✍ Written by: Maqbool Ahmad Salafi
Islamic Da’wah Center – Northern Ta’if, Masrah, Saudi Arabia
Allah ﷻ beautified the universe by creating woman, a delicate yet graceful being — truly one of the most beautiful creations in existence. When a man begins his life with a woman through marriage, her companionship becomes sufficient for him to face the challenges of life. Together, they build a good home, a strong society, and a better world.
Both genders are in need of one another, although men are generally more desirous due to the physical attraction and charm Allah has bestowed upon women. Islam, being a religion of purity, instructs that a woman should observe ḥijāb from all non-maḥram men, covering even her hair. Her prayer is not valid if her head is uncovered.
Since a woman's entire body is part of her ‘awrah (concealment), she is commanded to cover it fully — from head to toe — with thick clothing. This article outlines detailed Islamic rulings regarding women's hair, so that Muslim women may become aware of their Shar‘ī responsibilities.
Firstly, it must be understood that men are discouraged from combing their hair daily, while women are permitted to comb as needed, due to their thick and long hair. Married women should maintain their hair in a pleasing manner for their husbands, using oil, combs, and adornment items — but must not waste excessive time or wealth on beautification.
Unfortunately, many women go to extremes — washing their hair excessively, drying it in the sun, or spending entire days and nights on grooming. Furthermore, fragrances or scented oils applied to the hair must not be worn outside, and should remain within the confines of the home.
Women may comb their hair at any time, even during menstruation, postpartum bleeding, or janābah (state of ritual impurity). However, during the first ten days of Dhul-Ḥijjah (for those intending to offer sacrifice), combing should be done gently. In the state of iḥrām, combing is discouraged if it leads to hair falling, as cutting or removing hair is prohibited in iḥrām.
Similarly, during ‘iddah (waiting period after divorce or death of husband), a woman must avoid beautification, including combing and applying adornments to her hair.
The parting of hair should follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, as described by ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها):
كنتُ إذا أردتُ أن أَفرُقَ رأسَ رسولِ اللَّهِ صلَّى اللَّهُ علَيهِ وسلَّمَ ، صدَعتُ الفرقَ من يافوخِهِ وأرسلُ ناصيتَهُ بينَ عَينيهِ
“Whenever I wanted to part the hair of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I would start from the center of his head and bring the front hair forward between his eyes.”
Both men and women are encouraged to part hair from the middle, not sideways, as crooked partings imitate disbelievers and deviate from Sunnah. Simply shifting the hair to one side without parting is permissible.
Similarly, tying hair in braids, ponytails, or letting it fall over the shoulders or down the back is allowed. One may also tie hair at the back and use a ribbon, leaving the lower part to fall naturally.
There is no harm in braiding hair; women at the time of the Prophet ﷺ used to do so. Umm Salamah (رضي الله عنها) narrated:
قُلتُ: يا رَسولَ اللهِ، إنِّي امْرَأَةٌ أشُدُّ ضَفْرَ رَأْسِي فأنْقُضُهُ لِغُسْلِ الجَنَابَةِ؟ قالَ: لَا...
“I said: O Messenger of Allah! I am a woman who tightly braids her hair. Should I undo it for ghusl (major purification)? He said: No, it is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water over your head and then pour water over your whole body — you will be purified.”
From this, we learn:
✔ Braiding is permissible
✔ A woman may pray with her hair braided
✔ She is not required to undo her braid for wudu
✔ For ghusl janābah, three handfuls of water over the head suffice
Regarding ghusl after menstruation or postpartum bleeding, there is difference of opinion. Some scholars consider unbraiding obligatory, citing this narration:
انقُضي شَعرَك واغتسِلي
“Undo your hair and perform ghusl.”
Others argue this command was specific to Ḥajj. The stronger opinion is:
Unbraiding is not mandatory for ghusl janābah, ḥayḍ, or nifās, as long as water reaches the roots.
