Are Men Allowed to Use Hair Products Like Gel, Hairspray and Creams?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam’aleykum

Are men allowed to use Hair products and style the hair with gel, hairspray and creams? Is it regarded as excessive vanity?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

Yes, it is permissible to wear hair products as long as (1) they contain no unlawful ingredients, and (2) you are careful about removing them when you need to perform the ritual ablution (wudu)– namely, in the case that they form a preventative barrier from water reaching the area.

Looking decent, dignified and presentable is the sunna of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). As for whether or not styling your hair in a certain way would be appropriate, it would return to context and intention.

Please also see: Is It Permissible to Use Cosmetics and Body Care Products That Contain Animal Ingredients?

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam.

wassalam,
[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam was born and raised in Ipswich, England, a quiet town close to the east coast of England. His journey for seeking sacred knowledge began when he privately memorized the entire Qur’an in his hometown at the age of 16. He also had his first experience in leading the tarawih (nightly-Ramadan) prayers at his local mosque. Year after year he would continue this unique return to reciting the entire Quran in one blessed month both in his homeland, the UK, and also in the blessed lands of Shaam, where he now lives, studies and teaches.