1. Hair coloring has been practiced since ancient times using natural dyes like henna or unsafe products containing lead. 2. The first synthetic dye was created in 1863 by William Henry Perkin, leading to the birth of the synthetic hair dye industry. Major developments in hair dye technology occurred throughout the 20th century. 3. Today, hair dyes are big business and most products work by using chemical processes to either deposit color onto hair or lighten the natural pigment through oxidation. Scientists continue developing new coloring mechanisms for improved safety.