Ridiculous History: The Ridiculous — and Surprisingly Dangerous — History of Hair Dye

Episode Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host: Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown
Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction: Hair as a Symbol of Power

In this engaging episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve into the fascinating and often perilous journey of hair dye throughout human civilization. Opening with playful banter about their own hairstyles, the duo sets the stage for a deep dive into how hair has long been a symbol of vitality, power, and self-expression.

Noel Brown (02:15): "In the world of fashion, hair has always been kind of a symbol of vitality."

They reference the biblical story of Samson, whose strength was tied to his hair, illustrating the historical significance placed on locks as sources of power and identity.

Ancient Practices: Egyptians and the Origins of Hair Dye

The conversation shifts to ancient Egypt, highlighting the Egyptians' advanced use of henna to dye their hair reddish-brown. This practice not only served aesthetic purposes but also helped obscure gray hair, which was undesirable.

Ben Bowlin (10:10): "Going back to like 1500 BCE, the well-to-do people in ancient Egypt would use henna to give their hair a reddish brown hue."

They discuss Pharaoh Ramesses the Great, whose naturally red or auburn hair was a genetic rarity, making his use of henna a mark of royalty and distinction.

Greek and Roman Influence: Dangerous Innovations

As the hosts trace the evolution of hair dye into the Greco-Roman period, they uncover the hazardous concoctions used to achieve fashionable hues. The Greeks and Romans experimented with ingredients like lead oxide and calcium hydroxide to create the first permanent black hair dyes, which posed significant health risks.

Noel Brown (22:37): "They mixed lead oxide, bad stuff, calcium hydroxide, and water. This is the first permanent black hair dye."

The detrimental effects of these early dyes, including scalp corrosion and potential neurological damage, underscore the “surprisingly dangerous” aspect of hair dye history.

The Advent of Safer Alternatives: L'Oréal's Beginnings

The narrative advances to the 19th and early 20th centuries, spotlighting Eugene Schuller, a French chemist who pioneered non-toxic hair dyes. Schuller's innovations laid the foundation for modern hair coloring, leading to the establishment of L'Oréal.

Ben Bowlin (33:25): "He started a company called the French company of inoffensive hair dyes, which later became L'Oréal."

The partnership between Schuller and his professor Dr. August Hoffman resulted in the development of paraphenylenediamine, a key ingredient in permanent hair dyes still in use today.

Marketing and the Normalization of Hair Dye

Ben and Noel explore how marketing strategies played a crucial role in making hair dye a mainstream beauty product. They highlight a pivotal 1956 Clairol advertisement that cleverly questioned whether women's hair dye made them more attractive, thereby normalizing the practice.

Ben Bowlin (51:31): "There was a 1956 Clairol ad that just says, 'Dude, does she or doesn't she?'"

This period saw a significant increase in hair dye usage, particularly among women gaining more societal agency post-World War II. The hosts note how hair dye became an expression of personal freedom and individuality.

Modern Industry and Continued Evolution

Fast forward to contemporary times, the episode discusses the booming hair dye industry, now valued at over $23 billion globally. They trace the rise of brands like Clairol and Manic Panic, emphasizing the shift towards vibrant and unconventional colors as a form of self-expression.

Noel Brown (52:50): "Manic Panic's the big one. They started this creative hair color line back in 1977."

The hosts also touch upon the persistent issues with hair dye ingredients, even in modern formulations, reiterating the ongoing balance between fashion and safety.

Cultural Impact and Personal Expression

Ben and Noel reflect on the cultural significance of hair dye, from Hollywood icons like Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe who popularized bold hair colors, to today's diverse and dynamic hair trends. They emphasize the personal agency individuals have in choosing their hair colors, celebrating the freedom to express oneself without fear of judgment.

Ben Bowlin (53:05): "Your body is your own. Your choices are your own. And that's a very important thing. So don't let people bully you about it."

Conclusion: Embracing the Ridiculous History of Hair Dye

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts express their fascination with the often overlooked and hazardous history of hair dye. They acknowledge the strides made towards safer products while celebrating the colorful legacy that has allowed individuals to express their identities boldly.

Noel Brown (54:45): "This is a really fun one and we actually have a bunch of tangents and trivia that we're not gonna get to today that we are absolutely gonna snip out and put in an upcoming compilation episode."

With humor and insightful analysis, Ben and Noel provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of how hair dye has evolved from ancient symbolism to a modern staple of personal expression.

Notable Quotes:

• Noel Brown (02:15): "In the world of fashion, hair has always been kind of a symbol of vitality."
• Ben Bowlin (10:10): "Going back to like 1500 BCE, the well-to-do people in ancient Egypt would use henna to give their hair a reddish brown hue."
• Noel Brown (22:37): "They mixed lead oxide, bad stuff, calcium hydroxide, and water. This is the first permanent black hair dye."
• Ben Bowlin (33:25): "He started a company called the French company of inoffensive hair dyes, which later became L'Oréal."
• Ben Bowlin (51:31): "There was a 1956 Clairol ad that just says, 'Dude, does she or doesn't she?'"
• Noel Brown (52:50): "Manic Panic's the big one. They started this creative hair color line back in 1977."
• Ben Bowlin (53:05): "Your body is your own. Your choices are your own. And that's a very important thing. So don't let people bully you about it."
• Noel Brown (54:45): "This is a really fun one and we actually have a bunch of tangents and trivia that we're not gonna get to today that we are absolutely gonna snip out and put in an upcoming compilation episode."

For more episodes like this, tune into Ridiculous History on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.