The ruling on using henna for one who intends to perform the sacrifice

Question:
Also, you ask: Is it true that one who intends to perform the sacrifice, particularly women, should not use henna until after the sacrificial animal is slaughtered? Some of our mothers and early grandmothers tell us: "Do not use henna until after the sacrifice is slaughtered." Is this correct, or is it a superstition?

Answer:
This has no basis. If one intends to perform the sacrifice, there is no harm in her using henna, no harm in her using perfume, and no harm in her washing her hair whenever she wishes; it is not forbidden. However, she must not cut her hair or nails once the month of Dhu al-Hijjah begins. It was reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: , and in another wording: . Therefore, the one who performs the sacrifice for himself and his family, or for himself alone, or for his father or his mother—meaning, as a voluntary act—once the month of Dhu al-Hijjah enters, he must not take anything from his hair, nails, or skin. He must not cut any hair or nail, nor cut any skin from his body, until he performs the sacrifice, either on the Day of Sacrifice or after it. This is what is prescribed. However, there is no harm in her unknotting her hair, ....... such as washing it. There is no harm in her using henna, but she must not comb it so hard that the hair breaks until she performs the sacrifice. However, washing it, rubbing it, and unknotting it are all permissible. What is prohibited is cutting it by pulling or by other means.