Can a Muslim Woman Use PRP to Restore Chemotherapy Hair Loss?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

Is PRP treatment permissible for a woman experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy, especially if it affects her marriage prospects and other treatments are too costly?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are well and that your health is improving. Thank you kindly for your question.

Yes, it is permissible to undergo PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment for hair loss caused by chemotherapy in your case, mainly if it affects your marriage prospects, and other treatments are costly.

Restorative vs. Cosmetic Procedures

The reason is that the platelets are from the patient’s blood cells, and the treatment and procedure are restorative rather than augmentative and cosmetic.

There is a fundamental principle here. If something is abnormal and defective, correcting it to its natural form is permissible. This becomes a restorative procedure rather than a cosmetic or beautification procedure.

Seek a Cure for the Disease From What is Lawful

Abu Darda (Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Verily, Allah sent down the disease and the cure, and for every disease He made a cure. Seek treatment, but do not seek treatment from the unlawful.” [Abu Dawud]

Summary

The principle is that restorative medical procedures that return one to their natural state are permissible; purely cosmetic enhancement is not.

For example, a person may be born with a crooked nose, a cleft lip, or an extra finger. Restorative medical procedures to address these defects are not an issue, as they involve correcting an abnormality. [Usmani, Takmila al-Fath al-Mulhim; Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

I advise you to consult a reliable local scholar regarding the specifics of your situation and family details, even after this answer.

And Allah knows best.

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Related: Is It Permissible for Men To Undergo Hair Transplant Surgery?

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Currently, he resides in the UK with his wife and is interested in reading and gardening.