teindre

Teindre is a French verb meaning to dye. It refers to the process of imparting color to a material, typically fabric, hair, or other porous substances, by immersing it in a dye. This process can be done using natural or synthetic dyes. Natural dyes are derived from plants, minerals, or insects, while synthetic dyes are chemically produced. The choice of dye and the method of application significantly influence the final color and its permanence.

The act of dyeing has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Early methods involved using plant extracts like indigo for blue, madder for red, and saffron for yellow. Over time, techniques evolved, and the development of synthetic dyes in the 19th century revolutionized the textile industry, offering a wider range of colors and greater consistency.

In the context of textiles, dyeing can occur at various stages, either to the raw fiber before spinning, to the yarn before weaving, or to the finished fabric. Each stage has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of color penetration, evenness, and cost. Beyond fabrics, teindre is also commonly used to describe the dyeing of hair, where various formulations are applied to alter the natural hair color. The verb can also be used more generally to describe the coloring of any material, such as paper or wood.