | 53% |
| Norwegian | 48% |
| Swedish | 45% |
| Northern Irish | 43% |
| Lithuanian | 42% |
| Dutch | 34% |
| Russian | 29% |
| Scottish | 26% |
This data clearly shows that grey blue eyes heavily favor northern and eastern regions of Europe. The combination of fair skin, light hair, and light eyes was adaptive to the lower sunlight environment these populations lived in.
While less common, grey blues can also occasionally occur in non-European groups like:
- Central Asians
- South Asians
- Middle Easterners
- North Africans
But in summary, pale icy grey blue eyes are overwhelmingly an European trait, especially in Northern and Eastern regions.
Are Grey Blue Eyes More Common in Males or Females?
Research has shown that grey blue eyes seem to favor males but only by a slim margin. Some key gender statistics include:
- A large study of Icelandic individuals found grey blue eyes in 88% of males versus 90% of females.
- Another survey of nearly 5000 European respondents showed grey blue eyes in 23% of males versus 18% of females.
- Amongst Finns, grey blues occurred in 63% of males compared to 56% of females.
So while grey blue eyes are slightly more prevalent in men, the difference is quite small. The subtle variations may come down to minor hormonal factors in melanin production. But overall, both genders have close to equal chances of inheriting grey blue eye genes.
Can Your Eye Color Change from Blue to Grey Blue?
Your eye color is set at birth by your genetic makeup. The only factors that can shift your eye color later in life are:
- Pigment changes related to age and hormone levels
- Injuries, diseases or medications affecting the iris
For example, many Caucasian babies are born with vivid blue eyes that darken over the first few years as melanin levels increase. And trauma or inflammation can temporarily change the eye color by disrupting the iris.
But grey blue eyes represent a specific low melanin genotype that remains stable throughout life. The desaturated icy hue and distinct grey spots differentiate it from regular blue eyes. So you cannot really develop true grey blues later if you did not inherit the genetic mutation that causes it.
While some blue eyes may lighten with age or sun exposure, they do not turn into the rare ice grey blue phenotype. You either have the genetic basis for grey blues from birth or you don’t.
What Colors Complement Grey Blue Eyes?
Grey blue eyes are so unique that they can complement both cool and warm colors well. Here are some of the best shades to make grey blue eyes pop:
- Warm neutrals like caramel, gold, peach, bronze
- Rich autumnal hues like terra cotta, mustard, olive green
- Cool pastels like mauve, lavender, powder blue, minty shades
- Silver metallics and grays for a monochromatic look
- Deep winter shades like eggplant, emerald, ruby red
Avoid black and brown which can dominate and overwhelm the delicate icy hue of grey blues. Soft, muted and bright clear colors will make them shine.
How to Make Grey Blue Eyes Stand Out With Makeup
When doing your eye makeup:
- Use champagne, pearl and pearly pink shadows. Grey and charcoal can also accent well.
- Try pale shimmery liners in silver, sky blue and violet.
- Curl lashes and coat with black or brown mascara for definition.
- Fill in brows lightly for a polished look.
For your face:
- Apply blush in rosy tan, peachy pinks.
- Use highlighter shades with an icy sheen.
- Choose lip colors in berries, corals, peaches, plums.
- A dewy luminous base pairs best with a muted lip.
This makeup combo flatters grey blues by accentuating your eye shape subtly while still letting the cool iris colors shine through.
Conclusion
Grey blue eyes are some of the rarest and most beautiful in the world. Their light desaturated hue ranging from icy blue to blue grey results from very low melanin levels. While similar to blue eyes, the washed out steely tone along with unique grey and silver flecks distinguish grey blues. Mostly occurring in those of Northern European descent, grey blue eyes need no makeup or enhancement. At only 1% of the population, their standout appearance makes them truly special.
