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Anyone who is younger than Abu Quhafah, [8]it’s not a sin to dye their hair black.[9]In this issue al-Zuhri said : “ We dye our hair black while we still looked young, but when there are wrinkles on the face and our teeth are week, black is not used anymore.”[10]
Contents of Hair Dye
إٍنَّ أَحْسَنَ مَاغَيَّرْتُمْ بِهِ الشَّيْبَ الحِنَّاءُ وَالكَتَمُ
Meaning : “ The best material used to dye grey hair is henna and katam”. (HR Tarmizi)
Katam is a type of plant that produces colour that is blackish red and found in Yaman.[12]
Commercial Colouring
Any product can be used as long as it is free from unclean(najis) elements and does not prevent water from reaching wuduk body parts or during impurity bath(hadas besar).
According to the Islamic Consumer Association of Malaysia(PPIM), elements of hair dye that can be found in the market is divided into two types. Both are halal in their contents but one is waterproof while the other is not, so one has to make sure of its content before using it.[13]
Hair dye in the market will usually have permanet dye or semi permanent dye written on the box. Based on research, the semi permanent dye does not permeate water and shouldn’t be used by Muslims. Jakim has never issued halal certificate for hair dye product because they are imported products. Jakim only issues halal certificate for products processed in Malaysia only.
Henna Designs
Henna designs are only allowed if the designs are based on plants or leaves. Designs of animals, deities and anything that goes against the teaching of Islam is not allowed.
Nail Colouring
Nail colouring (cutex) is haram because it prevents water from reaching the nails. Using henna is harus if it is to please the husband. The usage of hair dye to colour the hair must meet these three conditions :
1. Able to permeate water so the wuduk and impurity bath(mandi wajib) is sah.
2. Does not contain substances that can harm the skin.
3. Does not contain unclean(najis) contents.