Deadly Beauty: The Most Dangerous Makeup and Hair Dye Trends in History

Beauty has always been a pursuit of transformation, but throughout history, the desire for perfection has sometimes led people to use shockingly dangerous substances. From toxic face powders to poisonous hair dyes, some beauty trends came with serious health risks—many of which weren’t understood until it was too late.

One of the most infamous beauty hazards of the past was lead-based face powder. In the 16th and 17th centuries, women across Europe, particularly in England and France, desired an unnaturally pale complexion as a sign of nobility and status. To achieve this look, they used Venetian ceruse, a mixture of lead and vinegar that gave the skin a ghostly white finish. The problem? Lead is highly toxic. Over time, this beauty trend caused skin discoloration, hair loss, rotting teeth, and even neurological damage. Some women continued using it until their skin literally deteriorated—forcing them to apply even more powder to cover the damage.

While fair skin was in vogue, bright red lips were also a symbol of beauty, but achieving the perfect shade came at a price. In ancient Egypt and later in the 18th century, women used lip stains containing cinnabar, a mineral form of mercury. This toxic ingredient was absorbed through the skin, leading to tremors, mood swings, and even mercury poisoning. In some cases, prolonged exposure caused severe damage to the nervous system.

The desire for dramatic eyes also led to deadly consequences. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used kohl to line their eyes, believing it not only enhanced their appearance but also protected them from evil spirits and eye infections. Unfortunately, many versions of kohl contained lead sulfide, which could cause lead poisoning over time. Even in the 20th century, some traditional kohl products were still found to contain dangerously high levels of lead.

Hair dyeing was no safer. In the 18th and 19th centuries, women used lead-based hair dyes to darken their locks. Some formulas also contained silver nitrate, which reacted with light to produce a darkened effect. While these dyes were somewhat effective, repeated use led to symptoms of lead poisoning, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and in extreme cases, cognitive decline.

Another hazardous hair treatment came from the early 20th century, when radium-infused hair products were briefly marketed as miracle solutions for hair growth and shine. Radium, a radioactive element, was believed to have rejuvenating properties—until scientists realized exposure led to severe radiation poisoning, causing burns, anemia, and even cancer.

Perhaps one of the most bizarre beauty trends involved belladonna eye drops. During the Renaissance, women used these drops, derived from the deadly nightshade plant, to dilate their pupils and create a more alluring, "doe-eyed" appearance. While the effect was temporarily striking, belladonna is highly toxic and caused blurred vision, headaches, hallucinations, and, in severe cases, permanent blindness.

The price of beauty has always been high, but thankfully, modern science has led to safer alternatives. Today, we can achieve dramatic makeup looks and vibrant hair colors without the risk of poisoning ourselves in the process. However, history serves as a cautionary tale—reminding us that not all beauty trends are worth the risk.