{"id":1697491,"date":"2025-12-27T12:10:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T09:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1697491"},"modified":"2025-12-27T12:10:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T09:10:00","slug":"tints-trends-and-transformation-the-history-of-hair-color-through-the-ages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1697491","title":{"rendered":"Tints, Trends, and Transformation: The History of Hair Color Through the Ages"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"main_1-0\" class=\"comp main layout-body--continuous-scroll mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--two-column-right-rail sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">Tints, Trends, and Transformation: The History of Hair Color Through the Ages<\/h1>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Deven Hopp is an experienced writer and editor with over five years of experience covering the beauty industry for sites like Byrdie and Makeup.com. She is currently the brand director for Versed Skincare.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Deven Hopp<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"byrdie contributor deven hopp\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__350__deven-hopp-350-main_image-f614abc788434ce099acc284f1e76d85-1.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__350__deven-hopp-350-main_image-f614abc788434ce099acc284f1e76d85-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__350__deven-hopp-350-main_image-f614abc788434ce099acc284f1e76d85-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"byrdie contributor deven hopp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__350__deven-hopp-350-main_image-f614abc788434ce099acc284f1e76d85-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nDeven Hopp\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nDeven Hopp is an experienced writer and editor with over five years of experience covering the beauty industry for sites like Byrdie and Makeup.com. She is currently the brand director for Versed Skincare.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on December 27, 2025 07:10AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Jeremy Tardo is a bi-coastal hair colorist and a member of Byrdie's Beauty &amp; Wellness Board.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Jeremy Tardo<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"hair colorist jeremy tardo\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jeremytardo_0111-927dc06aeb244e60a4a61ed2a27091bc.webp\" title=\"jeremytardo_0111-927dc06aeb244e60a4a61ed2a27091bc\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jeremytardo_0111-927dc06aeb244e60a4a61ed2a27091bc.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"hair colorist jeremy tardo\" title=\"jeremytardo_0111-927dc06aeb244e60a4a61ed2a27091bc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nJeremy Tardo\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nJeremy Tardo is a bi-coastal hair colorist and a member of Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Hair Colorist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Michelle Regalado<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Michelle Regalado\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226.webp\" title=\"regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Michelle Regalado\" title=\"regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nMichelle Regalado\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nMichelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women&#8217;s lifestyle news.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"800\" alt=\"A painting of Louise of Lorraine on the left a retro advertisement for hair coloring on the right\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"800\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A painting of Louise of Lorraine on the left a retro advertisement for hair coloring on the right\" title=\"hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>via Beauty Tidbits \/ Clairol<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ancient Egyptians first used plants like henna and indigo to hide gray hairs over 3000 years ago.<\/li>\n<li>In 1863, English chemist William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered synthesized dye while attempting to create a cure for malaria.<\/li>\n<li>The first synthetic hair dye for commercial purposes was created in 1907, and eventually led to the founding of L\u2019Or\u00e9al.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Aging is a natural, beautiful privilege. And we&#8217;ll be the first to tell you that there is nothing more admirable than accepting yourself for who you are, both inside and out. But sometimes, we&#8217;re just not quite ready to let Mother Nature take over with fine lines and gray hairs, and that&#8217;s why hair dye was invented. For those of us who have been dyeing, highlighting, balayaging, glossing, and toning our hair for years, it&#8217;s more than the cosmetic aspect of trying a new color. It&#8217;s a part of history that is deeply rooted in preserving a certain beauty era in our lives.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Many women associate gray hair with aging. This prompted them to cover their gray to maintain a more youthful look,&#8221; says hair colorist and founder of LRN Beauty Lauren Paglionico. <strong>We asked Paglionico and hair artist and salon founder Gina Rivera, to share just how far the hair industry has come when it comes to dying your hair. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating history of hair color, and how it has changed today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Gina Rivera is a hair artist and founder of\u00a0Phenix Salon Suites.<\/li>\n<li>Lauren Paglionico\u00a0is a hair colorist and founder of LRN BEAUTY.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1500 BC <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Given how accomplished the Egyptians were as a civilization, it shouldn\u2019t really surprise us that they, too, dabbled in hair dye, which is where the color process originated from. They would use henna to camouflage gray hair (yes, the preoccupation with grays dates way back). &#8220;Plants like indigo and turmeric were also the main ingredients in dyes,&#8221; says hair artist Gina Rivera.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Years later, the Greeks and Romans used plant extracts to color their strands. They also created a permanent black hair dye. However, when they discovered it was too toxic to use, they switched to a formula made with leeches that had been fermented in a lead vessel for two months. It took a few hundred years to expand the color choices beyond black.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 300 BC <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During the Roman Empire, prostitutes were required to have yellow hair to indicate their profession. Most wore wigs, but some used a mixture made from the ashes of burned plants or nuts to achieve the hue. Meanwhile, other ancient civilizations like the Gaul and the Saxons were dyeing their hair a variety of vibrant colors to show their rank and as a means of intimidating opponents on the battlefield.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 500\u20131500s AD <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"500\u20131500s AD\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"500\u20131500s AD\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">via Beauty Tidbits<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Red hair first appeared as the result of a genetic mutation in the Dark Ages, with the first documented case of a natural-born redhead occurring in Scotland. For many years, people with natural red hair were subjected to suspicions of witchcraft. It wasn\u2019t until Queen Elizabeth I took her reign in 1558 that red hair become more acceptable.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1800s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Not much changed until the 1800s, when English chemist William Henry Perkin made an accidental discovery that changed hair dye forever. In an attempt to generate a cure for malaria, Perkins created the first synthesized dye in 1863. The color was mauve and appropriately named Mauveine. Soon after, his chemistry professor August Hoffman derived a color-changing molecule from Mauveine (called para-phenylenediamine, or PPD), which remains the foundation for most permanent hair dyes today.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1907 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It wasn&#8217;t until the beginning of the 20th century when modern-day hair coloring originated. In 1907, Eug\u00e8ne Schueller created the first synthetic dye for commercial purposes. He called it Aureole. It would later be called L\u2019Or\u00e9al, as would the company he founded.