Answered by: Maulana Ishaaq Hussain

Question

Is it permissible to dye one’s hair with commercial hair dyes, for instance, Maybelline or L’Oréal or some other brand? Does it affect the validity of one wudhu and ghusl?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer

It is stated in Fatawa al-Hindiyyah:

“The scholars have all unanimously agreed that it is a Sunnah for men to dye the hair of their head and beard with red color. It is also considered a sign for Muslims” (p.329 v.5)

However, one should refrain from using black hair dye.

Abdullah Ibn Abbas Radiyallahu Anhu says the Prophet of Allah (SAW) said: At the end of time there will be people who will use this black dye like the crops of doves who will not experience the fragrance of Paradise. (Sunan Abu Dawood)

It is permissible to use dye to color the hair, however, one should refrain from using black dye. Although some scholars including Imam Abu Yusuf (Allah have mercy on him) permitted the use of black dye for adornment, between a husband and wife.

He states: “As I desire my wife to adorn herself for me, she also desires that I adorn myself for her.” (Radd al-Muhtar)

If the hair dye prevents the water from reaching the roots of the hair, the wudhu and ghusl will be incomplete. It is on this basis that scholars give the verdict of non-permissibility. If the product did not contain such substances which prevent the water from reaching the hair then it will be permissible. (Fatawa Rahimiyah p.146 v.7 & p.93 v.8).

Only Allah Knows Best

Written by Maulana Ishaaq Hussain

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham