Hair Removal Methods: Epilators, Waxing and Creams

Answered by Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali

Question: A lot of sisters have asked me about the use of metal on a women’s body. I wanted to know in terms of metal can women use epilators specifically and other products aswell?

Answer: The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Ten things are from the natural disposition: trimming the mustache, lengthening the beard, using the miswak, snuffing water up the nose, clipping the nails, washing the knuckles (barajim), removing hair from the armpits, shaving the pubic hair and using water in the bathroom.’ The narrator said, ‘I forgot the tenth. It could be rinsing the mouth.’ [Muslim]

The scholars mention that it is best to clip one’s nails, trim one’s mustache, remove the hair from the armpits, shave one’s private part area (which begins from below the navel), and take a shower once a week, with preference given to Friday. If this is not possible, then these actions are performed every 15 days, but there is no excuse to delay them beyond 40 days. [Mirqat al-Mafatih] If one does leave them for more than 40 days, it is prohibitively disliked and he/she is sinful. [al-Hadhr wa al-Ibaha]

According to my teacher, it is permissible to use epilators for hair removal on any part of the body where it is permissible to remove hair. In fact, any method used for hair removal is permissible, such as waxing or creams, as long as it does not entail harm upon one’s body and one does not expose his or her awrah to another.

However, the sunna of removing hair under the arms is achieved by plucking, though shaving is also acceptable. [Radd al-Muhtar, Durar al-Hukkam] With regards to pubic hair, it is sunna for men to remove it by shaving, while women do so by plucking. [al-Hadhr wa al-Ibaha]

Barak Allah fikum
Naielah

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani