Rules for Muslim Women’s Hair: Modesty, Care & Islamic Guidelines

Islamic Guidelines for Women’s Hair: Modesty, Care & Proper Practices

Allah, the Almighty, created women, thereby doubling the beauty of the universe. Though they are a delicate creation, they are one of the most beautiful things in existence. When a man begins his life with a woman through marriage, Allah’s blessings make her companionship enough for his life’s challenges. Together, they build a good home, society, and world. Not only do men need women, but women also have a strong need for men. However, compared to women, men tend to have a greater desire for them. This is because Allah has endowed women with a beautiful form and attractive features. Islam, in all of its principles, promotes purity, and commands that women, who are inherently attractive to the opposite sex, observe a veil from all non-mahram men. This includes covering their hair, and women are not allowed to pray with their heads uncovered. A woman’s entire being is a form of modesty, which is why she is instructed to cover her body from head to toe with thick clothing. The following article will outline the rulings regarding women’s hair so that Muslim women may understand the Islamic perspective on these matters.

Protecting Hair, Combing, and Applying Oil:

Firstly, it is important to note that it is prohibited for men to comb their hair daily, but since women often have thick and long hair, there is no harm in women combing their hair as needed. In fact, married women should style their hair for their husbands and use oil, combs, and beautifying items. However, it is important to avoid wasting excessive time or money on styling hair, as many women tend to spend a great deal of time washing, drying, and beautifying their hair, sometimes dedicating most of their day or even night to it. Similarly, women should not wear perfume or fragrant oils when leaving the house; the use of fragrance should be limited to the home.

Women may comb their hair daily, at any time of day or night, even during menstruation, postpartum bleeding, or after sexual impurity. However, during the days of Eid al-Adha, those planning to sacrifice an animal should comb their hair gently and with care. While combing is not prohibited during the state of Ihram, since cutting or removing hair is forbidden in Ihram, it is best to avoid combing if it may cause hair to break. In the waiting period (Iddah), beautification is prohibited, so a woman in Iddah should not comb her hair or use any beautifying items in her hair.

Rules Regarding Hair and Parting for Women:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) parted his hair in the middle. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates:
كنتُ إذا أردتُ أن أَفرُقَ رأسَ رسولِ اللَّهِ صلَّى اللَّهُ علَيهِ وسلَّمَ ، صدَعتُ الفرقَ من يافوخِهِ وأرسلُ ناصيتَهُ بينَ عَينيهِ (Sahih Abu Dawood: 4189)
Translation: When I wanted to part the hair of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), I would part it from the middle of his head, and I would let his forelocks fall between his eyes.
In terms of parting the hair, both men and women should follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and part their hair from the middle of the head. Parting the hair in a crooked way or from one side, such as the right or left, is contrary to the Sunnah and resembles the practices of non-Muslims. Therefore, no Muslim woman should part her hair to the side. However, there is no harm if the hair is simply swept to the right or left without parting it. Similarly, it is acceptable for women to let their hair fall on their shoulders or back, or to braid it, or leave it unbraided. There is also no harm in gathering the hair at the back of the head and tying it with a ribbon, leaving the lower part of the hair hanging down the back.

Braiding Hair and Wudu (Ablution) and Ghusl (Ritual Bath):

There is no harm for women in braiding their hair. During the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), women used to braid their hair. Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
قُلتُ: يا رَسولَ اللهِ، إنِّي امْرَأَةٌ أشُدُّ ضَفْرَ رَأْسِي فأنْقُضُهُ لِغُسْلِ الجَنَابَةِ؟ قالَ: لَا. إنَّما يَكْفِيكِ أنْ تَحْثِي علَى رَأْسِكِ ثَلَاثَ حَثَيَاتٍ ثُمَّ تُفِيضِينَ عَلَيْكِ المَاءَ فَتَطْهُرِينَ (Sahih Muslim: 330)
Translation: I said: “O Messenger of Allah, I am a woman who braids my hair tightly, so do I need to undo it for the ritual bath of janabah?” He said: “No, it is enough for you to pour three handfuls of water on your head, then pour water over yourself, and you will be purified.”
This Hadith shows that there is no harm for women to braid their hair, and they can also perform prayers with their hair braided. There is no need to undo the braid when performing ablution for prayer. Likewise, there is no need to undo the braid when performing ghusl for janabah, as clarified in the Hadith above. However, there is a difference of opinion regarding whether women should undo their braids for the ritual bath (ghusl) during menstruation or postpartum bleeding. Some scholars have declared it obligatory, citing the Hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to undo her hair during Hajj after menstruation:
انقُضي شَعرَك واغتسِلي قالَ عليٌّ في حديثِه انقُضي رأسَك (Sahih Ibn Majah: 530)
Translation: “Undo your hair and perform ghusl.” In a narration by Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), it says, “Undo your head.”
Those who consider it non-obligatory argue that this was specific to Hajj, and other narrations, such as from Tabrani, clarify that undoing the hair during menstruation is required, while during janabah, simply pouring water over the head is sufficient, and there is no need to undo the braid. This narration has been classified as weak by Sheikh Albani. (Silsilat al-Da’ifah: 937)
The strong view, based on the evidence, is that there is no necessity to undo the braid during the ritual baths for janabah, menstruation, or postpartum bleeding. Pouring three handfuls of water over the head is sufficient. However, care should be taken to ensure that the water reaches the roots of the hair.

