Question:
Is it permissible for women to use razors and epilators for hair removal?
Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh
Thank you for your question.
The use of razors and epilators, for women, is Islamically permissible in all those places where removal of hair is permissible.
(See: Fiqh Al Halal Wal Ḥaram by Sh. Khalid Saifullah Al Rahmani)
In general circumstances, facial hair should be left as is. However, if there is excessive facial hair on a woman’s chin or mustache, it is recommended to remove that hair. (Al Bahr Al Raiq).
As for excessive hair on other parts of the woman’s face, such that it is deemed masculine or looked at as a negative aspect of her general feminine beauty, then she is permitted to remove that slight amount of hair that would remove the masculine look. (Al Bahr Al Raiq)
Women are permitted to remove hair from arms and legs, if it enhances her beauty for her husband.
And Allah knows best.
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Badat
Hadith of the Day Imam
Imam of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto and Director of Mathabah Institute
