Ask A Scientist© General Science Archive

name        Patricia Diane
status      other
age         50s

Question -  I am a writer and I am
researching for a dye that could be used to dye human skin brown or black which
would wear off in 2 to 3 months. This dye would have to have been
available in the 1850's. This is for a fictional novel. If you could help me,
I would greatly appreciate it. I am hopeful that you can find a
dye for me.
The novel I am working on is going to take place in the 1850's and will be
about the underground railroad. I am planning on starting the novel in the
south, of course, and have my main characters go North on the underground
railroad. I can start the novel in any southern state that will work with
the length of time for a skin dye. I was wondering if perhaps, tobacco or
black walnuts could be boiled or whatever to do the job. Henna is very
good. I never thought of that. If you can come up
with anything else, please get back to me. I really appreciate your help
and quickness in responding.
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I would submit my vote for black walnuts.

In the past, and you might try this for the
'experience', I have obtained a local "tann" (the
second n is intentional) from husking black walnuts by
hand.

One reservation would be that I dont believe, at least
on the hands, that the dye would be as long-lasting as
you desire. In my experience, and again, this is
specifically regarding my hands, the color has
worn/washed off within a week or two. Areas washed or
bathed less frequently would have a longer lasting
dye. Note that,in the time period you are discussing,
less-frequent bathing may have been the norm and would
dovetail nicely with your time/story line.

Good luck with your investigation and writing; thanks
for using NEWTON!

Ric Rupnik
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The author of "Black Like Me", John Howard Griffin, did exactly this in
his investigative book of what it meant to be black in the South in the late
50's or early 60's. It is a classic, so I am sure you can find it even though
it must be out of print. I do not recall what he did to darken his skin.

Vince Calder
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Henna is the one. Professionaly in salon we use "Analine derivative tint"
not
to color skin but to  color hair. Do that same people are allergic to the
color a skin test is necessary. It is not suggested to use for the pourpose
of skin coloring.
RF
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