Is Hair Transplant Haram or Halal? An Islamic Perspective

As a Muslim experiencing hair loss, it is natural to wonder whether it is religiously permissible to have a hair plantation. Hair surgery these days has come to be an activity that involves psychological and social aspects rather than matters of aesthetic concern. So, is hair transplant haram or halal? And, what does Islam say about it?

First, it can be said that the overwhelming majority of Muslim intellectuals believe that hair transplant is allowed based on Islam, i.e., it is halal. The primary reason is that one works with his own follicular units of hair and one inserts no other type of external material into his body. In this context, hair replacement should not be confused with hair extensions which are prohibited in Islam.

Hair Surgery and the Issue of Intention

One of the most fundamental concepts in Islam which decide the acceptability or otherwise of a practice is intention.

• If the intention is to look better, to feel good about oneself, become more self-confident and feel better about one’s mental condition, then the procedure is halal.
• However, if the intention is solely to look beautiful, to feel vain or get attention from others, this intention becomes religiously objectionable.

Let’s answer the question “Is hair transplant haram or halal?” according to the consensus of Islamic academics and religious councils:

Islamic thinkers such as Imam Nawawi, following hadiths, have stated that body modifications are not permitted if performed purely for the sake of vanity. The Islamic Fiqh Academy  and Al-Azhar University have issued positive fatwas on hair surgery.

Factors Affecting the Religious Evaluation of Hair Restoration

The next table shows some of the medical, ethical, and cultural issues that will make hair replacement surgery acceptable or not:

Factor	Type Description
Medical	The individuals who have baldness suffer from social isolation and loss of self-confidence. Hair implants will provide psychological wellness.
Ethical	As long as it will not harm one’s own body and others won’t be harmed, an individual is free to beautify.
Cultural	In some cultures, hair is an emblem of dignity and respect. Hair loss can result in shame and stigmatization.

When we look at the factors above, we can easily find the answer to the question “Is hair transplant haram or halal?”

 

Which Hair Transplant Methods Are Halal?

Most Islamic scholars agree that all methods of hair replacement surgery are halal. If you are wondering about this from a religious viewpoint, it is comforting to note that all methods aim to achieve the same end.

Hair plantation is a surgical process used to treat baldness (like male pattern baldness). In the process, healthy hair follicles are harvested from hairy regions (usually the back of the head) and implanted on balding regions. There are a number of ways, the most popular of which are FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI hair transplant.

Is Beard Transplant Haram?

The same principles apply to beard transplant as to hair restoration. Because beard transplant is the use of one’s own hair follicles, it is not contrary to Islamic laws. As long as one does it not for vanity but to enhance oneself.

Is Hair Transplant Haram during Ramadan?

The question of whether planting hair is permitted during Ramadan also comes up with high frequency. Although hair replacement is not prohibited during Ramadan, care should be taken not to invalidate the fast. In case the person is able to finish his prayers after the operation, this operation can be conducted while Ramadan is ongoing.

What Do Opposing Views Say?

Some of the Islamic academics oppose any means of intervention in appearance. In particular, they argue that it is haram to use hair from another person or to utilize artificial hair. But this is not the case with the modern methods used today.

These criticisms are not, therefore, against the modern hair implants procedures directly. The main difference here is also about intention. If the purpose is to exhibit an arrogant attitude, to think that one is above other people, this is not compatible with Islamic beliefs. But if it is to gain self-confidence and to become better integrated into social life, this is considered reasonable.

Bottom Line:  Is Hair Transplant Haram or Halal?

Lastly, hair surgery is halal in Islam. Yet, the most important consideration that defines the limits of this is the intention. If the individual gets it done for logical purposes such as health, psychological well-being and social integrity, there is no wrong in Islamic perspective. But it would be beneficial for each individual to seek advice from his own sect and the religious leaders of his region. If you wish to get more information or make an appointment for your hair transplant Turkey procedure with expert opinion, you can call our clinic in Istanbul or look at the content on our blog page. With over 15 years of experience, we give our patients permanent and natural outcomes.