Ruling on synthetic hair extensions

Using or wearing hair extensions made from human hair is not permissible in Islamic law, because authentic hadiths contain a severe warning regarding this practice.

The hadith states:

«"عن ابن عمر أن النبی ﷺ قال: لعن الله الواصلة و المستوصلة و الواشمة و المستوشمة."»

(Mishkat al-Masabih, Kitab al-Libas, Vol. 2, p. 1262, al-Maktab al-Islami)

Translation:

It is narrated from ʿAbdullah ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهما) that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah has cursed the woman who attaches hair (to her own hair), the woman who has hair attached, the woman who tattoos, and the woman who gets tattooed.”

However, if the hair extensions are made from artificial materials (such as plastic, nylon, or other synthetic fibers) rather than human hair, then Hanafi jurists have mentioned a concession, provided that they are not used for deception or for any unlawful form of beautification.

It is stated in Radd al-Muhtar (Fatawa Shami):

«"وفي اختيار: ووصل الشعر بشعر الآدمي حرام، سواء كان شعرها أو شعر غيرها؛ لقوله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «لعن الله الواصلة و المستوصلة...» ... وفي التتارخانية: وإذا وصلت المرأة شعر غيرها بشعرها فهو مكروه، وإنما الرخصة في غير شعر بني آدم تتخذه المرأة؛ لتزيد في قرونها، وهو مروي عن أبي يوسف، وفي الخانية: ولا بأس للمرأة أن تجعل في قرونها وذوائبها شيئاً من الوبر."»

(Kitab al-Hazr wa al-Ibahah, Fasl fi al-Nazar wa al-Mass, Vol. 6, p. 372, Saeed Publications)

This passage indicates that attaching human hair to one's hair is prohibited. However, regarding non-human hair or artificial materials, some Hanafi jurists—particularly Imam Abu Yusuf (رحمه الله)—have permitted their use for adornment.

Therefore, if the hair extensions are made from synthetic materials, there is scope for permissibility. However, if their purpose is to deceive others, create a false impression, or achieve any unlawful form of beautification, then their use would not be permissible.