Question
What is the ruling on the hair dyes available in the market today? Some people say that they form a layer like nail polish, due to which wudu is not valid. Is this correct?
Answer
The effect of hair dye colours on wudu depends on how the dye acts on the hair. There are two situations here:
Formation of a dye layer (like nail polish)
If the hair dye forms a layer on the hair like nail polish, which prevents water from reaching the hair, then in such a case wudu or ghusl will not be valid. For wudu and ghusl, it is necessary that water reaches every part of the body, including the hair.
Only colour staining (like henna)
If no layer is formed by the dye, but it only stains like henna, and there is no barrier to water reaching the hair, then in such a case there is no difference to wudu and ghusl, and wudu will be valid.
Summary
If the dye forms a layer on the hair and prevents water from reaching the hair, then wudu and ghusl will not be valid. But if it only colours and does not form any layer, then wudu or ghusl is not affected, and its use is permissible.
