Is Ghusl Valid If I Wear a Hair System or Hair Replacement?
Question
Sheikh, this has been bothering me for 10 years. It’s causing me depression and even suicidal thoughts. I suffer from male pattern baldness, and it’s very hard for me to live like this. I don’t even like to look in the mirror. I want to fix it and I’m considering getting a hair system that is glued or attached to the scalp and lasts 6–12 months. I read that you can shower with it and water reaches all over your head. How would it impact my ghusl?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shar‘i Context / Principle
Ghusl is only valid when water reaches all parts that must be washed, including the scalp and the roots of the hair. The Prophet said:
“Under every hair there is janabah, so wash the hair and cleanse the skin.” (Abu Dawud)
Anything that forms a barrier preventing water from reaching the skin invalidates ghusl until it is removed.
2. Opinions of the Four Madhahib
All four madhahib agree on the requirement. Water must reach the scalp. The ruling turns on the physical reality. If water truly reaches the skin beneath the hair system, ghusl is valid. If the adhesive blocks water, ghusl is not realized.
3. Application to the Question
If the glue or bonding agent coats the scalp and blocks water, ghusl is not valid until that barrier is removed.
If, as stated, water actually reaches the scalp through or around the adhesive, ghusl is valid and it is permissible to keep the hair system while performing ghusl.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
الميسور لا يسقط بالمعسور
The attainable part is not waived by the unattainable part.
Its application here is as follows. Even if a portion of the head cannot be reached due to hardship in removing the adhesive, he must still wash the rest of the body that can be washed. What is attainable must be fulfilled. The remaining obstructed part does not cancel the obligation on the attainable parts. When the obstruction is removed, full ghusl is completed as required.
Final Ruling
If water truly reaches the scalp under the hair system, ghusl is valid and wearing it is permissible. If the adhesive blocks water from the scalp, ghusl is not valid until that barrier is removed. In all cases, he must wash the rest of his body that can be washed, since the attainable part is not waived by the unattainable part.
And Allah knows best.