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During this time, hair coloring tools also began to appear, such as highlighter caps, which were used to highlight hair. &#8220;Highlighting the hair [was done] by pulling little strands through a rubber cap with a metal hook and applying bleach to the strands,&#8221; says Rivera of the technique known as frosting.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1931 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ever wonder where the term platinum blonde\u00a0comes from? You can thank Howard Hughes (and Jean Harlow) for that. In 1931, in\u00a0what might just be the most successful public relations strategy ever, Hughes released a film called <em>Platinum Blonde<\/em>, titled to promote and capitalize on the hair color of the young star, Jean Harlow. Many fans quickly followed suit, dyeing their hair to match Harlow\u2019s. Hughes\u2019s team even organized a chain of Platinum Blonde clubs across the country, with a $10,000 prize that would go to any hairdresser who could copy Harlow\u2019s shade. Ironically, Harlow never admitted to dyeing her hair.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1950 <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"912\" alt=\"1950\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"912\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"1950\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Clairol<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Prior to 1950, going blonde involved bleach and a lot of damage. Lawrence Gelb advanced formulas in the 1930s, but the truly revolutionary discovery of single-process hair color came in 1950. That year, Clairol, the company Gelb founded with wife Jane Clair, introduced the first one-step hair dye product that actually lightened hair without bleaching it. Miss Clairol Hair Color Bath, which allowed women to color their hair at home, discreetly (this was important, as women preferred not to publicize the fact that they colored their hair at this time) became a huge hit with the masses.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1960s\u20131970s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> By the late 1960s, coloring your hair was commonplace, and\u00a01968 was the last year Americans were asked to state their hair color on passports\u2014the prevalence of hair dye made this information pointless. And by the 1970s, public sentiments toward dyeing your hair began to change. Slogans like L\u2019Or\u00e9al\u2019s \u201cBecause you\u2019re worth it\u201d encouraged acceptance of openly using hair color products. Clearly, the shift in viewpoint was a lasting one.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The 1970s also gave us another new technique: balayage. &#8220;Balayage was created in the &#8217;70s and became popular for its natural sun kissed effect. The color was more lived in and low-maintenance,&#8221; says Paglionico.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1980s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Today, you can\u2019t turn on the television without seeing Eva Longoria, Sarah Jessica Parker, or some gorgeous celeb trying to sell you hair color. Well, all that began in the \u201980s, the decade of celebrity endorsements. Brands started securing the biggest names in Hollywood (think Cybill Shepherd and Heather Locklear) to endorse their products\u2014a natural progression, given Hollywood starlets had been serving as hair color inspiration since the \u201930s.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2014 <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"kylie-jenner-blue-hair\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"kylie-jenner-blue-hair\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Getty\/Denise Truscello<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> In May of 2014, while most of the population was embracing sombr\u00e9 and other, more natural-looking hair color techniques, Kylie Jenner took the opposite approach and made her first major hair color transformation. The youngest Jenner sister set herself apart with the now-iconic teal blue tips. Little did we know this would be the first of many vibrant hair colors for Jenner, which marked the start of her iconic &#8220;King Kylie&#8221; era.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2016-2018 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_47-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Hair color is part of our identity, and trends change faster than ever before due to social media,&#8221; says Paglionico. These days, hair colors run the gamut. The end of the 2010s saw believable looks like lived-in color\u00a0and depth and dimension to buzzy techniques like rose gold and tortoiseshell hair\u00a0to pastel creations like opal hair.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2020 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The years of the COVID pandemic saw a huge shift in beauty services, as many salons were closed to in-person appointments. Left to our own devices (or boredom and creativity), we did a lot of experimenting at home. Thus, saw a was a surge in semi-permanent hair dyes and bold colors. As well as at-home hair color, which many of us had no choice but to reach for.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Present <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber Blonde Balayage Bob - Byrdie Blonde Bob Ideas\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_4-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334.webp\" title=\"hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334.webp\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber Blonde Balayage Bob - Byrdie Blonde Bob Ideas\" title=\"hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Steve Granitz\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to Paglionico, recent years have brought a shift in hair coloring trends and ingredients.<br \/>\n&#8220;Formulas are more gentle on our hair and scalp and put hair health first. From natural tones, to balayage and ombr\u00e9, people color their hair for many reasons and it always comes down to wanting to look and feel good,&#8221; she says.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Rivera notes that we are also seeing a return in colors and of years past, but with a more refreshed look. &#8220;Butterscotch hair was big back in the day it was used to subtly lighten the hair by giving it some warmth,&#8221; she says of the color, which is quite popular today. &#8220;Actual color has come extremely far as well over the years ingredients that derive from plants and small amounts of ammonias are now used to help with vibrancy and longevity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Hair color trends are changing faster than ever. Some of social media&#8217;s biggest hits include expensive brunette, cowgirl copper, and ash blonde.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_60-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">When was hair dye invented?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>The first hair dye we know of came to life in 1500 B.C. Ancient civilizations used henna to conceal gray hair. In 1907, Eug\u00e8ne Schueller created the first synthetic dye for commercial purposes, which later came to be known as L&#8217;Oreal hair color.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Hair<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Hair Color<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"recirc_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h2 id=\"recirc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc__heading mntl-text-block\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<ul id=\"card-list-1_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-1 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Andie MacDowell showing off her gray hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/andielede-d9790e60b1f74a98873da521d4001e84-5.webp\" title=\"andielede-d9790e60b1f74a98873da521d4001e84-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/andielede-d9790e60b1f74a98873da521d4001e84-5.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Andie MacDowell showing off her gray hair.\" title=\"andielede-d9790e60b1f74a98873da521d4001e84-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Thinking of Going Gray? These 22 Silver-Haired Stars Will Convince You<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_2-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person with a thoughtful expression hair tied back posing indoors\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/addison-rae-2-ed766a6522194b618da4dedf4ebf3d25-4.webp\" title=\"addison-rae-2-ed766a6522194b618da4dedf4ebf3d25-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/addison-rae-2-ed766a6522194b618da4dedf4ebf3d25-4.