Can You Bring Hair Dye on Planes?

By Vanessa Ramos | Last Updated December 16, 2022

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Carry-on bags

Checked luggage

Rules for Flights in the USA

United States authorities don’t mention hair dye specifically in their list of banned items from planes. However, common hair dye contains peroxide as one of its components which is banned from planes in the United States. As a result, hair dye, peroxide developers, and other substances classified as oxidizing substances aren’t allowed in hand or cargo baggage on planes.

That said, this rule is rarely enforced by the TSA. Usually, they only ask passengers to keep their hair dye in 3.4 oz (100 ml) containers or less when packed in hand baggage. Just remember that in theory, it’s banned, so you might be asked to dispose of it when going through security or at the checked baggage drop-off point.

Hair dyes without peroxide are generally allowed on planes. When traveling in hand baggage, it’s also subject to TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Rules for Flights in Other Countries

Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, India, and China

On Canadian, European, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Indian, and Chinese flights, hair dye isn’t mentioned specifically, but similar to the US oxidizers are also banned from hand and cargo baggage.

Australia

On Australian flights, hair dye is allowed in hand and cargo baggage in quantities for personal use only. When traveling in hand baggage, liquid hair dye must be packed with other toiletries in a clear resealable bag.

Sources: For writing this article, we took information only from official sources, like airline regulators, government websites, and major airlines. If you want to confirm that our information is accurate and up to date, click on any of the links mentioned above. We linked out to where we found this information for each country.

Disclaimer: The final decision of whether you can bring hair dye on planes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Hair Dye (Colors) on Planes

Is hair dye considered a liquid by airport security?

Yes, hair dye is considered a liquid by airport security in the United States. When packed in a carry-on, hair dye must be 3.4 ounces/milliliters or under and fit with other toiletries in a 1-quart resealable clear bag. However, common hair dye isn’t allowed on planes as it contains peroxide, a banned chemical from aircraft. Passengers can only travel with free-peroxide hair dye. There isn’t a quantity limit for peroxide-free hair dye in checked baggage.

What consequences would I face for packing hair dye in my luggage?

If you pack hair dye in your luggage it can get confiscated and you could even face a fine. Hair dye is forbidden in hand and cargo baggage in the United States, as it contains peroxide. Peroxide is considered a dangerous good, and is banned both from hand and cargo baggage as it’s classified as an oxidizing substance (5.1). Besides a fine, passengers with hair dye can also lose their TSA Pre-check approval status.

Are there any hair dyes that are allowed on planes?

Yes, hair dyes without peroxide and oxidizers are generally allowed on planes. When traveling in a carry-on these hair dyes must follow the liquids rule and must be under 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters. Hair dye in carry-on must also be packed in a 1-quart clear resealable toiletry bag. In checked baggage, hair dyes without peroxide and oxidizing chemicals can be larger.

Are hair developers allowed on planes?

Hair developers aren’t allowed on planes in the United States. Hair developer is basically peroxide, one of the chemicals banned entirely on planes due to its instability. Stylists or passengers that want to dye their hair should buy hair developers at their destination.

Is hair bleach also banned on planes?

Hair bleach is banned on planes in the United States. This strong chemical is banned from hand and cargo baggage and it isn’t accepted in any size or form. Hair bleach is classified as a corrosive chemical which means it can catch fire, explode or be harmful under the conditions created on a flight.

Are hair color brushes allowed in hand luggage?

Yes, hair color brushes are allowed on planes in the United States. TSA doesn’t list hair color brushes specifically, but they aren’t listed as banned items on planes either. Since hair color brushes don’t represent a threat, they are allowed in hand cargo baggage. Although hair brushes are welcomed onboard, hair dye itself is forbidden in hand and cargo baggage, as it contains peroxide, which is considered a corrosive and oxidizing substance.

Is hair powder, gel, wax, clay, and hairspray allowed on planes?

Yes, hair powder, gel, wax, clay, and hairsprays are allowed on planes in the United States. When traveling in a carry-on, gel wax, clay, and hairsprays count as liquids and are restricted. Liquids in carry-on have a limit of 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters and you can only bring as many containers as you can fit in a 1-quart resealable bag.

In checked baggage, there aren’t limits to liquids except for aerosols which need to be under 18 ounces / 500 milliliters.

The powder rule applies to the hair powder, which states that powders in hand baggage should be under 12 ounces / 350 milliliters. Larger quantities are allowed but are subject to inspection.