What is the criterion regarding changing gray hair? Is it based on looking at the original color?

The questioner : The criterion for changing gray hair: if, for example, your hair—may Allah will it—was not black previously; is it now permissible for you to change it to red, for instance? If a person’s hair was blond and then he went gray, is there any objection to his changing it to blond if his hair has gone gray?

The Shaykh : First, you have the explicit text: , so dyeing with any color is permissible, except black.

The questioner : Well, good, this is for your benefit, O Shaykh!

The Shaykh : Well; for your benefit?

The questioner : No, for your benefit!

Those present : [Everyone laughs!]

The Shaykh : Why is it for your benefit? And this...
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