The Book of Adornment - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5094

"The Messenger of Allah [SAW] cursed the woman who affixes hair extensions and the woman who has that done."

Scholarly Commentary

This prohibition concerns the practice known as "wasl" - attaching false hair or extensions to natural hair. The curse applies to both the practitioner and the recipient, indicating the gravity of this action in Islamic law.

Scholars explain this prohibition stems from multiple concerns: deception in presenting artificial beauty as natural, altering Allah's creation without valid reason, and resemblance to practices of pre-Islamic ignorance. The comprehensive curse demonstrates this is not merely discouraged but forbidden (haram).

Exceptions exist for medical necessity, such as hair loss due to illness or treatment. However, mere cosmetic enhancement without legitimate need remains prohibited according to the consensus of classical scholars.

Legal Ruling

The ruling is prohibition (tahrim) based on the explicit curse from the Prophet. This applies to both natural and synthetic hair extensions when attached to existing hair.

Permissible alternatives include wearing complete wigs that don't attach to natural hair (according to some scholars), or using herbal treatments and permissible medications to enhance hair growth naturally.