Answered by Ustadh Sufyan Qufi
Question
I understand that wiping the head is sufficient for wudu, but for a ghusl, the hair and hair root must be washed. So, when it comes to hair treatment or hair dyeing, it should not form any layer that prevents water from passing through.
So, what does this all mean? And how would I know if it keeps water out? What does a layer look like?
Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
I pray this finds you in the best of states.
When asked about hair dye bought in shops that contain chemicals Shaykh Faraz Rabbani (may Allah protect him) answered: “It will not affect the validity of the ablutions (wudu) or purificatory bath (ghusl) of its user, because the coating is not considered a perceptible barrier.” [End quote]
Examples of Perceptible Barriers
Examples of real physical barriers that would prevent the validity of wudu are wax or grease. Rheum that dries and gathers as a crust in the corners of the eyes is also an example of a real barrier preventing the validity of wudu. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]
Oil, for example, on a limb or in the hair does not prevent the validity of wudu because it is not a physical barrier between the limb and the water. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]
And Allah knows best.
Wassalam
[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadh Sufyan Qufi is an advanced seeker of knowledge, originally from Algeria, who grew up in France. He began searching far and wide for answers to the fundamental questions of life and was disappointed at the answers he found.
Then he connected with various traditional teachers and gradually connected with SeekersGuidance. He embarked on his journey of learning through the various teachers at SeekersGuidance, including his mentor Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.
He studied numerous texts in Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith, and other areas with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other teachers, including Shaykh Abdurrahman al-Sha‘ar, Shaykh Ali Hani, and others.
He is an active instructor at SeekersGuidance and answers questions through the SeekersGuidance Answers Service.