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person with a thoughtful expression hair tied back posing indoors\" title=\"addison-rae-2-ed766a6522194b618da4dedf4ebf3d25-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Lowlights or Highlights? Hairstylists Explain the Key Differences<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_3-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Iris Apatow with her suede brunette hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/irislede-84e592c741d2437e8b337fdacd4fcfbc-4.webp\" title=\"irislede-84e592c741d2437e8b337fdacd4fcfbc-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/irislede-84e592c741d2437e8b337fdacd4fcfbc-4.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Iris Apatow with her suede brunette hair.\" title=\"irislede-84e592c741d2437e8b337fdacd4fcfbc-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The &#8220;Suede Brunette&#8221; Trend Is the Vintage Jacket of Hair Color<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_4-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person's hair before and after using the Hally Fluffy G Totally Clean Foaming Hair Gloss\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-hair-glosses-tout-recirc-ee08d1839d264daab62d7538c4f88449-6.webp\" title=\"byr-best-hair-glosses-tout-recirc-ee08d1839d264daab62d7538c4f88449-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-hair-glosses-tout-recirc-ee08d1839d264daab62d7538c4f88449-6.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person's hair before and after using the Hally Fluffy G Totally Clean Foaming Hair Gloss\" title=\"byr-best-hair-glosses-tout-recirc-ee08d1839d264daab62d7538c4f88449-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">10 Best Hair Glosses for Shiny, Healthier-Looking Hair, After 8 Weeks of Testing<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_5-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Simone Ashley with espresso brunette curls\" class=\"lazyload 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card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Olandria Carthen with her auburn hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olandrialede-c3486f4db20645b8b83a7d6b93d35473-3.webp\" title=\"olandrialede-c3486f4db20645b8b83a7d6b93d35473-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/olandrialede-c3486f4db20645b8b83a7d6b93d35473-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Olandria Carthen with her auburn hair.\" title=\"olandrialede-c3486f4db20645b8b83a7d6b93d35473-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Olandria Carthen Went Bama Barbie Blonde For Winter<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_8-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person with styled hair and makeup facing forward against a plain background\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026haircolor6-524db488756345eda337841452b70322-4.webp\" title=\"2026haircolor6-524db488756345eda337841452b70322-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026haircolor6-524db488756345eda337841452b70322-4.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person with styled hair and makeup facing forward against a plain background\" title=\"2026haircolor6-524db488756345eda337841452b70322-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">2026&#8217;s Biggest Hair Color Trends Include &#8220;Ethereal Blonde&#8221; and &#8220;Candlelit Brunette&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul id=\"card-list-2_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-2 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_9-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Ravyn Lenae sitting with one hand on her face looking contemplative\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/softauburn-987d2483591646a791fb54f2286e1935-3.webp\" title=\"softauburn-987d2483591646a791fb54f2286e1935-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/softauburn-987d2483591646a791fb54f2286e1935-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Ravyn Lenae sitting with one hand on her face looking contemplative\" title=\"softauburn-987d2483591646a791fb54f2286e1935-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">14 Soft Auburn Hair Ideas That Will Make You Run To Your Colorist<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_10-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Addison Rae with her bronde hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brondelede-7ebd83b6689e4b11ae40c54ff3afec8f-3.webp\" title=\"brondelede-7ebd83b6689e4b11ae40c54ff3afec8f-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brondelede-7ebd83b6689e4b11ae40c54ff3afec8f-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Addison Rae with her bronde hair.\" title=\"brondelede-7ebd83b6689e4b11ae40c54ff3afec8f-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">19 Bronde Hair Ideas That Bring All the Dimension<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_11-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Three Professional Hair Color Brands Featuring Wella Illumina Color, Matrix SoColor, L'Oreal Majirel On a Grey Gradient Background\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-professional-hair-color-brands-tout-a54b816d8bd14a419727ca5616aa468e-3.webp\" title=\"byr-professional-hair-color-brands-tout-a54b816d8bd14a419727ca5616aa468e-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-professional-hair-color-brands-tout-a54b816d8bd14a419727ca5616aa468e-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Three Professional Hair Color Brands Featuring Wella Illumina Color, Matrix SoColor, L'Oreal Majirel On a Grey Gradient Background\" title=\"byr-professional-hair-color-brands-tout-a54b816d8bd14a419727ca5616aa468e-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 9 Best Professional Hair Color Brands, According to Hair Experts<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_12-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt='Lily-Rose Depp with a cool-toned light brown \"milk tea\" hair color and neutral makeup' class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/imgi_2_470942491_900462742076143_8485220623124746306_n-ebbdc638468942ae8600fe94d2d7094f-3.webp\" title=\"imgi_2_470942491_900462742076143_8485220623124746306_n-ebbdc638468942ae8600fe94d2d7094f-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/imgi_2_470942491_900462742076143_8485220623124746306_n-ebbdc638468942ae8600fe94d2d7094f-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt='Lily-Rose Depp with a cool-toned light brown \"milk tea\" hair color and neutral makeup' title=\"imgi_2_470942491_900462742076143_8485220623124746306_n-ebbdc638468942ae8600fe94d2d7094f-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The Cool-Toned &#8220;Milk Tea Hair&#8221; Trend Is Piping Hot<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_13-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Recommended hair color removers, including Framar, Revolution Hair, and Color X-Change, collaged on a grey background\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-hair-color-removers-tout-bec6dae71fa541acbe661c5b1798bab1-6.webp\" title=\"the-best-hair-color-removers-tout-bec6dae71fa541acbe661c5b1798bab1-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-hair-color-removers-tout-bec6dae71fa541acbe661c5b1798bab1-6.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Recommended hair color removers, including Framar, Revolution Hair, and Color X-Change, collaged on a grey background\" title=\"the-best-hair-color-removers-tout-bec6dae71fa541acbe661c5b1798bab1-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 9 Best Hair Color Removers Professional Stylists Use to Fix Any Hair Dye Job<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_14-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Lila Moss shows off her fawn blonde hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lilalede-229ca8eb9c6a42a19519612225bd9345-3.webp\" title=\"lilalede-229ca8eb9c6a42a19519612225bd9345-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lilalede-229ca8eb9c6a42a19519612225bd9345-3.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Lila Moss shows off her fawn blonde hair.\" title=\"lilalede-229ca8eb9c6a42a19519612225bd9345-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">From &#8220;Fawn Blonde&#8221; to &#8220;Suede Brunette,&#8221; Winter 2026&#8217;s Biggest Hair Color Trends Bring Soft and Cozy Vibes<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_15-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber with her brown hair and brown eyes\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/haileylede-aed25ae1f58b4119bd05d7ef202bdf8a.webp\" title=\"haileylede-aed25ae1f58b4119bd05d7ef202bdf8a\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/haileylede-aed25ae1f58b4119bd05d7ef202bdf8a.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber with her brown hair and brown eyes\" title=\"haileylede-aed25ae1f58b4119bd05d7ef202bdf8a\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">These 26 Hair Colors Make Brown Eyes Really Pop <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_16-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Mia Goth with her light brown hair.