What is the ruling on a woman using henna on her hair and hands?

The questioner : In this country, the use of henna on the hands and head has become very widespread. Is this included in that category, or is it not included?

The Shaykh : It falls under the category of exceptions. If it is among women, it is permissible because it is an exception, just as it is for a man to dye his beard. We have said more than once that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So dyeing is changing the creation of Allah, but this is what I was referring to, except with the permission of the Wise Lawgiver. A woman dyeing her hands, for example, or her hair, is one of the characteristics of women. And if a man dyes his legs for the purpose of treatment, there is no harm in it. So, there are known exceptions in the Shari'ah, most of which are from the fitrah (innate natural disposition), and they are permissible. As for what has no exception, it falls under the general prohibition of changing [the creation].