Question
Can a woman wear hair extensions or lash extensions to beautify herself? What is the ruling on fake vs. real (human) hair, and the different attachment methods?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala rasoolillah, wa ‘ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma‘in.
Principles
- Human hair: Haram by ijma‘. The Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who attaches hair and the one who asks for it (Bukhari, Muslim).
- Fake/synthetic hair: Permissible in origin if pure (synthetic or non-najis animal).
- Permanent vs. temporary: Permanent/semi-permanent attachment methods (weeks/months) are not allowed because they fall under wasl (prohibited attachment). Temporary/removable methods may be allowed in private.
- Contexts of adornment: Beautification is allowed for husband or in female-only settings. Not allowed in public in front of non-mahram men.
- Purification: Any method that blocks water from scalp/hair invalidates ghusl/wudu until removed.
Hair Extension Methods and Rulings
- Clip-ins / Halo bands / Wrap ponytails (removable):
Permissible in private for husband or among women. Must be removed for ghusl. - Sew-in weaves (wefts sewn to cornrows):
Not permissible. This is the exact wasl technique prohibited by the hadith. - Braided-in (feed-in/box braids with synthetic fiber):
Permissible if (a) non-human hair, (b) only for husband/women, not in public, (c) water reaches scalp during ghusl. - Glue-in / Bonded tracks / Tape-ins / Lace adhesives:
Not permissible if kept in permanently (barrier to ghusl, wasl method).
If used temporarily for a short period and removed before ghusl, may be permitted in private (husband/women only). - Micro-link / Micro-bead / Nano-ring:
Not permissible. Semi-permanent wasl attachment. - Fusion / Keratin bond (hot/cold fusion):
Not permissible. Permanent bonding (wasl). - Crochet (latch-hook into cornrows):
Not permissible. Attachment falls under wasl. - Wigs (synthetic/non-human fiber):
Permissible in private for husband or among women. Must be removed for ghusl. Public use is impermissible. - Hair toppers / integration systems (fixed):
Not permissible if semi-permanent or barrier to ghusl. Removable versions follow wig ruling.
Eyelashes
- Permanent/semi-permanent eyelash extensions (salon-glued):
Impermissible. They are an attached wasl form and block water for ghusl/wudu. - Fake strip lashes (removable):
Permissible in private for husband or among women. Must be removed before ghusl. Not for public display.
Final Ruling
- Human hair: Haram in all cases.
- Fake hair:
- Removable (clip-ins, wigs, strip lashes): Permissible in private for beautification before husband or among women, provided they are removed for ghusl and not worn in public.
- Permanent/semi-permanent methods (sewing, gluing, bonding, micro-links, fusion, crochet): Impermissible because they fall under wasl as prohibited by the hadith.
- Braided-in synthetic extensions: Permissible only if scalp remains accessible for ghusl, used in private settings, and not with human hair.
And Allah knows best.