When giving ghusl to a deceased woman, her hair should be braided in three parts and placed behind her back:
فَضَفَرْنَا شَعَرَهَا ثَلَاثَةَ قُرُونٍ وَأَلْقَيْنَاهَا خَلْفَهَا
“We braided her hair into three plaits and placed them behind her.”
There is no difference between men and women in performing masḥ over the head during wudu:
وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ
“Wipe over your heads.”
[Surah al-Mā’idah: 6]
Use wet hands to wipe from the front to the nape, and back again. The index fingers are used for inner ears, and thumbs for outer ears.
A woman:
✔ Does not need to expose her hair for masḥ
✔ May wipe over her scarf if it's tightly worn due to cold or difficulty
✔ If wearing henna or ointments, may wipe over them
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned a sign of Hell-bound women:
رُؤُوسُهُنَّ كَأَسْنِمَةِ البُخْتِ المائِلَةِ
“Their heads will be like the humps of tilted camels.”
Imam Nawawī explained: this refers to women gathering their hair high atop the head, resembling a camel hump.
Therefore, it is not permissible to style hair this way, whether during or outside prayer. However, if a woman unknowingly prayed in this manner with her hair covered, the prayer is valid but she must abandon this style henceforth.
Just as a woman may uncover her face before maḥārim, she may also show her hair. Allah ﷻ states:
وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ...
“And let them not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons…”
[Surah an-Nūr: 31]
Thus, before maḥārim, a woman may reveal her head, hair, arms, and neck.
There is difference of opinion about Muslim women unveiling in front of non-Muslim women. Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn رحمه الله said:
“If there is no risk of fitnah, then there is no distinction between Muslim and non-Muslim women. However, if there is risk that the non-Muslim will describe her to non-maḥram men, then she must avoid uncovering.”
Prayer is the greatest act of worship, so a woman must observe complete ‘awrah covering.
Abdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهما) said:
إذا صلت المرأةُ فلتصلِّ في ثيابِها كلِّها : الدرعِ والخمارِ والملحفةِ
“When a woman prays, she should pray in full clothing: a long shirt, a scarf, and an outer wrap.”
The Prophet ﷺ said:
لا يقبَلُ اللَّهُ صَلاةَ حائضٍ إلَّا بخِمارٍ
“Allah does not accept the prayer of a menstruating (i.e. adult) woman without a headscarf.”
Hence:
✔ A woman must cover her head with a proper scarf
✔ Her clothing must be thick and opaque
✔ Even elderly or ill women must ensure hair is covered unless absolutely unable
It is haram for women to shave their heads without necessity, and similarly, cutting hair without valid reason is not permitted, even at the husband's request.
The Prophet ﷺ cursed:
الواصلةَ والمستَوصلةَ...
“Those who join hair and those who have it joined…”
During Ḥajj or ʿUmrah, women should cut about a fingertip’s length from their hair.
Umm al-Mu’minīn ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها) reported:
وكان أزواجُ النبيِّ يَأخذْنَ مِن رؤوسِهنَّ حتى تكونَ كالوَفْرَةِ
“The wives of the Prophet ﷺ used to cut their hair until it reached their earlobes.”
This act was done after the Prophet’s death as a sign of abstaining from adornment, and should not be generalized unless necessary.
Cutting hair for fashion, imitation of disbelievers, or resembling men is haram.
Scholars differ whether a newborn girl's hair should be shaved on the seventh day like boys. Some forbid it, others allow it based on general narrations.
The stronger opinion is: shaving, naming, and ʿaqīqah apply equally to boys and girls.
❖ Plucking white hair is prohibited. The Prophet ﷺ said:
لا تنتِفوا الشَّيبَ...
“Do not pluck white hairs, for every white hair a Muslim gets will be light for him on the Day of Judgment…”
❖ Dyeing hair is permissible, but black dye is prohibited. The Prophet ﷺ said:
غيِّروا هذا بشيءٍ ، واجتَنِبوا السَّوادَ
“Change this (white) with something, but avoid black.”
Use of henna, saffron, or mixed colors is allowed.
Women may color part of the hair or the whole, but should avoid imitating immoral women or adopting fashion trends.
