Question: Can Muslims dye their hair with modern dyes and other substances?
Praise to Allah
Short Summary
Muslims, both men and women, can dye their hair any color except black, as long as it doesn’t involve imitating non-Muslims.
Detailed Answer
In Islam, using dye on the hair falls under the category of customs and the basic principle is that it is permissible. This principle is based on the guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
It is permissible to dye the hair with modern dyes and other substances under the following conditions:
Avoid Black Dye for Deception:
Using pure black dye specifically to cover grey hair to deceive others is unlawful (haram). This prohibition is based on a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said:
“Change this white hair but avoid black.”
Sahih Muslim 5476
Additionally, there is a stern warning narrated for those who dye their hair black:
“There will be people at the end of time who will dye their hair black like the crops of pigeons; they will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.”
Abu Dawud 4212, Al-Nasai 5075
Avoid Imitating Non-Muslims:
It is also important to avoid dyes and styles that are unique to non-Muslims or immoral people. If non-Muslims have a specific way of dyeing or cutting their hair that is exclusive to them, it is not permissible to imitate them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Abu Dawud 4031, Sahih al-Albani
Medical Safety:
The dye should not be harmful to health. If it is proven that a certain dye causes harm to the hair or scalp, it is not permissible to use it.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin advised that reference should be made to doctors to ensure the safety of the dye. Ibn ‘Uthaymin, Fataawa Noor ‘ala al-Darb, 22/2.
Partial Dyeing:
Dyeing parts of the hair, such as the ends or the top only, is permissible as long as it does not involve black dye to deceive or imitate non-Muslim.
And Allah Knows Best
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