Additionally, it is important to note the ruling regarding the washing of a deceased woman’s hair. If a woman passes away and her body is washed, three braids should be made from her hair and placed at the back. Umm Atiyah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates about the death of one of the daughters of the Prophet (peace be upon him), saying:
فَضَفْرْنَا شَعَرَهَا ثَلَاثَةَ قُرُونٍ وَأَلْقَيْنَاهَا خَلْفَهَا (Sahih Bukhari: 1276)
Translation: “We braided her hair into three braids and placed them behind her.”

Wudu and the Masah of a Woman’s Head

There is no difference between men and women regarding the masah (wiping) of the head in wudu. Allah, the Almighty, says:
“وَامْسَحُوا بِرُءُوسِكُمْ”
Translation: “And wipe over your heads” (Quran 5:6).
This command applies to both men and women. The Prophet (PBUH) showed us how to perform the masah by running wet hands over the front of the head, reaching the nape, then bringing the hands back forward. The index finger should be used to wipe the inside of the ears, and the thumb for the outer part.

A woman does not need to uncover her hair, nor does she need to undo a braid if she has one. She can simply wipe her head over the scarf, and if there are no non-mahram men around, there is no harm in uncovering the head and letting the hair fall.

A woman can wipe her head with her scarf during wudu if the scarf is tightly tied due to cold or for any other reason, as it may be difficult to remove. Similarly, if she has applied henna on her head, she can also wipe over it.

Tying Hair and Praying with It Tied

In Sahih Muslim (2128), a description is given of the women of Hell:
“رُؤُوسُهُنَّ كَأَسْنِمَةِ البُخْتِ المائِلَةِ”
Translation: “Their heads will resemble the humps of the inclined camels.”

Scholars have given various interpretations of this, and one explanation, attributed to Imam Nawawi and the Qazi, is that it refers to tying the hair tightly on top of the head, resembling the hump of a camel. Therefore, it is not permissible for a Muslim woman to tie her hair in this manner.

If a woman, due to ignorance, prays while her hair is tied in such a way but the hair is covered, her prayer is valid, and she does not need to repeat it. However, this practice is not correct in prayer nor outside of it, and she should avoid it in the future.

A Woman Uncovering Her Head in Front of Her Mahram

A woman can uncover her hair in front of her mahram (close relatives) in the same way she can uncover her face. Allah says:
“وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ”
Translation: “And they should not display their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters” (Quran 24:31).

Based on this verse, a woman can uncover her hands, feet, head, hair, and neck in front of her mahrams. Therefore, there is no harm in a woman appearing with her head uncovered or with her hair exposed in front of her mahrams.

There is some difference of opinion regarding a Muslim woman uncovering her hair and face in front of a non-Muslim woman. Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) said: “I incline towards the view that if there is no fear of fitnah (temptation), there is no difference whether the woman is Muslim or non-Muslim in this regard. However, if there is fear of fitnah, such as if a woman might describe another woman’s appearance to non-mahram men, then it becomes necessary to avoid revealing any part of the body, whether it be feet, hair, or anything else, whether the woman is Muslim or non-Muslim.” (Fatāwa al-Mar’ah, p. 172)

Praying with an Uncovered Head or a Thin Scarf

First, we must understand that prayer is one of the most important acts of worship performed before Allah, and a woman should take care to cover her ‘awrah (the parts of the body that must be covered) during prayer. Ibn Abi Shaiba narrated a hadith which was declared authentic by Shaykh al-Albani:
“قال ابنُ عمرَ إذا صلت المرأةُ فلتصلِّ في ثيابِها كلِّها: الدرعِ والخمارِ والملحفةِ”
Translation: Ibn Umar (RA) said: “When a woman prays, she should pray in her complete clothing, including her dress, headscarf, and outer cloak.” (Tāmām al-Minnah, p. 162)

This was a well-known practice among the early Muslims. Thus, during prayer, a woman must cover her body entirely, including her hands, feet, and the rest of her body (except the face, but if non-mahram men are present, even the face should be covered). She must also cover her hair with a scarf. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“لا يقبَلُ اللَّهُ صَلاةَ حائضٍ إلَّا بخِمارٍ”
Translation: “Allah does not accept the prayer of a menstruating woman unless she wears a headscarf.” (Sahih Abu Dawood, 641)

Imam Abu Dawood included this hadith under the chapter, “A woman does not pray without a headscarf.” This indicates that during prayer, a woman must cover her head, and her clothing should be thick enough to conceal the contours of her body. Therefore, it is not permissible for a woman to wear thin clothing that reveals the shape of her body or any part of her body, such as her feet, hands, legs, or hair, in prayer.