✔ If done out of need, like managing natural curls — permissible
✖ If done for attraction or imitation — not allowed
✔ If done for the husband — permissible
Using fake hair or wigs is prohibited, and the Prophet ﷺ cursed those who attach or have it attached:
لَعَنَ اللَّهُ الواصِلَةَ والمُسْتَوْصِلَةَ...
Exception: Medical reasons, such as baldness, allow hair transplant or wig for concealment.
Note: According to scholars, wiping over a wig in wudu is not valid — it must be removed.
Although no direct evidence, some scholars recommend burying fallen hair, especially to prevent misuse (e.g., black magic). For safety and privacy, it's better to dispose discreetly.
Hair beautification for weddings is allowed by women only, not by male or non-maḥram stylists. Avoid extravagance and imitation of immoral women. Maintain Islamic boundaries.
Working in beauty salons is only permissible if:
✔ No involvement in unlawful acts (e.g. eyebrow shaping, shaving, hair extensions, beautification for non-maḥrams)
✔ No free mixing
✔ Work remains within Sharʿī boundaries
If unlawful acts cannot be avoided, working in such salons is prohibited, and the income earned from haram services is also impermissible.
Here are some false beliefs to be rejected:
✖ Long hair will serve as ḥijāb on the Day of Judgment
✖ One must cover the head during adhan
✖ Using a broken comb brings poverty
✖ Tying hair while standing causes poverty
✖ Applying henna during fasting breaks the fast
All of these are baseless myths and have no basis in Islam.
Islamic Da’wah Center – Northern Ta’if, Masrah, Saudi Arabia
❖ Introduction
Allah ﷻ beautified the universe by creating woman, a delicate yet graceful being — truly one of the most beautiful creations in existence. When a man begins his life with a woman through marriage, her companionship becomes sufficient for him to face the challenges of life. Together, they build a good home, a strong society, and a better world.
Both genders are in need of one another, although men are generally more desirous due to the physical attraction and charm Allah has bestowed upon women. Islam, being a religion of purity, instructs that a woman should observe ḥijāb from all non-maḥram men, covering even her hair. Her prayer is not valid if her head is uncovered.
Since a woman's entire body is part of her ‘awrah (concealment), she is commanded to cover it fully — from head to toe — with thick clothing. This article outlines detailed Islamic rulings regarding women's hair, so that Muslim women may become aware of their Shar‘ī responsibilities.
❖ Caring for the Hair: Combing and Oiling
Firstly, it must be understood that men are discouraged from combing their hair daily, while women are permitted to comb as needed, due to their thick and long hair. Married women should maintain their hair in a pleasing manner for their husbands, using oil, combs, and adornment items — but must not waste excessive time or wealth on beautification.
Unfortunately, many women go to extremes — washing their hair excessively, drying it in the sun, or spending entire days and nights on grooming. Furthermore, fragrances or scented oils applied to the hair must not be worn outside, and should remain within the confines of the home.
Women may comb their hair at any time, even during menstruation, postpartum bleeding, or janābah (state of ritual impurity). However, during the first ten days of Dhul-Ḥijjah (for those intending to offer sacrifice), combing should be done gently. In the state of iḥrām, combing is discouraged if it leads to hair falling, as cutting or removing hair is prohibited in iḥrām.
Similarly, during ‘iddah (waiting period after divorce or death of husband), a woman must avoid beautification, including combing and applying adornments to her hair.
❖ How Should Women Part Their Hair?
The parting of hair should follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, as described by ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها):
كنتُ إذا أردتُ أن أَفرُقَ رأسَ رسولِ اللَّهِ صلَّى اللَّهُ علَيهِ وسلَّمَ ، صدَعتُ الفرقَ من يافوخِهِ وأرسلُ ناصيتَهُ بينَ عَينيهِ
“Whenever I wanted to part the hair of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I would start from the center of his head and bring the front hair forward between his eyes.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Abī Dāwūd: 4189
Both men and women are encouraged to part hair from the middle, not sideways, as crooked partings imitate disbelievers and deviate from Sunnah. Simply shifting the hair to one side without parting is permissible.
