Dyeing One's Hair and Beard

As a general rule, a man is forbidden to dye his hair. This is because the biblical prohibition of lo tilbash includes imitating or engaging in anything that is generally associated with the opposite gender.[1] According to the Rambam, and others, dyeing one’s hair and beard is actually a biblical prohibition.[2] According to most other authorities, however, dyeing one’s hair and beard is considered to be a rabbinical prohibition.[3] This dispute is merely academic, however, as all authorities agree that, with minor exception, doing so is forbidden for one reason or another.

A man who is uncomfortable with his appearance, such as one with premature graying and the like, might be permitted to dye his hair and/or beard. This is due to the principle of kavod habriot which allows for certain rabbinical prohibitions to be waived in extenuating circumstances for the sake of human dignity.[4] It follows, therefore, that according to those who hold that dyeing one’s hair is a biblical prohibition, one would never be permitted to do so.[5] This is because, as mentioned, the kavod habriot dispensation only allows for rabbinical prohibitions to be waived. It is almost never permitted to violate a biblical prohibition for the sake of kavod habriot.[6]

One of the only exceptions to the rules of dispensations for the sake of kavod habriot is that it is permitted to violate a biblical prohibition for the sake of a met mitzva, a dead body that no one else is attending to. For example, it is permitted to postpone or even forgo offering a korban Pesach in order to tend to a met mitzva. One may also delay the performance of a brit mila. So too, a Kohen is permitted to defile himself –a biblical prohibition- in order to tend to a met mitzva.[7] Tending to a met mitzva is considered to be one of the highest forms of kavod habriot.

Another example of kavod habriyot overriding a prohibition is found in connection with Yom Kippur. In ancient times, the shoes that were worn on Yom Kippur were exceptionally unattractive and of poor quality. There is some discussion whether one would be permitted to wear “regular” (leather) shoes on Yom Kippur if one must walk among non-Jews and would likely be ridiculed by them due to one’s Yom Kippur shoes. Here too, the answer to this question depends on whether wearing leather shoes on Yom Kippur is a biblical prohibition or a rabbinical one -- an issue that remains unresolved. According to those who rule that wearing leather shoes on Yom Kippur is a biblical prohibition, it would be forbidden to do so, even for the sake of kavod habriot, namely, to save oneself from ridicule. According to those who rule that wearing leather shoes on Yom Kippur is a rabbinical prohibition, however, there would be grounds to permit it.[8]

Some authorities take a more lenient disposition toward a man dyeing his hair, and permit it based on other considerations. According to this approach, the only time one violates the prohibition of lo tilbash, is when one does something in order to mingle with or imitate women. If it is clear that a man has no such agenda, but is merely doing so in order to improve his image and self-esteem, dyeing one’s hair, and other similar activities, would be permitted.[9] Indeed, according to those who hold that dyeing one's hair is only a rabbinical prohibition, one would be permitted to do so in order to alleviate personal pain or embarrassment.[10] Nevertheless, most authorities rule that a man should not dye his hair unless there are very pressing reasons to do so. Rabbis, shochets, and others in spiritual leadership positions are especially advised not to dye their hair or beards.[11]

A man should not dye his hair in order to fool a woman into thinking that he is younger than he really is so that she should consider marrying him. It seems from the Sefer Chassidim, however, that although one should not dye one’s hair for this reason, there is no true prohibition against doing so.[12] Some even forbid dyeing one’s hair when the purpose for doing so is in order to improve one’s chances of finding a job.[13]

Nevertheless, the consensus of most contemporary authorities is that a man is permitted to dye his hair for any reason or situation that is especially pressing.[14] It is interesting to note that a man who wishes to look older, and therefore needs to dye his black hairs white, is permitted to do so![15]

[1] Devarim 22:5; YD 182:6.

[2] Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:10.

[3] Raavad, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:10; Shoel Umeishiv 1:210; Minchat Elazar 4:23. See also Shevet Halevi 6:118:3.

[4] Rambam, Hilchot Shabbat 26:23. See Berachot 19b for numerous examples. See also Yerushalmi Berachot 3:1.

[5] Maharsham 2:243.

[6] Berachot 19b; Divrei Chaim, YD 2:62; Maharam Shick, YD 172; Darkei Teshuva, YD 182:17.

[7] Berachot 20a.

[8] As alluded to in the Magen Avraham 614.

[9] Machane Chaim, YD 30; Seridei Aish, YD 41.

[10] Shoel Umeishiv 1:210.

[11] Beit Shearim, YD 19.

[12] Sefer Chassidim 379; Mishne Halachot 16:36; The Concise Code of Jewish Law, vol. 1 p. 288.

[13] Teshuvot V'hanhagot 1:461.

[14] Seridei Aish, YD 41; Or Yitzchak, YD 28.

[15] Taz, YD 182:7.