\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mialede-1e8ebf3da6f94c11b27d1f8b572f5738.webp\" title=\"mialede-1e8ebf3da6f94c11b27d1f8b572f5738\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/mialede-1e8ebf3da6f94c11b27d1f8b572f5738.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Mia Goth with her light brown hair.\" title=\"mialede-1e8ebf3da6f94c11b27d1f8b572f5738\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">30 Light Brown Hair Colors for Fall, From Brunette to Bronde and Beyond<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--two-column-right-rail sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">Tints, Trends, and Transformation: The History of Hair Color Through the Ages<\/h1>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Deven Hopp is an experienced writer and editor with over five years of experience covering the beauty industry for sites like Byrdie and Makeup.com. She is currently the brand director for Versed Skincare.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Deven Hopp<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"byrdie contributor deven hopp\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__350__deven-hopp-350-main_image-f614abc788434ce099acc284f1e76d85-1.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__350__deven-hopp-350-main_image-f614abc788434ce099acc284f1e76d85-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__350__deven-hopp-350-main_image-f614abc788434ce099acc284f1e76d85-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"byrdie contributor deven hopp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__350__deven-hopp-350-main_image-f614abc788434ce099acc284f1e76d85-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nDeven Hopp\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nDeven Hopp is an experienced writer and editor with over five years of experience covering the beauty industry for sites like Byrdie and Makeup.com. She is currently the brand director for Versed Skincare.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on December 27, 2025 07:10AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Jeremy Tardo is a bi-coastal hair colorist and a member of Byrdie's Beauty &amp; Wellness Board.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Jeremy Tardo<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"hair colorist jeremy tardo\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jeremytardo_0111-927dc06aeb244e60a4a61ed2a27091bc.webp\" title=\"jeremytardo_0111-927dc06aeb244e60a4a61ed2a27091bc\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/jeremytardo_0111-927dc06aeb244e60a4a61ed2a27091bc.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"hair colorist jeremy tardo\" title=\"jeremytardo_0111-927dc06aeb244e60a4a61ed2a27091bc\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nJeremy Tardo\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nJeremy Tardo is a bi-coastal hair colorist and a member of Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Hair Colorist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Michelle Regalado<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Michelle Regalado\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226.webp\" title=\"regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Michelle Regalado\" title=\"regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nMichelle Regalado\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nMichelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women&#8217;s lifestyle news.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"800\" alt=\"A painting of Louise of Lorraine on the left a retro advertisement for hair coloring on the right\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"800\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A painting of Louise of Lorraine on the left a retro advertisement for hair coloring on the right\" title=\"hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>via Beauty Tidbits \/ Clairol<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ancient Egyptians first used plants like henna and indigo to hide gray hairs over 3000 years ago.<\/li>\n<li>In 1863, English chemist William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered synthesized dye while attempting to create a cure for malaria.<\/li>\n<li>The first synthetic hair dye for commercial purposes was created in 1907, and eventually led to the founding of L\u2019Or\u00e9al.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Aging is a natural, beautiful privilege. And we&#8217;ll be the first to tell you that there is nothing more admirable than accepting yourself for who you are, both inside and out. But sometimes, we&#8217;re just not quite ready to let Mother Nature take over with fine lines and gray hairs, and that&#8217;s why hair dye was invented. For those of us who have been dyeing, highlighting, balayaging, glossing, and toning our hair for years, it&#8217;s more than the cosmetic aspect of trying a new color. It&#8217;s a part of history that is deeply rooted in preserving a certain beauty era in our lives.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Many women associate gray hair with aging. This prompted them to cover their gray to maintain a more youthful look,&#8221; says hair colorist and founder of LRN Beauty Lauren Paglionico. <strong>We asked Paglionico and hair artist and salon founder Gina Rivera, to share just how far the hair industry has come when it comes to dying your hair. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating history of hair color, and how it has changed today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Gina Rivera is a hair artist and founder of\u00a0Phenix Salon Suites.<\/li>\n<li>Lauren Paglionico\u00a0is a hair colorist and founder of LRN BEAUTY.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1500 BC <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Given how accomplished the Egyptians were as a civilization, it shouldn\u2019t really surprise us that they, too, dabbled in hair dye, which is where the color process originated from. They would use henna to camouflage gray hair (yes, the preoccupation with grays dates way back). &#8220;Plants like indigo and turmeric were also the main ingredients in dyes,&#8221; says hair artist Gina Rivera.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Years later, the Greeks and Romans used plant extracts to color their strands. They also created a permanent black hair dye. However, when they discovered it was too toxic to use, they switched to a formula made with leeches that had been fermented in a lead vessel for two months. It took a few hundred years to expand the color choices beyond black.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 300 BC <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During the Roman Empire, prostitutes were required to have yellow hair to indicate their profession. Most wore wigs, but some used a mixture made from the ashes of burned plants or nuts to achieve the hue. Meanwhile, other ancient civilizations like the Gaul and the Saxons were dyeing their hair a variety of vibrant colors to show their rank and as a means of intimidating opponents on the battlefield.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 500\u20131500s AD <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"500\u20131500s AD\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"500\u20131500s AD\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">via Beauty Tidbits<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Red hair first appeared as the result of a genetic mutation in the Dark Ages, with the first documented case of a natural-born redhead occurring in Scotland. For many years, people with natural red hair were subjected to suspicions of witchcraft. It wasn\u2019t until Queen Elizabeth I took her reign in 1558 that red hair become more acceptable.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1800s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Not much changed until the 1800s, when English chemist William Henry Perkin made an accidental discovery that changed hair dye forever. In an attempt to generate a cure for malaria, Perkins created the first synthesized dye in 1863. The color was mauve and appropriately named Mauveine. Soon after, his chemistry professor August Hoffman derived a color-changing molecule from Mauveine (called para-phenylenediamine, or PPD), which remains the foundation for most permanent hair dyes today.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1907 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It wasn&#8217;t until the beginning of the 20th century when modern-day hair coloring originated. In 1907, Eug\u00e8ne Schueller created the first synthetic dye for commercial purposes. He called it Aureole. It would later be called L\u2019Or\u00e9al, as would the company he founded.