The popularity of hair transplant procedures has increased over time, thanks to their success rate exceeding 97% and look-altering results. For this reason, Muslim individuals suffering from androgenetic alopecia are asking questions such as: “Is a hair transplant haram or halal?” or “Are hair transplants permissible?” This article will delve into the perspectives of Muslim scholars.
Is there any proof whether hair transplant is haram or halal?
According to the High Council of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, it is clearly stated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH – صلى الله عليه وسلم ) forbade attaching or having someone else’s hair attached (Bukhari, Libas, 83-85 [5935-5942]; Muslim, Libas, 115-119 [2122-2124]).
Modern hair transplant procedures don’t involve the transplantation of graft tissue taken from someone else. Instead, surgeons perform them by transferring the patient’s follicular units (harvested hair-bearing tissue) from the donor area to the bald area of their scalp. To sum up, hair transplant procedures such as FUE, U-FUE, Robotic FUE, and DHI are halal.
An academic article titled “The Verdict of Hair Attachment And Hair Transplant According To Islamic Sharia” published in the Al-Azhaar Research Journal also supports the view that modern hair transplantation techniques are halal. Self-derived grafts align with Islamic teachings.
Hadiths about Hair Transplant
In Islam, there is no direct information regarding modern hair transplant methods like follicular unit extraction. Moreover, there is no explicit mention of hair transplant in the Quran or the Hadith. Instead, there are more references related to wigs in the hadiths:
- ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the woman who fixes hair extensions (to another) and the woman who has them fixed for her, and the woman who does tattoos and the woman who has them done for her.
Sahih/Authentic. – [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
- A woman from the Ansar informed the Prophet Muhammad that her son was getting married, and her hair had fallen out due to an illness. She expressed her intention to attach hair to her head before the wedding. The Hazrat Muhammad responded by saying, “May Allah curse those who attach hair extensions and those who have them attached”
Muslim, “Libas”, 115
In conclusion, there is no hadith on the transplantation of one’s natural hair follicles or grafts (a bunch of follicles) back into his / her body, unless it is not related to artificial hair.
Fatwas and Opinions from Islamic Scholars about Hair Transplant
Islamic perspectives on hair transplantation may vary among Islamic scholars due to different interpretations of Islamic teachings.
There are some fatwas (religious rulings) that have declared hair transplant as halal (permissible) under certain conditions:
- The Islamic Fiqh Council of the Muslim World League: This council issued a fatwa stating that hair transplantation is permissible as long as it does not involve any forbidden substances, does not harm the body, and does not violate any other Islamic principles.
- The International Islamic Fiqh Academy: This academy, affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, issued a fatwa stating that hair transplant is permissible if it is done for a legitimate purpose, such as rectifying a physical defect or restoring one’s appearance after an accident or injury.
- Sheikh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid: A well-known Saudi Arabian scholar, Sheikh al-Munajjid, has stated in his fatwa that hair transplant is permissible, as long as it is done for a valid medical reason and does not involve any forbidden substances or procedures.
We recommend you contact an Islamic scholar directly to obtain the best information.
Medical facts about hair transplantation
We have listed some facts about hair replacement surgery that may give you an idea about whether hair transplantation is halal or haram:
Hair transplant; the most common aesthetic cosmetic surgery. It is the implantation of hair follicles taken from the back of the scalp – near the nape of the neck because the area resistant to baldness – to the site where hair loss or thinning occurs.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia so you do not feel anything during the surgery as you will be numb. Hair transplant operation can also be used to restore chest, pubic hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, mustache, and beard.
Surgical hair loss treatment does not involve the injection or placement of any substance to your body permanently. If you receive combined treatment, you can get detailed surgical information from our clinic. You may choose to combine it with some other operations that involve the injection of substances from the outside of your body such as: gastrik band, breast augmentation and buttock augmentation.
The surgery itself takes 4 to 8 hours and the healing process can take several days to weeks. The scalp incisions will scab over and fall off. Within a week after the operation, you may experience “shock loss”. It is temporary and there is no need to worry. Visible results appear after 3-4 months.
Which hair transplant technique is halal?
Determining if a hair transplant technique is halal depends on Islamic principles regarding medical procedures. They can be considered halal if they adhere to the such conditions:
- The aim of the surgery: The procedure should be done for permissible reasons: restoring normal appearance due to hair shedding, not for vanity.
- The method: Should not involve any prohibited (haram) substances.
- Qualified professional: Should be performed by a qualified surgeon.
Some hair transplantation methods meet these criteria:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) surgeries:
- U-FUE
- Robotic FUE
- Micro FUE
- Neograft FUE
- Smartgraft FUE
- Sapphire FUE
Can you get a hair transplant in islam?
Depending on the technique, you can undergo the procedure. For example, at Vantage Clinic, we perform hair transplant surgery in accordance with Islamic principles. If you want to have a full head of hair and ensure the hair transplant is acceptable in Islam, you can contact our clinic.
Can you get a hair transplant during Ramadan?
There are no definitive fatwas on this matter. As long as you can perform fasting and Salat without significant difficulties, you may proceed with the transplantation. However, please consult with a religious professional before making your decision.
Can I perform ablution and ghusl after hair transplantation?
There is no harm in terms of protecting newly transplanted grafts during prayer after a hair transplant operation. However, water should not touch your scalp until the first day of hair washing after it. Therefore, you may not be able to worship for a maximum of 2 days after the procedure. After that, you can continue to perform the ghusl ablution and pray.
Although wetting one-third of your head is sufficient for ablution (masah), after surgery, it is recommended to protect your entire scalp from water for a while. Otherwise, newly transplanted grafts may be damaged, resulting in a failed hair transplant surgery.
Can I pray after hair transplantation?
There is no harm in praying after hair transplantation. Additionally, the Asma-ul Husna (the 99 names of Allah) recommended to be recited for healing after a surgical operation like hair transplantation are as follows:
Shafi: The Healer, the Curer.
Kafi: The Sufficient, the Self-Sufficient.
Mumin: The Giver of Peace, the Source of Faith.
Muhaymin: The Protector, the Guardian.
Bari: The Evolver, the Maker.
Qadir: The All-Powerful, the Able.
Muta’ali: The Most High, the Sublime.
Wadud: The Loving, the Affectionate.
FAQs about Is Hair Transplant Haram or Halal
Is it a sin to have a hair transplant?
Hair transplantation for the treatment of mostly hereditary disorders e.g. female pattern baldness and male pattern hair loss is not considered a sin.
Is it haram to get a beard transplant?
Beard transplant is a medical treatment for facial hair loss. So it may be permissible just like other hair transplants in Islam.
Is it haram to use minoxidil?
The medication aims to restore hair growth to areas where hair has begun to thin due to the influence of DHT hormone, covering balding regions. Applying any material on the scalp is allowed, even if it is Najis material, as long as you clean the region before performing Wudhu or Salaah.
Is hair transplant religiously permissible?
Yes, if it is chosen for the treatment of alopecia or pattern baldness and not intended for showing off to others.
Is hair transplant halal?
Hair transplantation is not explicitly discussed in the Quran or Hadiths, but it is considered as Halal.
Article Review By: Dr. Jyothi Shenoy V
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MBBS, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK)
23 Years Experience Overall
