Humans have been interested in personal adornment since the earliest recorded times (and likely prior). Our prehistoric ancestors looked for ways to change their appearance, for attracting a mate, to intimidate enemies, and to hide while hunting. Today we change our appearance for aesthetic reasons – using cosmetics, coloured contact lenses, and even hair extensions (Perth, WA has some premium salons dedicated to this art).

One of the oldest ways of changing appearance was by colouring the hair – and it is estimated that 92% of Western women have coloured their hair at some point...

• Archaeological evidence exists to suggest that the earliest humans used minerals, insects, and plants to paint their hair.

 

• Scientists believe the genetic mutation resulting in blonde hair occurred eleven thousand years ago.

 

• Indigo, sage chamomile, and henna were used from earliest times as hair darkening agents.

 

• The Ancient Egyptians of three and a half thousand years ago used henna to colour their hair, most commonly to disguise grey hairs.

 

• Ancient Roman women coloured their hair according to their social class: high class women tinted their hair red, middle class women favoured blonde hair, and low-class women dyed their hair black.

 

• An Ancient Roman doctor named Galen recorded a recipe for black hair dye. Modern scientists recently recreated the recipe and were surprised to find it to be successful.

 

• There was a time when blonde hair was associated with prostitution; respectable women chose to colour their hair darker shades, using plant extracts

 

• During the Dark Ages, red hair was associated with witchcraft – after the first natural redhead was born at this time in Scotland. A genetic mutation that had not been seen prior, red tresses were deemed mysterious and evil

 

• Renaissance women favoured blonde, "angelic" tresses. A mixture of honey, alum, and black sulphur was applied to the hair of Venetian women to facilitate sun bleaching.

 

• Peroxide was first used as a hair bleaching agent in 1860 – often leading to burned scalps and broken strands.

 

• The first synthetic hair dye was invented in 1907.

 

• During the 1930s-1950s, Hollywood saw the era of the blonde bombshell – which dictated that many actresses bleach their hair almost white. Natural brunettes Lana Turner, Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe, and Kim Novak are just a few examples of women who are known for their dyed platinum blonde hair. These famous blondes were not actually blonde at all!

Whether your hair is natural or you choose to use expensive or cheap hair extensions(Perth salons offer some great products), colouring your hair is always an option and the choices are unlimited. Your ancestors did it too!