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During this time, hair coloring tools also began to appear, such as highlighter caps, which were used to highlight hair. &#8220;Highlighting the hair [was done] by pulling little strands through a rubber cap with a metal hook and applying bleach to the strands,&#8221; says Rivera of the technique known as frosting.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1931 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ever wonder where the term platinum blonde\u00a0comes from? You can thank Howard Hughes (and Jean Harlow) for that. In 1931, in\u00a0what might just be the most successful public relations strategy ever, Hughes released a film called <em>Platinum Blonde<\/em>, titled to promote and capitalize on the hair color of the young star, Jean Harlow. Many fans quickly followed suit, dyeing their hair to match Harlow\u2019s. Hughes\u2019s team even organized a chain of Platinum Blonde clubs across the country, with a $10,000 prize that would go to any hairdresser who could copy Harlow\u2019s shade. Ironically, Harlow never admitted to dyeing her hair.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1950 <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"912\" alt=\"1950\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"912\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"1950\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Clairol<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Prior to 1950, going blonde involved bleach and a lot of damage. Lawrence Gelb advanced formulas in the 1930s, but the truly revolutionary discovery of single-process hair color came in 1950. That year, Clairol, the company Gelb founded with wife Jane Clair, introduced the first one-step hair dye product that actually lightened hair without bleaching it. Miss Clairol Hair Color Bath, which allowed women to color their hair at home, discreetly (this was important, as women preferred not to publicize the fact that they colored their hair at this time) became a huge hit with the masses.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1960s\u20131970s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> By the late 1960s, coloring your hair was commonplace, and\u00a01968 was the last year Americans were asked to state their hair color on passports\u2014the prevalence of hair dye made this information pointless. And by the 1970s, public sentiments toward dyeing your hair began to change. Slogans like L\u2019Or\u00e9al\u2019s \u201cBecause you\u2019re worth it\u201d encouraged acceptance of openly using hair color products. Clearly, the shift in viewpoint was a lasting one.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The 1970s also gave us another new technique: balayage. &#8220;Balayage was created in the &#8217;70s and became popular for its natural sun kissed effect. The color was more lived in and low-maintenance,&#8221; says Paglionico.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1980s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Today, you can\u2019t turn on the television without seeing Eva Longoria, Sarah Jessica Parker, or some gorgeous celeb trying to sell you hair color. Well, all that began in the \u201980s, the decade of celebrity endorsements. Brands started securing the biggest names in Hollywood (think Cybill Shepherd and Heather Locklear) to endorse their products\u2014a natural progression, given Hollywood starlets had been serving as hair color inspiration since the \u201930s.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2014 <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"kylie-jenner-blue-hair\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"kylie-jenner-blue-hair\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Getty\/Denise Truscello<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> In May of 2014, while most of the population was embracing sombr\u00e9 and other, more natural-looking hair color techniques, Kylie Jenner took the opposite approach and made her first major hair color transformation. The youngest Jenner sister set herself apart with the now-iconic teal blue tips. Little did we know this would be the first of many vibrant hair colors for Jenner, which marked the start of her iconic &#8220;King Kylie&#8221; era.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2016-2018 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_47-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Hair color is part of our identity, and trends change faster than ever before due to social media,&#8221; says Paglionico. These days, hair colors run the gamut. The end of the 2010s saw believable looks like lived-in color\u00a0and depth and dimension to buzzy techniques like rose gold and tortoiseshell hair\u00a0to pastel creations like opal hair.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2020 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The years of the COVID pandemic saw a huge shift in beauty services, as many salons were closed to in-person appointments. Left to our own devices (or boredom and creativity), we did a lot of experimenting at home. Thus, saw a was a surge in semi-permanent hair dyes and bold colors. As well as at-home hair color, which many of us had no choice but to reach for.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Present <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber Blonde Balayage Bob - Byrdie Blonde Bob Ideas\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_4-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334.webp\" title=\"hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334.webp\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber Blonde Balayage Bob - Byrdie Blonde Bob Ideas\" title=\"hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Steve Granitz\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to Paglionico, recent years have brought a shift in hair coloring trends and ingredients.<br \/>\n&#8220;Formulas are more gentle on our hair and scalp and put hair health first. From natural tones, to balayage and ombr\u00e9, people color their hair for many reasons and it always comes down to wanting to look and feel good,&#8221; she says.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Rivera notes that we are also seeing a return in colors and of years past, but with a more refreshed look. &#8220;Butterscotch hair was big back in the day it was used to subtly lighten the hair by giving it some warmth,&#8221; she says of the color, which is quite popular today. &#8220;Actual color has come extremely far as well over the years ingredients that derive from plants and small amounts of ammonias are now used to help with vibrancy and longevity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Hair color trends are changing faster than ever. Some of social media&#8217;s biggest hits include expensive brunette, cowgirl copper, and ash blonde.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_60-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">When was hair dye invented?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>The first hair dye we know of came to life in 1500 B.C. Ancient civilizations used henna to conceal gray hair. In 1907, Eug\u00e8ne Schueller created the first synthetic dye for commercial purposes, which later came to be known as L&#8217;Oreal hair color.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Hair<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Hair Color<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"800\" alt=\"A painting of Louise of Lorraine on the left a retro advertisement for hair coloring on the right\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"800\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A painting of Louise of Lorraine on the left a retro advertisement for hair coloring on the right\" title=\"hair-color-1-72c4c4b23a9c4c07b26a59c929c242a4-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>via Beauty Tidbits \/ Clairol<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ancient Egyptians first used plants like henna and indigo to hide gray hairs over 3000 years ago.<\/li>\n<li>In 1863, English chemist William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered synthesized dye while attempting to create a cure for malaria.<\/li>\n<li>The first synthetic hair dye for commercial purposes was created in 1907, and eventually led to the founding of L\u2019Or\u00e9al.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Aging is a natural, beautiful privilege. And we&#8217;ll be the first to tell you that there is nothing more admirable than accepting yourself for who you are, both inside and out. But sometimes, we&#8217;re just not quite ready to let Mother Nature take over with fine lines and gray hairs, and that&#8217;s why hair dye was invented. For those of us who have been dyeing, highlighting, balayaging, glossing, and toning our hair for years, it&#8217;s more than the cosmetic aspect of trying a new color. It&#8217;s a part of history that is deeply rooted in preserving a certain beauty era in our lives.