Background of the Study

Through the centuries the color of the hair has been deemed important in

varying eras and the meaning attached to the colors changed as time moved

forward. There have been specific eras in which red hair carried cultural and social

significance (and even some demonic significance according to some), while in

other eras blondes were hailed as the more important distinctions in the social

ladder.

The Gauls (1st Century B.C.) were known to dye their hair red as a mark

of class and rank. In the Dark Ages, red hair was thought to be a sign of witchcraft.

This was probably because red hair is caused by a genetic mutation, and the first

documented case of a natural-born redhead appeared around this time in

Scotland. Years later, Queen Elizabeth was responsible for affecting a change in

impressions as her auburn hair was imitated as a reflection of her royal status. At

one point, yellow or blonde hair was worn (decreed by law) by “women of the night”

and respectable women would use plant extracts and minerals to darken their hair.

However, there has also been evidence to show that at the time that hairstyling

was introduced in Roman society (300 B.C.) noble women tinted their hair red,

middle-class women colored their hair blonde, while poor women dyed their hair

black.

During the Renaissance, women favored golden and blonde hair because

it carried an angelic connotation. Venetian women were known to wear crownless

hats with wide brims and to pull their hair through the top to be splayed evenly

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around the brim. The hair was then plied with a mixture of alum, honey and black

sulfur to encourage sun bleaching. And of course we all know of the fascination

with Hollywood’s blonde bombshells who defined “sexy” for an entire era of men

(and women). Few of these were natural, and only achieved their levels of fame

as a result of coaxing from studio heads and the application of hair bleach.

There’s been ample attention given to blondes and redheads throughout

history, which leaves some folks to think that these are the more favored colors,

historically. On the other hand, brunettes make up 60 percent of the world’s

population, and while they may not have the reputation for social attention-

gathering of blondes and reds, they have always had the widest variety of shades

from which to choose. Early haircolors - henna, indigo, sage and chamomile –

could only darken the hair.

Because the darkest shades of the brunette range were most commonly

found in regions like Asia, South America and Africa, the darkest shades of

brunette did develop an exotic allure for many Europeans.

Attitudes toward hair color in modern times have always depended a

lot on the passing trends of the day and to a large extent geographical location.

For example, in South America, Africa, and Asia, brunette hair color is

commonplace. Blondes and redheads were considered exotic and were often

emulated. In European nations, the reverse was often true, with darker haircolors

being considered more alluring and foreign. Specifically, in areas where blondes