The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) cursed the woman who adds some false hair and the woman who asks for it, the woman who tattoos and the woman who asks for it.
Hadith Commentary: Combing the Hair (Kitab Al-Tarajjul)
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 4168 addresses significant prohibitions concerning artificial beautification that alters Allah's creation.
Prohibition of Hair Extensions
The curse upon women who add false hair and those who request it indicates the gravity of this action. Scholars explain this involves attaching foreign hair to natural hair, creating deception about one's true appearance.
This prohibition preserves natural creation and prevents deception in marital relationships. The inclusion of both the practitioner and client shows collective responsibility in avoiding such practices.
Prohibition of Tattooing
Tattooing involves permanently altering the skin through needle punctures filled with ink. The curse applies similarly to both the tattoo artist and the recipient.
This prohibition stems from the principle of preserving the natural human form as created by Allah. Permanent alterations demonstrate dissatisfaction with divine creation and imitate disbelieving cultures.
Scholarly Consensus
Major classical scholars including Imam Malik, Al-Shafi'i, and Ahmad ibn Hanbal considered both practices forbidden (haram) based on this hadith.
The ruling applies regardless of the material used for hair extensions or the purpose of tattooing, as the fundamental prohibition concerns the act itself.
Exceptions and Distinctions
Scholars make exception for medical necessity, such as prosthetic hair for chemotherapy patients or medical tattoos for radiation treatment.
Temporary cosmetics like henna are permitted as they don't permanently alter the skin. Similarly, wigs for medical reasons may be allowed when no deception is intended.