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Many women associate gray hair with aging. This prompted them to cover their gray to maintain a more youthful look,&#8221; says hair colorist and founder of LRN Beauty Lauren Paglionico. <strong>We asked Paglionico and hair artist and salon founder Gina Rivera, to share just how far the hair industry has come when it comes to dying your hair. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating history of hair color, and how it has changed today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Gina Rivera is a hair artist and founder of\u00a0Phenix Salon Suites.<\/li>\n<li>Lauren Paglionico\u00a0is a hair colorist and founder of LRN BEAUTY.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1500 BC <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Given how accomplished the Egyptians were as a civilization, it shouldn\u2019t really surprise us that they, too, dabbled in hair dye, which is where the color process originated from. They would use henna to camouflage gray hair (yes, the preoccupation with grays dates way back). &#8220;Plants like indigo and turmeric were also the main ingredients in dyes,&#8221; says hair artist Gina Rivera.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Years later, the Greeks and Romans used plant extracts to color their strands. They also created a permanent black hair dye. However, when they discovered it was too toxic to use, they switched to a formula made with leeches that had been fermented in a lead vessel for two months. It took a few hundred years to expand the color choices beyond black.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 300 BC <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During the Roman Empire, prostitutes were required to have yellow hair to indicate their profession. Most wore wigs, but some used a mixture made from the ashes of burned plants or nuts to achieve the hue. Meanwhile, other ancient civilizations like the Gaul and the Saxons were dyeing their hair a variety of vibrant colors to show their rank and as a means of intimidating opponents on the battlefield.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 500\u20131500s AD <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"500\u20131500s AD\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"500\u20131500s AD\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">via Beauty Tidbits<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Red hair first appeared as the result of a genetic mutation in the Dark Ages, with the first documented case of a natural-born redhead occurring in Scotland. For many years, people with natural red hair were subjected to suspicions of witchcraft. It wasn\u2019t until Queen Elizabeth I took her reign in 1558 that red hair become more acceptable.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1800s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Not much changed until the 1800s, when English chemist William Henry Perkin made an accidental discovery that changed hair dye forever. In an attempt to generate a cure for malaria, Perkins created the first synthesized dye in 1863. The color was mauve and appropriately named Mauveine. Soon after, his chemistry professor August Hoffman derived a color-changing molecule from Mauveine (called para-phenylenediamine, or PPD), which remains the foundation for most permanent hair dyes today.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1907 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It wasn&#8217;t until the beginning of the 20th century when modern-day hair coloring originated. In 1907, Eug\u00e8ne Schueller created the first synthetic dye for commercial purposes. He called it Aureole. It would later be called L\u2019Or\u00e9al, as would the company he founded.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During this time, hair coloring tools also began to appear, such as highlighter caps, which were used to highlight hair. &#8220;Highlighting the hair [was done] by pulling little strands through a rubber cap with a metal hook and applying bleach to the strands,&#8221; says Rivera of the technique known as frosting.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1931 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ever wonder where the term platinum blonde\u00a0comes from? You can thank Howard Hughes (and Jean Harlow) for that. In 1931, in\u00a0what might just be the most successful public relations strategy ever, Hughes released a film called <em>Platinum Blonde<\/em>, titled to promote and capitalize on the hair color of the young star, Jean Harlow. Many fans quickly followed suit, dyeing their hair to match Harlow\u2019s. Hughes\u2019s team even organized a chain of Platinum Blonde clubs across the country, with a $10,000 prize that would go to any hairdresser who could copy Harlow\u2019s shade. Ironically, Harlow never admitted to dyeing her hair.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1950 <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"912\" alt=\"1950\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"912\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"1950\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Clairol<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Prior to 1950, going blonde involved bleach and a lot of damage. Lawrence Gelb advanced formulas in the 1930s, but the truly revolutionary discovery of single-process hair color came in 1950. That year, Clairol, the company Gelb founded with wife Jane Clair, introduced the first one-step hair dye product that actually lightened hair without bleaching it. Miss Clairol Hair Color Bath, which allowed women to color their hair at home, discreetly (this was important, as women preferred not to publicize the fact that they colored their hair at this time) became a huge hit with the masses.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1960s\u20131970s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> By the late 1960s, coloring your hair was commonplace, and\u00a01968 was the last year Americans were asked to state their hair color on passports\u2014the prevalence of hair dye made this information pointless. And by the 1970s, public sentiments toward dyeing your hair began to change. Slogans like L\u2019Or\u00e9al\u2019s \u201cBecause you\u2019re worth it\u201d encouraged acceptance of openly using hair color products. Clearly, the shift in viewpoint was a lasting one.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The 1970s also gave us another new technique: balayage. &#8220;Balayage was created in the &#8217;70s and became popular for its natural sun kissed effect. The color was more lived in and low-maintenance,&#8221; says Paglionico.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1980s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Today, you can\u2019t turn on the television without seeing Eva Longoria, Sarah Jessica Parker, or some gorgeous celeb trying to sell you hair color. Well, all that began in the \u201980s, the decade of celebrity endorsements. Brands started securing the biggest names in Hollywood (think Cybill Shepherd and Heather Locklear) to endorse their products\u2014a natural progression, given Hollywood starlets had been serving as hair color inspiration since the \u201930s.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2014 <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"kylie-jenner-blue-hair\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"kylie-jenner-blue-hair\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Getty\/Denise Truscello<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> In May of 2014, while most of the population was embracing sombr\u00e9 and other, more natural-looking hair color techniques, Kylie Jenner took the opposite approach and made her first major hair color transformation. The youngest Jenner sister set herself apart with the now-iconic teal blue tips. Little did we know this would be the first of many vibrant hair colors for Jenner, which marked the start of her iconic &#8220;King Kylie&#8221; era.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2016-2018 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_47-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Hair color is part of our identity, and trends change faster than ever before due to social media,&#8221; says Paglionico. These days, hair colors run the gamut. The end of the 2010s saw believable looks like lived-in color\u00a0and depth and dimension to buzzy techniques like rose gold and tortoiseshell hair\u00a0to pastel creations like opal hair.