Dyeing hair, whether to cover gray or to change color, boasts a surprisingly ancient history. Evidence suggests the practice dates back millennia.
Ancient Beginnings:
- Assyrian Herbals (2177 BCE): These ancient texts provide some of the earliest known recipes for hair dye, highlighting the practice's long-standing presence in cosmetic routines.
- Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE): This papyrus includes formulas for dyeing gray hair and eyebrows, further demonstrating the ancient world's engagement with hair coloring.
These early methods likely used natural ingredients derived from plants and minerals to achieve color changes.
Evolution Through Time:
While dyeing hair to alter its color has ancient roots, the methods and availability of dyes changed significantly over time. It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that modern hair coloring techniques truly emerged.
- 1907: Eugène Schueller's creation of the first modern hair dye marked a turning point in the history of hair coloring. This invention laid the groundwork for the vast array of hair dyes available today.
- Early 20th Century Onward: The development and refinement of chemical hair dyes brought about a shift from natural, less effective, and sometimes unpredictable methods to a more controlled and widely accessible practice.
Modern Hair Dyeing:
Modern hair dyeing offers a spectrum of colors and techniques, enabling individuals to express their personal style and experiment with diverse looks. While the practice of dyeing hair to cover gray hair has remained common throughout the ages, the recent increase in popularity of unnatural hair colors has exploded in modern times, perhaps especially associated with subcultures such as punk rock.
