Is Dyeing Hair Permissible ?

Question

Is dyeing hair allowed in Islam?

Bottom Line

Yes, dyeing hair is permissible in Islam as long as it avoids black dye for covering grey hair, does not imitate non-Muslim practices, and carries no medical harm.

Quick Answer

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged Muslims to change grey hair but forbade using black dye. Natural colors such as henna and saffron were used by the Companions. Modern dyes are allowed if they meet Islamic guidelines and do not cause harm.

Key Points

• Dyeing hair is permissible with colors other than black for concealing grey.
• The Prophet ﷺ praised the use of henna and saffron for dyeing.
• Medical harm and imitation of disbelievers must be avoided.

Detailed Answer

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“The Jews and the Christians do not dye their hair, so be different from them.” Bukhari 3462, Muslim 2103

He also instructed:

“Change this grey hair, but avoid black.” Muslim 2102

The scholars explained that dyeing grey hair is mustahabb (recommended), but using black dye specifically for concealing old age is forbidden. However, using other colors such as brown, red, or blond is permissible.

The Companions used henna and saffron for dyeing, showing its permissibility. Imam al-Nawawi said it is permissible to dye with any color except black when intended for concealing age.

Contemporary scholars have extended this ruling to modern hair dyes, stating they are permissible as long as:

The dye is not black for covering grey.

It does not imitate styles distinctive to disbelievers.

It does not cause proven medical harm.

What This Means for You

If you wish to dye your hair, you may do so using natural or modern dyes, provided you avoid black dye for concealing age, harmful chemicals, and imitating non-Muslim trends.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Hadith

1. Sahih al-Bukhari 3462 — The Jews and Christians do not dye their hair, so be different from them.
2. Sahih Muslim 2102 — Change this grey hair, but avoid black.
3. Sahih Muslim 2103 — The best dyes are henna and saffron.

Secondary Sources

4. Imam al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, commentary on hadith about dyeing hair.
5. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari, 6/499 — explanation of dyeing practices of the Companions.
6. Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da’imah, 5/168 — modern rulings on hair dye.