As for weak or ill women, they must also cover their heads with a scarf during prayer to ensure their hair is not visible. This rule applies to young women, sick women, elderly women, and those suffering from weakness. However, if the illness or weakness is severe enough that it is impossible to maintain the full dress requirement for prayer, and no one can assist her, she should do as much as she can. Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.

The Ruling on Shaving or Cutting Women’s Hair

For Muslim women, it is obligatory to keep their hair intact, and shaving it without necessity is forbidden. Similarly, cutting hair without a valid reason is not permissible, even if ordered by the husband. During the time of the Prophet ﷺ, women had long hair, and women with shorter hair would use extensions. The Prophet ﷺ cursed those who used such extensions.

لعنَ النَّبيُّ صلَّى اللَّهُ علَيهِ وسلَّمَ الواصلةَ والمستَوصلةَ ،والواشمةَ والمستَوشمةَ
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 5940)
Translation: The Prophet ﷺ cursed those who added artificial hair extensions and those who had them added, and those who practiced tattooing and those who had it done.

Therefore, it is established by the command of the Prophet ﷺ that women should maintain their natural hair and not cut it without necessity.

Thus, it is impermissible for women to shave or cut their hair without a valid reason. During Hajj and Umrah, women are permitted to cut a small portion of their hair (equal to the length of a fingertip). If a woman needs to cut her hair due to illness or other valid reasons, it will be allowed.

As for the wives of the Prophet ﷺ, it is narrated in Sahih Muslim:

وكان أزواجُ النبيِّ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- يَأخذْنَ مِن رؤوسِهنَّ حتى تكونَ كالوَفْرَةِ
(Sahih Muslim: 320)
Translation: The wives of the Prophet ﷺ would trim their hair until it was as long as the earlobes.

Based on this hadith, some scholars permitted women to cut their hair. However, this practice was specific to the Prophet’s wives, who did this as a sign of mourning after the death of the Prophet ﷺ. If a woman needs to cut her hair for a valid reason, it is permitted, but if done as a fashion, to imitate Western culture, or to resemble men, then it is forbidden.

It is often observed that some unmarried young girls cut a small portion of hair from the front of their heads and let it fall on their faces. There is no harm in cutting a small amount of hair, as long as it does not resemble an immoral or inappropriate style. However, it is a cause for concern when young girls, especially unmarried ones, engage in this practice, as they often do not observe proper hijab. Guardians should prevent such practices, questioning whom they are beautifying for. If it is done for the husband after marriage, it is a different matter.

The Ruling on Shaving a Newborn Girl’s Head

There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding whether a newborn girl’s head should be shaved on the seventh day like a boy. Some Hanbali scholars forbid shaving a girl’s head, while Imam Malik and Imam Shafi’i allow shaving a girl’s head just as it is done for boys. The reasoning behind forbidding it is that hadiths specifically mention shaving a boy’s head, and the prohibition applies to males. Those who do not prohibit it argue that the general text includes both boys and girls.

In light of the evidence, it is a recommended practice to shave a newborn girl’s head on the seventh day, just as naming the child and performing the aqeeqah (sacrifice) are. Additionally, it is recommended to give an equal weight of silver in charity. For a detailed discussion, refer to my blog titled “Shaving a Newborn Girl’s Head on the Seventh Day.”

The Prohibition of Plucking White Hair and the Ruling on Dyeing

Firstly, it is important to note that plucking white hair is forbidden for both men and women. The Prophet ﷺ said:

لا تنتِفوا الشَّيبَ ما من مسلِمٍ يشيبُ شيبةً في الإسلامِ إلَّا كانت لَهُ نورًا يومَ القيامةِ إلَّا كتبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِها حسنةً وحطَّ عنهُ بِها خطيئةً
(Sunan Abi Dawood: 4202)
Translation: Do not pluck the gray hair, because whenever a Muslim gets a gray hair in Islam, it will be a source of light for him on the Day of Judgment, and Allah will write a good deed for it and erase a sin.

Secondly, it is recommended for both men and women to dye their gray hair with colors other than black. It is narrated from Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) that when Abu Quhafa (the father of Abu Bakr) was brought to the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of the Conquest of Makkah, his hair and beard were completely white, and the Prophet ﷺ said:

غيِّروا هذا بشيءٍ ، واجتَنِبوا السَّوادَ
(Sahih Muslim: 2102)
Translation: Change this with something and avoid black dye.

