History of Hair Color
Throughout the span of time during which humans have been alive, evidence can be found to indicate that from the moment we became aware of ourselves, we have been interested in adorning and adjusting our appearance. Whether to help us hide while hunting, or to make ourselves appear more formidable to our enemies or predators, or even to attract a mate, we have looked for ways to change how we look.
One of the ways in which we did this was by finding ways to color and adorn the hair. Archaeologists have found evidence to suggest that early man may have used minerals, plants, and insects to paint their bodies and hair to appeal or repel. There is also recorded evidence from around 1500 B.C. that the Egyptians used henna as a hair coloring agent. This theme is echoed throughout our history as the color of the hair has been considered important for different reasons and in different ways.
Hair Color Attitudes:
Through the centuries, the color of hair has been deemed important in varying eras, and the meaning attached to the colors has changed as time has moved forward. There have been specific eras in which red hair carried cultural and social significance (and even some demonic significance according to some), while in other eras blondes were hailed as the more important distinctions in the social ladder.
Here are some examples of the specific distinctions hair color has had throughout history:
The Gauls (1st Century B.C.) were known to dye their hair red as a sign of class and rank.
In the Dark Ages, red hair was thought to be a sign of witchcraft. This was probably because red hair is caused by a genetic mutation, and the first documented case of a naturally-born redhead appeared around this time in Scotland.
At one point, blonde or yellow hair was worn (decreed by law) by "women of the night" and respectable women would use plant extracts and minerals to darken their hair. However, there has also been evidence to show that at the time that hairstyling was introduced in Roman society (300 B.C.) noble women tinted their hair red, middle-class women colored their hair blonde, while poor women dyed their hair black.
During the Renaissance, women favored golden and blonde hair because it carried an angelic connotation. Venetian women were known to wear hats without crowns with wide brims and to pull their hair through the top to be spread out evenly around the brim. The hair was then treated with a mixture of alum, honey, and black sulfur to encourage sun bleaching.
And of course, we all know of the fascination with Hollywood's blonde bombshells who defined "sexy" for an entire era of people. Few of these were natural, and only achieved their levels of fame as a result of coaxing from studio executives and the application of hair bleach.
Because the darkest shades of the brunette range were most commonly found in regions like Asia, South America, and Africa, the darkest shades of brunettes did develop an exotic allure for many Europeans.
Attitudes toward hair color in modern times have always depended a lot on the passing trends of the day and to a large extent, geographical location. For example, in South America, Africa, and Asia, brunette hair color is commonplace. Blondes and redheads were considered exotic and were often emulated.
In European nations, the opposite was often true, with darker hair colors being considered more attractive and exotic. Specifically, in areas where blondes are commonplace, such as in Scandinavian countries, being blonde isn't really that big of a deal, and few people make much of a fuss over a redhead in Scotland or Ireland.
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