Similarly, tying hair in braids, ponytails, or letting it fall over the shoulders or down the back is allowed. One may also tie hair at the back and use a ribbon, leaving the lower part to fall naturally.
❖ Braiding Hair and Rulings for Wudu & Ghusl
There is no harm in braiding hair; women at the time of the Prophet ﷺ used to do so. Umm Salamah (رضي الله عنها) narrated:
قُلتُ: يا رَسولَ اللهِ، إنِّي امْرَأَةٌ أشُدُّ ضَفْرَ رَأْسِي فأنْقُضُهُ لِغُسْلِ الجَنَابَةِ؟ قالَ: لَا...
“I said: O Messenger of Allah! I am a woman who tightly braids her hair. Should I undo it for ghusl (major purification)? He said: No, it is sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water over your head and then pour water over your whole body — you will be purified.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 330
From this, we learn:
✔ Braiding is permissible
✔ A woman may pray with her hair braided
✔ She is not required to undo her braid for wudu
✔ For ghusl janābah, three handfuls of water over the head suffice
Regarding ghusl after menstruation or postpartum bleeding, there is difference of opinion. Some scholars consider unbraiding obligatory, citing this narration:
انقُضي شَعرَك واغتسِلي
“Undo your hair and perform ghusl.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Mājah: 530
Others argue this command was specific to Ḥajj. The stronger opinion is:
Unbraiding is not mandatory for ghusl janābah, ḥayḍ, or nifās, as long as water reaches the roots.
When giving ghusl to a deceased woman, her hair should be braided in three parts and placed behind her back:
فَضَفَرْنَا شَعَرَهَا ثَلَاثَةَ قُرُونٍ وَأَلْقَيْنَاهَا خَلْفَهَا
“We braided her hair into three plaits and placed them behind her.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1276
❖ Wiping Over the Head in Wudu
There is no difference between men and women in performing masḥ over the head during wudu:
وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ
“Wipe over your heads.”
[Surah al-Mā’idah: 6]
Use wet hands to wipe from the front to the nape, and back again. The index fingers are used for inner ears, and thumbs for outer ears.
A woman:
✔ Does not need to expose her hair for masḥ
✔ May wipe over her scarf if it's tightly worn due to cold or difficulty
✔ If wearing henna or ointments, may wipe over them
❖ Hair Buns and Praying with Them
The Prophet ﷺ mentioned a sign of Hell-bound women:
رُؤُوسُهُنَّ كَأَسْنِمَةِ البُخْتِ المائِلَةِ
“Their heads will be like the humps of tilted camels.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 2128
Imam Nawawī explained: this refers to women gathering their hair high atop the head, resembling a camel hump.
Therefore, it is not permissible to style hair this way, whether during or outside prayer. However, if a woman unknowingly prayed in this manner with her hair covered, the prayer is valid but she must abandon this style henceforth.
❖ Uncovering Hair in Front of Maḥārim
Just as a woman may uncover her face before maḥārim, she may also show her hair. Allah ﷻ states:
وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ...
“And let them not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons…”
[Surah an-Nūr: 31]
Thus, before maḥārim, a woman may reveal her head, hair, arms, and neck.
❖ Uncovering Before Non-Muslim Women
There is difference of opinion about Muslim women unveiling in front of non-Muslim women. Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn رحمه الله said:
“If there is no risk of fitnah, then there is no distinction between Muslim and non-Muslim women. However, if there is risk that the non-Muslim will describe her to non-maḥram men, then she must avoid uncovering.”
Reference: Fatāwā al-Mar’ah, p.172
❖ Praying Without a Head Cover or in a Thin Scarf
Prayer is the greatest act of worship, so a woman must observe complete ‘awrah covering.
Abdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهما) said:
إذا صلت المرأةُ فلتصلِّ في ثيابِها كلِّها : الدرعِ والخمارِ والملحفةِ
“When a woman prays, she should pray in full clothing: a long shirt, a scarf, and an outer wrap.”