In Sahih Bukhari, it is also narrated:
إن اليهودَ والنصارى لا يصبُغون ، فخالفوهم
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 3462)
Translation: The Jews and Christians do not dye their hair, so oppose them.

These hadiths indicate that both men and women should dye their white hair, but the use of black dye is prohibited.

Thirdly, any color except black can be used for dyeing, such as henna, saffron, or even mixing black with another color to create a different shade. The prohibition is specifically on using pure black dye.

Fourthly, it is permissible to dye only the gray parts of the hair or to dye the entire head; there is no harm in dyeing some parts and leaving others as long as it does not resemble immoral or inappropriate styles.

Fifthly, nowadays, many women imitate non-Muslims by dyeing their hair in various colors at the same time. This practice is considered an imitation of immoral women. Muslim women should avoid such practices. However, if different colors are mixed in a way that does not resemble immoral or inappropriate styles, then there is no harm in it.

Sixthly, some women ask what to do if they have performed many prayers while wearing black dye. The answer is that dyeing is a separate action from prayer. Prayer done while wearing black dye is still valid, and there is no need to repeat it. However, the woman should sincerely repent from using black dye in the future.

Straightening or Curling Hair

Some women naturally have curly hair, and straightening it is a necessity; there is no harm in this. However, if straightening curly hair is done for beautification without necessity, it is permissible if done for the husband. But if it is done to attract others or to imitate non-Muslims, it is not allowed.

Adding Artificial Hair or Wearing Wigs

Adding artificial hair to natural hair is prohibited, and those who do so are cursed by the Prophet ﷺ:

لَعَنَ اللَّهُ الواصِلَةَ والمُسْتَوْصِلَةَ، والواشِمَةَ والمُستَوشِمَةَ
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 5937)
Translation: Allah has cursed those who add artificial hair and those who have it added, as well as those who tattoo and those who have tattoos.

This hadith shows that neither artificial hair can be added to natural hair nor can wigs be worn. If a woman is bald or has a medical condition requiring a wig, it is permissible for her to use a wig. However, wearing wigs for fashion or voluntarily adding artificial hair is forbidden. Additionally, if a woman wears a wig out of necessity, Sheikh Muhammad bin Saleh al-Munajjid states that it is not permissible to perform wudu (ablution) while wearing a wig; it must be removed.

Burial of Hair

Women often ask whether they should bury their hair when it falls on the ground to prevent it from being used for improper purposes. There is no specific text instructing the burial of hair, but some scholars suggest that it is a good practice, especially if there is a concern about it being used for black magic or other harmful purposes. In such cases, the hair should be buried in a secure place, away from the sight of strangers. Many women fall into superstitions, linking everything to magical effects. I advise such women to maintain regular prayers, engage in constant remembrance of Allah, and adhere to cleanliness and purification rituals. With Allah’s grace, no magic or harm will affect you.

Bridal Hair Styling

One issue is that whether it’s a wedding or any other occasion, it is forbidden for women to style or beautify their hair in front of unfamiliar men. There is no harm in styling the hair for a woman at a beauty salon or at home on the wedding day. The key is to avoid actions that are prohibited, as mentioned above. You can style the bride’s hair on the wedding day, but avoid excessive spending and resembling disbelieving or immoral women.

Sharia Ruling on Working at a Beauty Parlor

It is very difficult to avoid un-Islamic activities at a beauty parlor, such as plucking eyebrows, shortening hair, attaching artificial hair, viewing women’s private areas for beautification purposes, engaging in forbidden activities like singing or making oneself beautiful for men other than the husband, etc. Additionally, if there is mixing with men or the woman has to travel alone outside the home for the job, this presents further issues. If a woman can avoid these corrupt and unlawful activities and work within the Islamic limits, then there is no harm in her working at a beauty parlor. However, if she cannot avoid un-Islamic activities, then this job will not be permissible. In one word, beautification is itself permissible, and earning a wage for this work is also permissible, but if the profession involves unlawful activities, then the earnings from it will not be lawful.

Misunderstandings Regarding Women’s Hair

There are some misconceptions regarding women’s hair that circulate among the public, and these points are mentioned to clarify that they have no basis:
٭ Women’s long hair will act as a veil for them on the Day of Judgment.
٭ It is necessary to wear a headscarf during the call to prayer (Azan).
٭ It is commonly said that using a broken comb to comb one’s hair will bring poverty into the house.
٭ Tying hair while standing will bring poverty into the house.
٭ Applying henna to the hair while fasting will break the fast.
All these are incorrect statements and rumors; there is no truth in them.