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2020 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The years of the COVID pandemic saw a huge shift in beauty services, as many salons were closed to in-person appointments. Left to our own devices (or boredom and creativity), we did a lot of experimenting at home. Thus, saw a was a surge in semi-permanent hair dyes and bold colors. As well as at-home hair color, which many of us had no choice but to reach for.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Present <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber Blonde Balayage Bob - Byrdie Blonde Bob Ideas\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_4-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334.webp\" title=\"hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334.webp\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber Blonde Balayage Bob - Byrdie Blonde Bob Ideas\" title=\"hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Steve Granitz\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to Paglionico, recent years have brought a shift in hair coloring trends and ingredients.<br \/>\n&#8220;Formulas are more gentle on our hair and scalp and put hair health first. From natural tones, to balayage and ombr\u00e9, people color their hair for many reasons and it always comes down to wanting to look and feel good,&#8221; she says.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Rivera notes that we are also seeing a return in colors and of years past, but with a more refreshed look. &#8220;Butterscotch hair was big back in the day it was used to subtly lighten the hair by giving it some warmth,&#8221; she says of the color, which is quite popular today. &#8220;Actual color has come extremely far as well over the years ingredients that derive from plants and small amounts of ammonias are now used to help with vibrancy and longevity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Hair color trends are changing faster than ever. Some of social media&#8217;s biggest hits include expensive brunette, cowgirl copper, and ash blonde.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_60-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">When was hair dye invented?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>The first hair dye we know of came to life in 1500 B.C. Ancient civilizations used henna to conceal gray hair. In 1907, Eug\u00e8ne Schueller created the first synthetic dye for commercial purposes, which later came to be known as L&#8217;Oreal hair color.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Ancient Egyptians first used plants like henna and indigo to hide gray hairs over 3000 years ago.<\/li>\n<li>In 1863, English chemist William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered synthesized dye while attempting to create a cure for malaria.<\/li>\n<li>The first synthetic hair dye for commercial purposes was created in 1907, and eventually led to the founding of L\u2019Or\u00e9al.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Aging is a natural, beautiful privilege. And we&#8217;ll be the first to tell you that there is nothing more admirable than accepting yourself for who you are, both inside and out. But sometimes, we&#8217;re just not quite ready to let Mother Nature take over with fine lines and gray hairs, and that&#8217;s why hair dye was invented. For those of us who have been dyeing, highlighting, balayaging, glossing, and toning our hair for years, it&#8217;s more than the cosmetic aspect of trying a new color. It&#8217;s a part of history that is deeply rooted in preserving a certain beauty era in our lives.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Many women associate gray hair with aging. This prompted them to cover their gray to maintain a more youthful look,&#8221; says hair colorist and founder of LRN Beauty Lauren Paglionico. <strong>We asked Paglionico and hair artist and salon founder Gina Rivera, to share just how far the hair industry has come when it comes to dying your hair. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating history of hair color, and how it has changed today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Gina Rivera is a hair artist and founder of\u00a0Phenix Salon Suites.<\/li>\n<li>Lauren Paglionico\u00a0is a hair colorist and founder of LRN BEAUTY.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_7-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1500 BC <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Given how accomplished the Egyptians were as a civilization, it shouldn\u2019t really surprise us that they, too, dabbled in hair dye, which is where the color process originated from. They would use henna to camouflage gray hair (yes, the preoccupation with grays dates way back). &#8220;Plants like indigo and turmeric were also the main ingredients in dyes,&#8221; says hair artist Gina Rivera.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Years later, the Greeks and Romans used plant extracts to color their strands. They also created a permanent black hair dye. However, when they discovered it was too toxic to use, they switched to a formula made with leeches that had been fermented in a lead vessel for two months. It took a few hundred years to expand the color choices beyond black.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 300 BC <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During the Roman Empire, prostitutes were required to have yellow hair to indicate their profession. Most wore wigs, but some used a mixture made from the ashes of burned plants or nuts to achieve the hue. Meanwhile, other ancient civilizations like the Gaul and the Saxons were dyeing their hair a variety of vibrant colors to show their rank and as a means of intimidating opponents on the battlefield.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 500\u20131500s AD <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"500\u20131500s AD\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"500\u20131500s AD\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588787-1449627120-700x0c-06d6b6c1073a4cd994c7f0404635e928\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">via Beauty Tidbits<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Red hair first appeared as the result of a genetic mutation in the Dark Ages, with the first documented case of a natural-born redhead occurring in Scotland. For many years, people with natural red hair were subjected to suspicions of witchcraft. It wasn\u2019t until Queen Elizabeth I took her reign in 1558 that red hair become more acceptable.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1800s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Not much changed until the 1800s, when English chemist William Henry Perkin made an accidental discovery that changed hair dye forever. In an attempt to generate a cure for malaria, Perkins created the first synthesized dye in 1863. The color was mauve and appropriately named Mauveine. Soon after, his chemistry professor August Hoffman derived a color-changing molecule from Mauveine (called para-phenylenediamine, or PPD), which remains the foundation for most permanent hair dyes today.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_22-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1907 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> It wasn&#8217;t until the beginning of the 20th century when modern-day hair coloring originated. In 1907, Eug\u00e8ne Schueller created the first synthetic dye for commercial purposes. He called it Aureole. It would later be called L\u2019Or\u00e9al, as would the company he founded.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_25-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> During this time, hair coloring tools also began to appear, such as highlighter caps, which were used to highlight hair. &#8220;Highlighting the hair [was done] by pulling little strands through a rubber cap with a metal hook and applying bleach to the strands,&#8221; says Rivera of the technique known as frosting.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1931 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Ever wonder where the term platinum blonde\u00a0comes from? You can thank Howard Hughes (and Jean Harlow) for that. In 1931, in\u00a0what might just be the most successful public relations strategy ever, Hughes released a film called <em>Platinum Blonde<\/em>, titled to promote and capitalize on the hair color of the young star, Jean Harlow. Many fans quickly followed suit, dyeing their hair to match Harlow\u2019s. Hughes\u2019s team even organized a chain of Platinum Blonde clubs across the country, with a $10,000 prize that would go to any hairdresser who could copy Harlow\u2019s shade. Ironically, Harlow never admitted to dyeing her hair.