Removing body hair is generally not haram (forbidden) in Islam, except for eyebrow hair. The permissibility extends to both men and women, with some specific exceptions and considerations.
Permissible Hair Removal
Most Islamic scholars agree that removing hair from most areas of the body is allowed. This includes:
- Legs: Removing leg hair is permissible for both men and women.
- Arms: Removing arm hair is permissible for both men and women.
- Underarms: Removing underarm hair is permissible and often encouraged for hygiene purposes.
- Pubic area: Removing pubic hair is generally considered permissible and even recommended for hygiene reasons, for both men and women. Some interpretations suggest removal at least every 40 days.
- Back and shoulders: Removing hair from these areas is permissible for both men and women.
- Chest: Removing chest hair for men is permissible, though not necessarily recommended. The permissibility depends on intent and is not viewed as imitation of women.
Haram Hair Removal
- Eyebrows: Removing eyebrow hair is considered haram for women. Some sources even include strong condemnation of this practice.
Important Considerations
- Hygiene: Hair removal is often viewed as a matter of personal hygiene and cleanliness, aligning with Islamic teachings on maintaining personal purity.
- Imitation: While generally permissible, some interpretations advise against excessive hair removal for men if it's seen as an imitation of women. This is particularly relevant for practices like extensive chest or leg hair removal.
- Cultural Practices: The practices surrounding hair removal can be influenced by cultural norms, but these norms should not contradict core Islamic principles.
Several references support these points: One source explicitly states that "It's halaal, a woman can remove every hair of her body, if she wants, except for her eyebrow, that's haraam". Other sources confirm the permissibility of hair removal for both men and women in various body parts, emphasizing the importance of hygiene. The consensus is clear: removal of most body hair is allowed, while eyebrow removal for women is strictly forbidden.
