Is It Permissible to Use Hair Products With Hydrolyzed Keratin?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

Does hydrolyzed keratin in hair products, which may rarely come from pigs but undergoes a complete chemical change through hydrolysis, qualify as istihala?

Answer

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

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Shampoo and other cosmetics containing hydrolysed keratin that is water-permeable and not derived from haram sources like pig can be used. However, if the source creates doubt, then avoid using it.

Regarding ghusl and wudu, keratin does not block water from reaching the scalp or form a waterproof layer, similar to henna. Therefore, ghusl and wudu are valid. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

There is a previous answer related to this by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In’shaAllah, you will receive guidance and direction.

Related: Brazilian Hair Treatment

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

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. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.