While the Bible doesn’t directly address hair dye, it speaks on modesty, inner beauty, and self-respect. The emphasis is often on character and heart rather than outward appearance. These passages encourage believers to focus on inner qualities while making choices that reflect their values.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Heart And Mind
What Does The Bible Say About Dying Your Hair
Leviticus 19:27
“Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining the natural state of one’s hair and beard. It discourages altering one’s appearance through excessive cutting or trimming.
1 Corinthians 11:14-15
“Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.”
These verses provide cultural context and guidance regarding hair length. It suggests that men wearing long hair goes against societal norms, while recognizing the significance of long hair for women as a symbol of their femininity.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”
This verse reminds us that God values the condition of our hearts rather than our outward appearance. It emphasizes the importance of inner character and spirituality rather than focusing solely on external features like hair color or style.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
These verses stress the significance of inner beauty and character as being more valuable in the sight of God than external adornments or hairstyles. They encourage a focus on developing a gentle and humble spirit as a form of true beauty.
Matthew 5:36-37
“And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
This passage reminds us not to place excessive importance on altering our hair color or appearance. It encourages simplicity and honesty in our speech and actions rather than indulging in unnecessary measures to change our appearance.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that our actions, including how we choose to style our hair, should ultimately bring glory to God. It encourages us to consider our motives and intentions behind our choices and make sure they align with God’s will.
Psalms 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse highlights the beauty and uniqueness of God’s creation, including our physical appearance. It reminds us to appreciate and accept ourselves as fearfully and wonderfully made, recognizing that our appearance is part of God’s marvelous design.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
These verses urge women to prioritize modesty and inner virtues over extravagant hairstyles or outward adornments. They emphasize the value of displaying godliness through actions and attitudes rather than seeking attention or validation through physical appearance.
Luke 12:7
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
This verse reassures us of God’s deep love and care for us as His children. It reminds us of our inherent value and worth in His eyes, regardless of the color or style of our hair, assuring us that we are precious and significant to Him.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.”
This verse recognizes the beauty and wisdom that comes with aging, depicted through the symbolism of gray hair. It encourages us to embrace the natural process of aging and find honor in growing older, as it signifies a life lived in righteousness.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse teaches us that each person is created in the image of God, and therefore, our value and worth are not defined by the color or style of our hair. It emphasizes the inherent dignity and uniqueness of every individual as a reflection of God’s divine nature.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
These verses encourage us not to conform to societal standards or trends, including those related to hair color or appearance. Instead, we are called to renew our minds and align our thoughts and actions with God’s will, which leads to a transformed life.
Deuteronomy 14:1
“You are the children of the LORD your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead.”
This verse refers to ancient mourning practices where people would cut themselves or shave their heads as a sign of grief for the dead. While not directly related to dying hair, it serves as a reminder that our appearance should not be influenced by practices rooted in sorrow or mourning.
1 Samuel 25:36
“When Abigail went to Nabal, he was in the house holding a banquet like that of a king. He was in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until daybreak.”
This verse, though not explicitly about dying hair, reminds us of the potential consequences of excessive indulgence or intoxication. It encourages us to exercise wisdom and prudence in our choices, including how we choose to modify our appearance.
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
These verses emphasize the process of transformation that believers undergo as they grow in their relationship with Christ. It reminds us that our focus should be on becoming more like Christ in character and virtue, rather than overly concerning ourselves with external appearances like hair color.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of discerning the appropriate timing for different actions and decisions, including those related to personal appearance. It encourages us to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our lives.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
This verse underscores the priority of spiritual matters over external practices or personal preferences. It reminds us that our focus should be on cultivating righteousness, peace, and joy in our lives through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
This verse emphasizes the eternal nature and enduring significance of God’s word and truth. It serves as a reminder that transient trends or external appearances are temporary, while the teachings of God’s word remain steadfast and reliable.
Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”
This verse highlights God’s impartiality and his equitable treatment of all individuals, regardless of their external appearance or personal choices. It teaches us to view others without discrimination or prejudice and to embrace diversity and uniqueness in God’s creation.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
These verses enumerate the nine fruits of the Spirit, highlighting attributes that Christians are called to cultivate. It draws attention to qualities of the heart rather than focusing solely on external or physical aspects, such as hairstyles or hair color.
Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
This verse describes God’s provision, care, and blessing in the midst of challenging circumstances. While it doesn’t specifically address dying hair, it reminds us of the abundance and favor that God bestows upon His followers, nurturing our gratitude and contentment.
James 2:1
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
This verse admonishes believers against displaying favoritism or partiality towards others based on external appearances or personal choices. It encourages unity, acceptance, and love for one another, emphasizing that our faith in Jesus should transcend superficial distinctions.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse serves as a reminder that all our actions, including how we choose to present ourselves physically, should be done in a manner that honors and glorifies God. It encourages us to seek God’s guidance and offer gratitude to Him in every aspect of our lives.
Song of Solomon 4:1
“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead.”
This poetic verse from the Song of Solomon describes the admiration and complimenting of beauty between lovers. While it does mention hair, it is important to note that the biblical narrative here does not provide a prescription or recommendation for dying one’s hair.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
This verse speaks of God’s forgiveness and redemption, using powerful imagery to describe the cleansing of sins. Though it employs color symbolism, it does not directly relate to dying hair or altering one’s appearance.