Early societies used natural plant dyes to color hair, while methods became more chemical over time with risks. Ancient Mesopotamians and Persians grew hair long using henna, while Greeks used pollen and gold dust for blonds. Romans preferred dark hair but lead combs blackened hair dangerously in the 17th century. Modern hair dyes were developed in the late 19th century, with L'Oreal creating the first commercial product in the early 20th century. Oxidative dyes now carry allergy and carcinogenic risks, though studies have not found cancer risks from hair dye use. Regulators continue reviewing dye ingredients for public health and safety.
Early societies used natural plant dyes to color hair, while methods became more chemical over time with risks. Ancient Mesopotamians and Persians grew hair long using henna, while Greeks used pollen and gold dust for blonds. Romans preferred dark hair but lead combs blackened hair dangerously in the 17th century. Modern hair dyes were developed in the late 19th century, with L'Oreal creating the first commercial product in the early 20th century. Oxidative dyes now carry allergy and carcinogenic risks, though studies have not found cancer risks from hair dye use. Regulators continue reviewing dye ingredients for public health and safety.
Early societies used natural plant dyes to color hair, while methods became more chemical over time with risks. Ancient Mesopotamians and Persians grew hair long using henna, while Greeks used pollen and gold dust for blonds. Romans preferred dark hair but lead combs blackened hair dangerously in the 17th century. Modern hair dyes were developed in the late 19th century, with L'Oreal creating the first commercial product in the early 20th century. Oxidative dyes now carry allergy and carcinogenic risks, though studies have not found cancer risks from hair dye use. Regulators continue reviewing dye ingredients for public health and safety.
Early dyes made from plant products. • Mesopotamia and Persia dyed hair long, Egyptians preferred henna. • Ancient Greece used potash water, yellow flowers, pollen, flour, and gold dust for blond shades. • Early Romans preferred dark hair, other societies preferred unusual colors. • Blond hair popular from 8th to 13th century. • Lead combs darkened hair to black in 17th century. • Late 19th century discovered toxic lead. • France began para-phylenediamine hair coloring industry. • L’Oréal, founded by Eugène Schueller, first hair coloring product marketed in early 20th century.
SAFETY CONCERNS - OXIDATIVE HAIR DYES AND CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL
• Oxidative hair dyes have potential allergic and carcinogenic effects, especially in contact dermatitis and facial edema. • Permanent hair dyes contain high levels of "para" dye components, leading to occupational allergies. • Despite increased use in industrialized countries, contact allergy to Permanent Peroxide Dye (PPD) has decreased. • The CIR Panel reviews the safety of dye intermediates and couplers. • Carcinogenic potential of arylamine family hair dye ingredients is a major concern. • Studies show no association between hair dye use and increased cancer risk.