Ruling on Styling the Hair in “Mèche” Strands and Dyeing It

Shaykh Ṣāliḥ Al-Fawzān (may Allāh preserve him) was asked: What is the ruling on dyeing all of one’s hair with any of the colours—red, yellow, white, or golden? What is the ruling on “mèche” highlighting, which is a fashion that came from the West and was adopted by some of our women, consisting of dyeing scattered strands of hair in a colour different from the natural hair colour—whether white, red, or golden—so that the hair appears partly natural and partly dyed? He replied: Dyeing the hair requires some detail, as follows: As for grey hair, it is recommended to dye it with something other than black, such as henna, wasmah, katam, or yellowish dyes. Dyeing it black, however, is not permissible, due to the Prophet’s ﷺ statement: “Change this grey hair, but avoid black.” (Narrated by Muslim) This ruling applies to both men and women. As for hair that is not grey, it should remain in its natural state and form, and should not be changed—unless its colour is defective or disfigured. In that case, it may be dyed with a colour that removes the defect and restores an appropriate appearance. But naturally coloured hair that has no defect should be left as it is, for there is no need to alter it. As for imitating disbelieving women and adopting foreign fashions—there is no doubt that this is prohibited, whether the dye is applied uniformly or in various patterns, such as what is known as “mèche” highlighting. [Al-Muntaqā min Fatāwā Al-Fawzān, vol. 3, “Book of Clothing and Adornment”]