Is it permissible to make ghusl with dyed hair? Is it permissible to dye hair?

Dear Brother / Sister,

Women can dye their skin with dyes that form or do not form a layer on the skin in order to appear attractive to their husbands. However, the dyes that form a layer must be removed during wudu and ghusl. Otherwise, they will prevent wudu and ghusl. With today's terminology, they can apply makeup as long as it is not excessive.

Women must abandon such adornments when they go out in public and in places where non-mahram men may see them, and they must wear hijab.

There are two drawbacks to women growing their nails and applying nail polish and similar coatings:

Firstly, growing nails is definitely makruh. Secondly, since nail polish forms a layer on the nails that prevents water from penetrating the skin during wudu and ghusl, a woman's wudu and ghusl will not be valid in that case. Therefore, the following is advised to women in this regard: A woman is a mother and a housewife. She adorns herself only to appear attractive to her husband. She does not polish her nails because she cooks, does laundry, makes wudu and ghusl. She adorns her face for the stated purpose, that is to please her husband, and maintains maximum cleanliness. If she does so, she earns thawabs. Similarly, it is also sunnah for a man to prepare himself with the same cleanliness and attractiveness. (Kaynaklarıyla İslam Fıkhı, Celal Yıldırım, IV/209-210.)

Furthermore, it is forbidden for women to show their hair to non-mahram men. Dyeing and adorning oneself to look beautiful increase this sin. A Muslim lady has to make ghusl and also wudu for prayer; if the dye is so waterproof as to prevent water from penetrating through it, her ghusl and wudu will not be valid. During ghusl, one must ensure that no spot as small as the tip of a needle remains dry; the ears and navel must also be washed.

Water must reach between the strands of hair, beard, eyebrows, and mustache, penetrating into the skin underneath. Even if they are thick, water must reach them. If the strands or their bottoms are left dry, ghusl will not be complete. However, it is not necessary for the women to wash the hair that hangs down from the head. What matters is to ensure that water reaches their roots. However, since the dyes that form a layer also affect the skin and prevent water from reaching the roots of the hair, it is necessary to be careful about it.

Since there is no obligation for men in this matter, they must wash all parts of their hair that are hanging down.

Therefore, it is not appropriate for women to adorn themselves except for appearing beautiful to their husbands alone. If she has adorned herself and dyed her hair for her husband, the dyes that do not allow water to penetrate the skin must be cleaned before making ghusl.

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