Can I wear a wig instead of a hijab?

Not a hijab

Some Orthodox Jewish women cover their hair with a wig (sheitel), and people sometimes ask if Muslim women can do the same, especially to avoid discrimination. But the purpose of hijab is to cover beauty, not replace it with other beauty. The Quran tells women not to expose their adornment and to draw their head covers over their chests (Quran 24:31). A wig leaves the neck and chest uncovered and shows what looks like a full head of hair, so it doesn't meet either part.

The false hair hadith

The Prophet ﷺ cursed the woman who adds hair and the one who asks for it (Sahih al-Bukhari 5934). Scholars apply this to wigs too, since a wig is false hair worn to look like your own. See Can I wear hair extensions as a Muslim woman?

Medical hair loss

This is a painful question for women going through chemotherapy, alopecia or other conditions. Notably, both hadiths on this topic involve a bride who lost her hair through illness, and the Prophet ﷺ still didn't allow adding hair (Sahih Muslim 2122). So most scholars say wigs remain forbidden even then. A few contemporary scholars allow a wig for serious medical hair loss at home or among women, treating it as removing a defect rather than beautification. If this is your situation, speak to a knowledgeable scholar, and know that Allah sees your struggle.

Better options

• Soft turbans or chemo caps in cotton or bamboo, comfortable on a sensitive scalp.
• A regular hijab, which already covers everything.
• Underscarf caps for warmth and comfort.

Many women with hair loss say hijab gave them confidence, because no one can tell. Islam teaches that illness erases sins and that patience is rewarded. See What does hijab actually cover?