Hair coloring is as old as civilization itself. From ancient Egypt to modern salons, the desire to change one's hair color has been a constant thread in human history.
The Ancient Palette
Ancient Egyptians used henna to dye their hair reddish-brown, while Romans experimented with mixtures of lead oxide and slaked lime to achieve dark black or blonde shades. In ancient Greece, saffron was used to create golden highlights.
The Middle Ages to Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, hair color was often associated with moral character. Blonde hair was idealized as pure, while red hair was sometimes viewed with suspicion. Renaissance women used lemon juice and sun exposure to lighten their hair.
The Chemical Revolution
The modern era of hair coloring began in 1907 when French chemist Eugène Schueller created the first synthetic hair dye, which would eventually become L'Oréal. This breakthrough made hair coloring accessible to everyone.
The 20th Century
The 1950s brought Clairol's revolutionary "Does she or doesn't she?" campaign, normalizing hair coloring for everyday women. The 1960s and 70s saw bold experimentation, while the 80s and 90s introduced highlighting techniques.
Today at SAP Salon
Modern hair coloring is both an art and a science. At SAP Salon, we use Aveda Full Spectrum Hair Color—plant-based formulations that deliver stunning results while being kinder to your hair and the planet.