Reference: Tamām al-Minnah: 162
The Prophet ﷺ said:
لا يقبَلُ اللَّهُ صَلاةَ حائضٍ إلَّا بخِمارٍ
“Allah does not accept the prayer of a menstruating (i.e. adult) woman without a headscarf.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Abī Dāwūd: 641
Hence:
✔ A woman must cover her head with a proper scarf
✔ Her clothing must be thick and opaque
✔ Even elderly or ill women must ensure hair is covered unless absolutely unable
❖ Ruling on Shaving or Cutting Hair
It is haram for women to shave their heads without necessity, and similarly, cutting hair without valid reason is not permitted, even at the husband's request.
The Prophet ﷺ cursed:
الواصلةَ والمستَوصلةَ...
“Those who join hair and those who have it joined…”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5940
During Ḥajj or ʿUmrah, women should cut about a fingertip’s length from their hair.
Umm al-Mu’minīn ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها) reported:
وكان أزواجُ النبيِّ يَأخذْنَ مِن رؤوسِهنَّ حتى تكونَ كالوَفْرَةِ
“The wives of the Prophet ﷺ used to cut their hair until it reached their earlobes.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 320
This act was done after the Prophet’s death as a sign of abstaining from adornment, and should not be generalized unless necessary.
Cutting hair for fashion, imitation of disbelievers, or resembling men is haram.
❖ Newborn Girl's Hair Shaving
Scholars differ whether a newborn girl's hair should be shaved on the seventh day like boys. Some forbid it, others allow it based on general narrations.
The stronger opinion is: shaving, naming, and ʿaqīqah apply equally to boys and girls.
❖ Plucking White Hair and Dyeing
❖ Plucking white hair is prohibited. The Prophet ﷺ said:
لا تنتِفوا الشَّيبَ...
“Do not pluck white hairs, for every white hair a Muslim gets will be light for him on the Day of Judgment…”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Abī Dāwūd: 4202
❖ Dyeing hair is permissible, but black dye is prohibited. The Prophet ﷺ said:
غيِّروا هذا بشيءٍ ، واجتَنِبوا السَّوادَ
“Change this (white) with something, but avoid black.”
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 2102
Use of henna, saffron, or mixed colors is allowed.
Women may color part of the hair or the whole, but should avoid imitating immoral women or adopting fashion trends.
❖ Straightening or Curling Hair
✔ If done out of need, like managing natural curls — permissible
✖ If done for attraction or imitation — not allowed
✔ If done for the husband — permissible
❖ Hair Extensions, Wigs, and Transplants
Using fake hair or wigs is prohibited, and the Prophet ﷺ cursed those who attach or have it attached:
لَعَنَ اللَّهُ الواصِلَةَ والمُسْتَوْصِلَةَ...
Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5937
Exception: Medical reasons, such as baldness, allow hair transplant or wig for concealment.
Note: According to scholars, wiping over a wig in wudu is not valid — it must be removed.
❖ Disposing of Fallen Hair
Although no direct evidence, some scholars recommend burying fallen hair, especially to prevent misuse (e.g., black magic). For safety and privacy, it's better to dispose discreetly.
❖ Bridal Hair Styling
Hair beautification for weddings is allowed by women only, not by male or non-maḥram stylists. Avoid extravagance and imitation of immoral women. Maintain Islamic boundaries.
❖ Working in a Beauty Parlor
Working in beauty salons is only permissible if:
✔ No involvement in unlawful acts (e.g. eyebrow shaping, shaving, hair extensions, beautification for non-maḥrams)
✔ No free mixing
✔ Work remains within Sharʿī boundaries
If unlawful acts cannot be avoided, working in such salons is prohibited, and the income earned from haram services is also impermissible.
❖ Common Misconceptions About Hair
Here are some false beliefs to be rejected:
✖ Long hair will serve as ḥijāb on the Day of Judgment
✖ One must cover the head during adhan
✖ Using a broken comb brings poverty
✖ Tying hair while standing causes poverty
✖ Applying henna during fasting breaks the fast
All of these are baseless myths and have no basis in Islam.
