What was a common material for hair dyes in many ancient cultures?

In many ancient cultures, natural earth elements were commonly used for hair dyes due to their availability and the range of colors they could produce. These earth elements, including various clays, roots, and minerals, often contained iron oxides and other natural pigments that provided shades like red, brown, and black when applied to the hair.

The use of these natural resources not only allowed for effective coloring but also aligned with the holistic approach to beauty and grooming that was prevalent in ancient societies. Practitioners often relied on the earth's bounty, knowing how to source and prepare these materials to achieve the desired results in hair coloring while minimizing potential harm to the hair and scalp.

In contrast, while minerals and organic compounds have been used in various applications, they may not have been as universally accessible or utilized specifically for hair dye in the same way as natural earth elements. Additionally, pigments from flowers, although they did provide some coloration, were less commonly used and often resulted in less enduring effects compared to earth-derived pigments.