Whether or not hair highlighting is haram (forbidden) in Islam is a matter of differing scholarly opinions and interpretations. Generally, highlighting is permissible as long as certain conditions are met.
Here's a breakdown of the considerations:
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Changing Hair Color in Islam: Islam generally permits changing hair color. The original reference suggests that dyeing hair is permissible and even recommended with henna, though not required.
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The Prohibition of Dyeing Hair Black: The strongest prohibition in regards to hair dye is dyeing it black to resemble youthfulness, particularly for older individuals. This is based on hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) that discourage such practices.
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Highlights vs. Full Hair Dye: Highlights are often considered less problematic than a full head of dye, especially if the colors used are natural and not intended to deceive.
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Intention and Modesty: As with many aspects of Islamic life, intention (niyyah) plays a crucial role. If the intention behind highlighting hair is solely for vanity, extravagance, or to attract undue attention in a way that violates Islamic principles of modesty, it might be viewed unfavorably. If the intention is simply for personal grooming and enhancing one's appearance within permissible bounds, it is generally acceptable.
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Avoiding Resemblance to Non-Muslims (Tashabbuh): Some scholars discourage practices that closely resemble the distinctive appearance of non-Muslims. If a particular style of highlighting is uniquely associated with a specific non-Muslim group and imitating it is seen as promoting their values, it may be discouraged. This is a less common concern, though.
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Ingredients: It is important to ensure that the hair dye used is halal (permissible) and does not contain any prohibited ingredients.
In summary, highlighting hair is generally considered permissible in Islam, provided it does not involve dyeing the hair black, is done with modest intentions, avoids excessive extravagance, and does not involve haram ingredients. As with any matter of Islamic practice, it's always best to consult with a knowledgeable religious authority if you have specific concerns.
