Jon Snow does not have white hair because his Stark lineage carries dominant genes for dark hair, which ultimately prevailed over the recessive Targaryen genes for silver-white hair.
The Genetics Behind Jon Snow's Appearance
While Jon Snow is indeed the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, his physical appearance strongly favors his mother's side of the family. The world of Westeros, much like our own, features genetic inheritance where certain traits are more dominant than others.
Here's a breakdown of why Jon's hair is dark:
- Dominant Stark Traits: Northern houses, particularly the Starks, are characterized by their dark hair and grey eyes. These traits appear to be genetically dominant. When combined with the Targaryen's distinctive silver hair, the Stark genes prove to be stronger.
- Recessive Targaryen Traits: The iconic silver-white hair and purple eyes of the Targaryens are unique but seem to be more recessive. For a Targaryen to exhibit these traits, they often require a higher concentration of Targaryen blood, frequently through generations of intermarriage within the family.
Despite his lack of silver hair, Jon Snow is undeniably a Targaryen by blood, sharing the same genetic heritage as other well-known Targaryen descendants. His appearance does not diminish his claim or his place within the Targaryen lineage, just as other characters, like Alicent and Viserys' children in House of the Dragon who are half-Hightower, are still recognized as Targaryens despite not always having the signature look. His dark hair is simply a testament to the powerful genetic legacy of House Stark.
