Is It A Sin To Dye Your Hair? (Does color matter?)

There are many reasons why people want to dye their hair. It could be to cover gray hair. It could be to be more fashionable. Or it could also be to restore the original hair color from discoloration. I know you have your reason, but somehow in doubt because you are not sure if it violates your faith. In this blog post, we will be dissecting the frequently asked question, “is it a sin to dye your hair?”.

Perspectives 

Before we answer if it is a sin or not, let’s discuss first the perspectives regarding dyeing one’s hair.

Some believe that dyeing one’s hair could be seen as an act of vanity and thus sinful.

This perspective comes from a belief that vanity is inherently sinful because it focuses on oneself rather than others.

Additionally, those who take this stance may argue that dyeing one’s hair makes them more attractive or desirable to members of the opposite sex, leading them down a path toward sexual promiscuity or adultery.

Another view is that they change their appearances for reasons that make them feel more confident, which does not conflict with their faith.

As long as your purpose is the latter and not the former, dyeing your hair is not a sin.

Biblical Reference

The Bible does not explicitly mention whether or not it is sinful to dye one’s hair. However, these are the passages that somehow talk about hair.

“Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears his hair long it is a disgrace to him, whereas if a woman has long hair it is her glory, because long hair has been given [her] for a covering? But if anyone is inclined to be argumentative, we do not have such a custom, nor do the churches of God.” 

1 Corinthians 11:14-15

“Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God. For this is also how the holy women who hoped in God once used to adorn themselves and were subordinate to their husbands; thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him “lord.” You are her children when you do what is good and fear no intimidation.”

1 Peter 3:3-5

The Hebrew word translated as “dye” appears only once in the Bible — in Numbers 5:18. This is within a description of a specific procedure designed to test a woman suspected of committing adultery (which was considered a sin). This passage has nothing specifically to do with dyeing one’s hair. Instead, it refers to using certain ingredients (including dyes) as part of that ritualistic adultery test.

Dyeing Hair is not a Sin

With the perspectives and bible verses above, let’s answer now the question.

Is it a sin to dye your hair?

Dyeing or changing the color of your hair is not a sin. The Catholic Church doesn’t have any specific rules against coloring one’s hair. In fact, Pope Francis dyed his hair black.

It should be fine as long as you’re not dyeing your hair specifically to mock the Church or its teachings.

Woman

Although dyeing one’s hair can be an issue for both gender when it comes to faith, women seem to take it much more seriously because of some biblical passages that talk about hair specifically for them, women, like the ones above.

So for clarification, let’s answer this.

Is it a sin for a woman to dye her hair?

No. It is not a sin to dye women’s hair. The Church does not forbid it.

So whatever color and style you want, red, brunette, or even blonde, you can achieve your desired look without the fear that you are sinning.

Conclusion

Dyeing one’s hair is not a sin. Not a mortal sin or a venial sin.

There is no single Catholic teaching on this matter.

Everyone is different and has different ways of taking care of themselves. If you think dyeing your hair will increase the overall quality of your life, then do it without guilt. You know what’s best for you. We have our reasons and as long yours is not to go against the teachings of the Church, you are free to do it.