It is clear that there is not an accurate statement in the Quran regarding hair transplant as it is a relatively new technique. However, the Prophet talks about the wig and its use.
Evaluating the hadiths on the subject, Islamic scholars did not allow one to wear a wig made from another person’s hair. Because in such processes a part of the respectable human being is used; this is not permissible except in compulsory circumstances. However, the wig made of silk, yarn, wool and similar materials other than human hair is possible.
There are two reasons why wigs are prohibited.
- Attachment of hair, which is a part of a person, to another person is disrespect towards human beings.
- With someone else’s hair, you fool the others as if you had your hair.
Although wigs are prohibited, there are signs that hair transplant is not haram according to the hadiths.
Hair transplant as a treatment
From the statements above, you can interpret that hair transplant is not haram as the hair is patients’ own hair. Besides, there is not a deception since the result of hair transplant is natural hair. On the other hand, our hair provides us with a cover to protect from sunlight and to a certain degree of heat and cold. Loss of hair, in other words, baldness, a deficiency in the human body. Treating a defect cannot be haram.
On the other hand, hair transplants can be considered as a medical treatment. Therefore, treating a health problem cannot be haram. In other words, although hair transplantation is seen as aesthetic surgery, it actually solves a health problem. As you know, those who experience hair loss can suffer from psychological problems. To treat these problems, they should prefer the best option, which is a hair transplant.
When it comes to ablution, it is not possible to say that the planted hair prevents it. Because even if there are transplanted hair follicles on the skin, the cleaning task will include cleaning of them. Therefore, ablution can be possible. It is the decision of the Supreme Council of Religious Affairs regarding hair transplant.
Hadiths on the subject
In the hadith sources, there are rumours that the Prophet did not allow hair replacement.
- a) A Muslim woman from Medina gets married, then falls ill and her hair falls out. His family wants to give this woman hair and asks the Prophet about his religious judgment. The Prophet does not allow this and says, Allah may have mercy on those who wear attach hair. (see. Muslim, Libas, 117; Bukhari, Libas, 83)
- b) A woman comes to the Prophet and says that her daughter, who wants to marry, has lost her hair because of illness and wants to get new hair. The Prophet does not allow and says, “May Allah have no mercy on the person who uses someone else’s hair. (see. Muslim, Libas, 115).
The reason for the prohibition in the hadiths mentioned above concerning hair transfer or similar operations is generally explained by the fact that it is not permissible to change the way Allah has created humankind.