Hair dye has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used natural substances like henna and indigo to color their hair. But when was hair dye invented?
Hair dye was invented by Eugène Schueller, the founder of L’Oréal. He invented “Aureole,” the first hair dye product. The majority of hair dyes available at the time were made of dangerous chemicals that might harm hair and possibly be harmful to health. Schueller’s hair color, on the other hand, was created using coal tar, a gentler and safer substitute.
If you’re curious about the history of hair dye and how it has evolved over the years, then keep reading. Together, we’ll explore the origins of hair dye and how it became the popular beauty product it is today.
When Was Hair Dye Invented and Why?
Hair dye has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient civilizations, with people using a variety of natural ingredients to color their hair.
The ancient Egyptians, for example, used henna to dye their hair and nails, while the Greeks and Romans used indigo.
In the early 20th century, however, the first commercial hair dye was created by a French chemist named Eugene Schueller.
Schueller’s hair dye, called “Aureole,” was made from coal tar and was sold to hairdressers in 1907, when was hair dye invented.
At the time, most hair dyes were made from toxic chemicals that could damage hair and even cause illness.
Schueller’s hair dye was a safer and more gentle alternative, and it quickly gained popularity thanks to its effectiveness and relative safety.
The success of Aureole marked the beginning of the modern hair dye industry, and it paved the way for the wide range of hair dye products we have today.
Black
Black hair dye has been around since the early 20th century when the first commercial hair dye was invented by French chemist Eugene Schueller.
Schueller’s hair dye, called “Aureole,” was made from coal tar and was initially sold to hairdressers in 1907.
Pink
The first pink hair dye was invented by accident in 1863 by a professor by the name of William Henry Perkins.
While trying to develop a malaria treatment in 1863, the professor unintentionally produced the first pink hair dye.
Pink hair dye has become particularly popular in recent years, with people using it to add a pop of color to their locks or to make a bold fashion statement.
Blue
Blue hair dye became popular around 1914, just before World War I, as people began to experiment with more colorful and bold hairstyles.
In recent years, blue hair dye has continued to be a popular choice for those looking to add a pop of color to their locks or make a bold fashion statement.
Purple
A German student who was experimenting with coal tar in 1859 discovered that, after diluting it, he had also produced purple dye, which led to the development of synthetic dye for clothing and hair.
Red
Red hair dye has a long history, with people using natural substances like henna and red clay to color their hair red for centuries.
Red hair dye is often used to add a pop of color to the hair or to achieve a natural-looking shade of red.
Blond
Blond hair dye has a long history, with people using natural substances like lemon juice and chamomile to lighten their hair for centuries.
Blond hair dye became particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, with iconic celebrities like Marilyn Monroe helping to popularize the look.
Who Invented Hair Dye?
People have been coloring their hair with a variety of natural chemicals for a very long time, extending back to ancient civilizations.
For instance, the Greeks and Romans used indigo, whereas the ancient Egyptians employed henna to color their hair and nails.
But it wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that a French chemist by the name of Eugene Schueller produced the first commercial hair dye.
Schueller, who invented hair dye, was a young chemist who had just graduated from the École de Chimie Paris when he founded the company L’Oréal in 1907.
His goal was to create a safer and more gentle alternative to the toxic hair dyes that were commonly used at the time.
He succeeded in creating a hair dye made from coal tar, which he called “Aureole.”
Aureole was initially sold to hairdressers in 1909, and it quickly gained popularity thanks to its effectiveness and relative safety.
When was hair bleach invented?
We know that hair dye was invented in 1907, but when was hair bleach invented? It happened in the 1930s.
During the 1930s, Lawrence M. Gelb, a chemist and hair care entrepreneur, advanced the formulas of hair bleaching products.
In 1950, Gelb and his wife Jane Clair founded the company Clairol, which introduced the first one-step hair dye product that lightened hair.
This product, called “Miss Clairol,” was a huge success and became popular with the masses.
Miss Clairol was a revolutionary product because it allowed people to color their hair at home, rather than having to visit a salon.
It also made it easier to achieve natural-looking shades of blond, as it did not require the use of harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide.
Today, hair bleach is still a popular hair coloring product, with a wide variety of formulations and techniques available.
Hair Dye History Timeline
The history of hair dye is quite interesting. In the early 20th century, the first commercial hair dye was invented, and since then the hair dye industry has evolved significantly.
Therefore, I’m presenting to you some basic facts about hair dye history:
- Ancient civilizations used natural substances like henna and indigo to color their hair.
- In the 19th century, hydrogen peroxide was discovered and began to be used as a hair lightener.
- In 1907, French chemist Eugene Schueller created “Aureole,” the first commercial hair dye made from coal tar.
- In the 1930s, L’Oréal introduced “Blondex,” a hair bleach made from hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.
- In 1950, Clairol introduced the first one-step hair dye product that lightened hair, called “Miss Clairol”.
- In the 1960s, home hair coloring kits became popular, making it easier for people to color their hair at home.
- In the 1980s, hair coloring techniques like foiling and balayage became popular.
- In the 21st century, hair dye products have continued to evolve, with a wide variety of formulations and shades available to suit different hair types and coloring needs.
Ancient hair dye methods
In ancient cultures, hair dye was often used for cosmetic purposes, but it was also used to convey social status and cultural identity.
For example, in ancient Egypt, only the wealthy and influential were able to afford expensive dyes made from rare and exotic ingredients.
In ancient Greece and Rome, blond hair was seen as a sign of beauty and wealth, and people used a variety of methods to lighten their hair, including using lemon juice and vinegar.
In addition to using natural dyes, ancient civilizations also used a variety of methods to apply the dye.
That includes using brushes and combs, applying the dye directly to the scalp, and using a hair net or cloth to wrap the hair.
Hair Dyes Today
Today, hair dye is a beloved beauty product around the world, with a wide variety of options available to suit different hair types and coloring needs.
From temporary rinses to permanent dyes, there is a product for every budget and preference.
Hair dye is used for a variety of reasons, including to cover gray hairs, to change the natural color of the hair, or simply to enhance the existing shade.
Some of the key features and options available in modern hair dyes include:
- A wide range of shades—From natural-looking shades to bold and vibrant hues, there is a hair dye product to suit every preference and style.
- Formulations for different hair types—There are hair dyes available for different hair types, including dry, damaged, and color-treated hair, as well as products specifically formulated for African American hair.
- Easy application—Modern hair dyes often come with easy-to-use application kits and instructions, making it easy to color your hair at home.
FAQ’s
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about when was hair dye invented.
How was dye made in the 1800s?
In the 1800s, hair dye was made from a variety of natural substances, including plants, minerals, and insects.
What was the first natural dye?
The first natural dye was created from animals. It came from the eggs of sea snails.
What is the oldest dye?
The oldest dye is indigo. It’s from Peruvian civilizations and they used it to dye their textiles as early as 3000 BC.
What did Native Americans use for dye?
Native Americans used a variety of natural substances to dye clothing, textiles, and hair, including plants, minerals, and insects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hair dye has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient civilizations.
The first commercial hair dye was invented in the early 20th century by French chemist Eugene Schueller, and since then the hair dye industry has grown into a billion-dollar industry.
I hope you enjoyed learning about when was hair dye invented and how it has evolved over the years. If you have any thoughts or experiences with hair dye, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Share your stories and insights with me and the rest of the community. I look forward to reading your comments.
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