Objective: The objectives of the study were to identify the rate of using hair dyes among Palestinian women, preferences, motivations and attitudes towards their use.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2011. A self-administered questionnaire was used.

Results: Among 200 females interviewed, 149 (74.5%) said that they used hair dyes. Their reasons were to hide gray hair in 35 (23.5%), to improve the outlook in 36 (24.2%), and to change and to follow the new trends in 78 (52.3%). Natural dyes (henna) were the choice for 38.9%. The main reason behind the preference of natural dyes was the belief they are safer than chemical dyes. A small percentage used hair dyes during pregnancy, and 21.5% thought that hair dyes may cause cancer.