Dealing with permanent hair loss is emotionally exhausting. Getting hopeless and disappointed at every turn can leave you drained.
Surgical intervention is the only way by which you can permanently restore your hair.
You can try drugs like minoxidil and finasteride to deal with it, but they only work as long as you keep using them. But the moment you discontinue their use, you can expect things to go downhill pretty fast.
Many people hesitate to get hair restoration surgery because they are unsure of its religious permissibility. We are asked the question, “Is a hair transplant haram?” by a lot of our patients.
Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common reasons for permanent hair loss.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, 95% of hair loss in men occurs because of pattern baldness. It affects 50% of them above the age of 50. At least 25% of males begin losing their hair before they reach the age of 21.
By the time they’re 35, around two-thirds of them will experience noticeable hair loss. It also affects 40% of women by the time they’re 50.
Around the age of 50, 85% of men will have experienced significant thinning. Hair restoration surgery is one of the most effective treatments for hair loss.
But many people wonder if a hair transplant is haram. In this guide, we’ll answer just that.
Is the Hair Transplant Technique Haram?
The technique of hair transplant does not make it haram. You can better understand why it’s not haram by familiarizing yourself with its techniques, the most popular of which are: FUT and FUE.
In FUE, the surgeon extracts hair follicles from the back and sides of the patient’s head. Hair in this donor region (back and sides) is less sensitive to the hormone DHT, which is why it is chosen.
So, units of hair follicles are extracted and then transplanted into the bald regions. In the case of a FUT hair transplant, a strip of skin is taken to obtain the hair follicles, which are then transplanted in the bald regions.
As is evident, each technique uses hair from the patient’s head. No other person’s hair is used, so it’s all-natural and real.
Some people say that the use of artificial hair and wigs is not permissible. As long as it’s the person’s own hair, a hair transplant is not haram. So, you can get this surgery with peace of mind.
Hair loss isn’t something that people have control over in most instances. They may be unable to stop either.
Genetics, medication, illness, chemotherapy/radiotherapy, stress, iron or vitamin deficiency can all cause hair loss. And in some cases it’s permanent.
That means that you don’t have any long-term, permanent solution except for transplant surgery if you want to grow your hair back. Though the good news is that since a hair transplant is halal, you can get it without any worries.
Some medications are available for hair loss. As far as minoxidil is concerned, people wonder if that is halal or haram because of the presence of alcohol in it.
However, that is also halal because it’s being applied topically for medicinal purposes only.
There are a lot of other medicines and treatments that people take that help to enhance certain aspects of their physical being, like wearing contact lenses or glasses for poor eyesight. Similarly, you’re undergoing a hair transplant for poor hair growth.
How Hair Loss Causes Psychological Issues
Losing hair is an extremely unpleasant experience and can make sufferers feel unhappy and unsatisfied.
According to one study, other than causing stress, especially among young, single men, androgenetic alopecia caused a decrease in body-image satisfaction among males.
Not only do people feel hesitant about showing their hair to other people, but they might also feel bad looking at themselves in the mirror.
So, a hair transplant in Turkey is one way to deal with such feelings once and for all so you can move on to doing bigger things in life.
These days, men are becoming more fashion-forward. They are fearlessly experimenting with different hairstyles and hair care products.
It is a part of the grooming process. So, those who’re experiencing an early onset of hair loss try to look for ways by which they can stop losing their hair.
Moreover, when entering their professional lives, many people look towards fashion as a way of enhancing their looks and confidence.
So, hair loss can also act as a hindrance in that regard. Going to job interviews can cause you anxiety, and so might talking to colleagues. Therefore, it can act as an impediment to your professional growth.
Even in your personal life, you might feel embarrassed while talking to your friends and family members. Fearing that someone might make fun of them, they might avoid making small talk. Hair loss feels like you’re losing your identity.
Having hair transplant surgery will help you in the resolution of multiple psychological issues. Through this surgery, you’ll essentially treat a problem that’s causing you emotional problems. You can consider it medical treatment. So, you don’t have to worry.
What’s the Islamic Ruling on Hair Transplants?
Islam Question and Answer (Islam Q&A) cite the ruling of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen, an Islamic scholar whose Fatawa is also narrated by Sahih al-Bukhari, on this very question.
According to it, a person can get a hair transplant that’s because they’re only restoring what was lost and “correcting a fault.”
He also narrates the story of the three people, one of which was bald and wished to grow his hair back. And so, his wish was granted, and his hair did grow back.
If you’re still not sure about whether a hair transplant is haram, you can further study the Quran for guidance.
Additionally, many people are unsure whether hair transplants are halal or haram in their particular sect. They, too, should get further guidance from religious texts and scholars.
Can You Pray After Having Hair Transplant Surgery?
Yes, but temporarily, you should consider praying while sitting. That’s because of the following reasons:
Accumulation of Sweat & Dust
Soon after having hair transplant surgery, we advise our patients to stay out of the sun and avoid dusty places because there’s a risk of infection and harm to the grafts.
Praying involves a person touching their forehead to the praying mat.
This can cause a risk of infection from an accumulation of sweat. Moreover, if there are dust particles on the praying mat, it can also cause a post-op complication.
Dizziness
Now, you might think that is it okay if I wash the praying rug or put a clean cloth on the place where I put my forehead. Is it okay to use a praying rug then?
The answer is still no. Because during praying, you’ll have to lean forward towards the ground.
The problem is that due to the effects of local anaesthesia, some patients might feel dizzy and nauseous. So, there’s a risk of collapsing if you’re praying while standing. This is why it’s better if you pray sitting.
Dislodging of Hair Grafts
Another reason why you should pray while sitting is that if you’ve gotten the surgery along the hairline, it may rub against the praying mat, which can dislodge the grafts and cause bleeding and infection. It can also permanently damage the results of the surgery.
In a similar vein, wearing a tight scarf around the head can also harm the grafts, so you should consider wearing it loosely.
Also, it would be better to wear a silk scarf instead of cotton so that it doesn’t stick with the hair grafts. For around two weeks after the surgery, you have to be very careful while praying.
Can You Perform Ablution After Hair Transplant?
Another question that we are commonly asked is regarding ablution. Of course, this has to be performed before each prayer. In this, one essential step is of wiping the head.
You can do this, but you must be very careful so that you don’t harm the grafts. Transplanted grafts are sensitive. They can be easily damaged for around 5 days after the surgery. So, be gentle and careful.
Can You Fast After Having Hair Transplant Surgery?
Soon after the hair transplant surgery, you’d be given certain medications to ensure normal recovery. You won’t be able to take the medications if you’re fasting. So, you’re advised not to fast.
This is only temporary. You can fast after you no longer have to take medicines. But you can also discuss this with your doctor to determine whether you can take the medicines before or after you break the fast.
Moreover, you should not fast on the day of the surgery. You must take all the medications prescribed to you as they ensure a speedy recovery and good results.
You should check the calendar in advance and book your surgery at a suitable date accordingly.
Conclusion
A hair transplant is not haram. You can get the surgery with peace of mind. The surgery uses your hair to restore growth. It’s similar to getting treatment for a physical health issue that you have. That’s why it’s considered permissible in Islam.
