Question
Can a woman wear hair extensions or lash extensions to beautify herself? What is the ruling on fake nails & 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 & Fake nails
- 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 and Nails
- 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.