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1950 <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"912\" alt=\"1950\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"912\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"1950\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588789-1449627120-700x0c-34cfbe3b247a4b43a29b37dd01062dea\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Clairol<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Prior to 1950, going blonde involved bleach and a lot of damage. Lawrence Gelb advanced formulas in the 1930s, but the truly revolutionary discovery of single-process hair color came in 1950. That year, Clairol, the company Gelb founded with wife Jane Clair, introduced the first one-step hair dye product that actually lightened hair without bleaching it. Miss Clairol Hair Color Bath, which allowed women to color their hair at home, discreetly (this was important, as women preferred not to publicize the fact that they colored their hair at this time) became a huge hit with the masses.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1960s\u20131970s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> By the late 1960s, coloring your hair was commonplace, and\u00a01968 was the last year Americans were asked to state their hair color on passports\u2014the prevalence of hair dye made this information pointless. And by the 1970s, public sentiments toward dyeing your hair began to change. Slogans like L\u2019Or\u00e9al\u2019s \u201cBecause you\u2019re worth it\u201d encouraged acceptance of openly using hair color products. Clearly, the shift in viewpoint was a lasting one.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The 1970s also gave us another new technique: balayage. &#8220;Balayage was created in the &#8217;70s and became popular for its natural sun kissed effect. The color was more lived in and low-maintenance,&#8221; says Paglionico.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_39-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 1980s <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Today, you can\u2019t turn on the television without seeing Eva Longoria, Sarah Jessica Parker, or some gorgeous celeb trying to sell you hair color. Well, all that began in the \u201980s, the decade of celebrity endorsements. Brands started securing the biggest names in Hollywood (think Cybill Shepherd and Heather Locklear) to endorse their products\u2014a natural progression, given Hollywood starlets had been serving as hair color inspiration since the \u201930s.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_42-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2014 <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_43-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"kylie-jenner-blue-hair\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_3-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"kylie-jenner-blue-hair\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__179108__from-1500-bc-to-2015-ad-the-extraordinary-history-of-hair-color-1588792-1449627121-700x0c-9ed886953bf649f5998b39cf05bf5909\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Getty\/Denise Truscello<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_44-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> In May of 2014, while most of the population was embracing sombr\u00e9 and other, more natural-looking hair color techniques, Kylie Jenner took the opposite approach and made her first major hair color transformation. The youngest Jenner sister set herself apart with the now-iconic teal blue tips. Little did we know this would be the first of many vibrant hair colors for Jenner, which marked the start of her iconic &#8220;King Kylie&#8221; era.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_46-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2016-2018 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_47-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;Hair color is part of our identity, and trends change faster than ever before due to social media,&#8221; says Paglionico. These days, hair colors run the gamut. The end of the 2010s saw believable looks like lived-in color\u00a0and depth and dimension to buzzy techniques like rose gold and tortoiseshell hair\u00a0to pastel creations like opal hair.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_49-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> 2020 <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_50-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> The years of the COVID pandemic saw a huge shift in beauty services, as many salons were closed to in-person appointments. Left to our own devices (or boredom and creativity), we did a lot of experimenting at home. Thus, saw a was a surge in semi-permanent hair dyes and bold colors. As well as at-home hair color, which many of us had no choice but to reach for.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_52-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> Present <\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_53-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber Blonde Balayage Bob - Byrdie Blonde Bob Ideas\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_4-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334.webp\" title=\"hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334.webp\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Hailey Bieber Blonde Balayage Bob - Byrdie Blonde Bob Ideas\" title=\"hailey-bieber-blonde-balayage-bob-byrdie-blonde-bob-ideas-ec4f1c5af3db449dbd07b43212efb334\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Steve Granitz\u00a0\/ Getty Images<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_54-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> According to Paglionico, recent years have brought a shift in hair coloring trends and ingredients.<br \/>\n&#8220;Formulas are more gentle on our hair and scalp and put hair health first. From natural tones, to balayage and ombr\u00e9, people color their hair for many reasons and it always comes down to wanting to look and feel good,&#8221; she says.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_56-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Rivera notes that we are also seeing a return in colors and of years past, but with a more refreshed look. &#8220;Butterscotch hair was big back in the day it was used to subtly lighten the hair by giving it some warmth,&#8221; she says of the color, which is quite popular today. &#8220;Actual color has come extremely far as well over the years ingredients that derive from plants and small amounts of ammonias are now used to help with vibrancy and longevity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_58-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Hair color trends are changing faster than ever. Some of social media&#8217;s biggest hits include expensive brunette, cowgirl copper, and ash blonde.\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_60-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-faq--expanded beauty-sc-block-faq mntl-sc-block-faq mntl-block is-expanded\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__title mntl-text-block\">FAQ<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block-faq__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-faq__content mntl-accordion \" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li class=\"accordion__item js-accordion-item is-active\" data-ordinal=\"1\">\n<div class=\"accordion__header js-accordion-trigger\" id=\"mntl-accordion__item_1-0-section-0\"><span class=\"accordion__title\">When was hair dye invented?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"accordion__body\">\n<div id=\"mntl-accordion__content_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-accordion__content\">\n<div class=\"faq-accordion__item-answer\">\n<p>The first hair dye we know of came to life in 1500 B.C. Ancient civilizations used henna to conceal gray hair. In 1907, Eug\u00e8ne Schueller created the first synthetic dye for commercial purposes, which later came to be known as L&#8217;Oreal hair color.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/hair-color-history-11876277<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tints, Trends, and Transformation: The History of Hair Color Through the Ages By Deven Hopp Deven Hopp Deven Hopp is an experienced writer and editor with over five years of experience covering the beauty industry for sites like Byrdie and Makeup.com. She is currently the brand director for Versed Skincare. Byrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines Published on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1697492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1697491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1697491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1697491"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1697491\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1697492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1697491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1697491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1697491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}