Mum is conflicted over letting her six-year-old dye her hair

"I wouldn’t want toxic chemicals on my child’s hair or scalp... it’s unsuitable," one fellow mum commented on the post.

Eleanor Katelaris

2 min read

December 15, 2023 - 12:48PM

Primary School

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"Six-year-old wants to dye her hair!"

The internet was left divided after a Mumsnet user posted this recently to one of its advice forums.

It's the sort of topic that might seem trivial at first glance, but any parents will know that these requests from our kids often lead us down a rabbit hole of ethical (and practical) considerations.

So, how young is too young?

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Image: IStock

"Any reason I shouldn't do it?"

The user's daughter, blessed with blonde/brown hair, is keen on a colour change. "She's asked several times to do it," the mum explained, before asking for advice on products she should use.

She then asked, not quite firm on her decision, "Any reason I shouldn't do it?"

"If it's from a judgement reason, I'm not bothered, more checking in to see if won't last or make a difference, etc," she added.

She also mentioned that initially, her daughter wanted her ears pierced which she said no to, so this was a compromise.

"I wouldn't want toxic chemicals on my child's hair or scalp"

Hundreds of fellow parents took to the comments to share their opinions on the matter. Overall, 89% of voters said she shouldn't do it, while 11% said she should let her.

"The answer is simple: No, you can dye your hair when you are grown up," one firmly stated, echoing a sentiment that resonated with many other commenters.

Another added, "I wouldn’t want toxic chemicals on my child’s hair or scalp... it’s unsuitable."

"Why do this? Is there something wrong with the colour of her natural hair?" asked someone else.

"No need to compromise, just say no," encouraged another.

However, not everyone was on the strict side.

Some commenters said it could be some harmless fun, and there are ways to let kids experiment in safe, controlled ways.

"Oh let her, it's summer holidays. Just use the chalk or that kiddy stuff that washes out in a couple of washes, obviously, not real adult hair dye," one wrote.

"I did my niece’s hair rainbow coloured with glitter for her birthday party. She loved it and it did not harm. I just used the spray-in stuff," shared someone else.