Hair Dye in Ancient Times and Today

Hair Dye in Ancient Times

Centuries ago when modern day chemical hair dye was not available, the henna plant was dried and made into henna dye. Henna dye was used for beautifying hair, conditioning and promoting hair growth as well as dying the skin. Henna produced one color when used alone: bright, reddish-orange hair. Artificial dyes were also used and they were exceptionally risky to the hair shaft . The choice of color was limited and various colors were obtained by more than a few dangerous methods. Note the following examples of recorded ancient hair:

“Dying hair was popular among women, although the frequency that hair was coloured often made it weaker. Tertullian discusses how hair dye burnt the scalp and was harmful for the head.Artificial dyes could be applied through powders, gels and bleach. Henna, a temporary dye, or even animal fat, could be applied to make the hair more manageable.^²
Aside from henna, more common permanent dyes were based on natural substances and perhaps more unorthodox mixtures. For example, to dye hair black, Pliny the Elder³ suggests applying leeches that have rotten in red wine for 40 days.”⁴

Additionally, for ‘natural’ hair color, animal fat was mixed with beechwood ashes for red hair. Saffron dyed hair gold. To stop hair loss and grow hair, Pliny, referred to ‘treatments’ such as: applying a pig’s gall bladder mixed with bulls urine…”other mixtures such as the ashes of a deer’s antlers mixed with wine”. Head lice? The ‘cure’ was goat’s milk or goat’s dung.⁵

Hair Dye Protection Today

Today’s chemical dyes thin the hair which reduces the strength of hair shaft, but truly all-natural henna hair dye thickens and nourishes your hair while increasing its strength.

The FDA has recommended vegetable/plant based hair dye as an alternative to using harmful chemical dyes containing PPD and other chemicals; as well as, bleaching agents such as ammonia and/or peroxide which damage the outer most layer and create capillaries in the hair shaft. PPD, OPD, MPD like chemical color fills these capillaries, enter in the inner layer and remain stuck inside, as permanent color. The next application again does the same on hair shaft. This results in loss of strength, roughness and permanent damage to hair.
Totally natural henna hair dye colors hair by coating the hair shaft. It provides thickness to hair and stick as a semi-permanent color. The next application again does the same and results in increase in strength and shine in your hair.

¹tertullian.org
²Hair and the Artifice of Roman Female Adornment, Elizabeth Bartman (2001)..
³Pliny the Elder, The Natural History, John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S., H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A., Ed.
4wikipedia.org
⁵ Pliny the Elder

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 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna® user.)

©2010-2013. L.J. O’Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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*Even though our herbal ingredients have been used in natural medicine for centuries, we must add the following disclaimer: The herbs, formulas, and recipes contained within this web site are not to be considered substitutes for proper medical and health care. As with any other medicine, if you are sick, you should consult a physician to find out if the herbal preparations listed here are right for you. Saba Botanical does not make any medical claims nor warranties regarding the use of the products listed on this site. No matter how natural a product is, it may have a potential of causing side effects and allergic reaction on certain individuals. You should consult your physician before taking any medication.