1BlessedNatural: Why is #Melanin SO Popular (photo cred: William Stitt ) Over the last couple of years, I've noticed an increase in the popularity of the word "melanin." The word has been included in the names of clothing companies, hashtags, and other elements. Black women (including myself) all over the world are posting pictures with the hashtags like #melanin, #melaninpoppin , and #melaninonfleek . On Instagram to date, the #melanin has over 4 million public posts. What is the reason for this? So, 1BN why is #Melanin SO Popular? Based on my own use and observation of social media and trends, I think it's due to the posting of pictures, especially on Instagram that show the beauty of Black people. There are so many different skin tones and textures of hair, and they're all being celebrated. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines melanin as being, "any of various black, dark brown, reddish-brown, or yellow-pigments of animal or ...