Is it sunnah to oil and comb your hair?
Yes, oiling and combing your hair is part of the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ looked after his hair, combed it, used oil and perfume, and encouraged Muslims to keep their hair neat. It isn't obligatory, but doing it with the intention of following him brings reward.
Honouring your hair
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever has hair, let him honour it" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4163). Scholars explain that "honouring" means washing it, oiling it and combing it, so it doesn't look neglected. He also loved to begin with the right side: Aisha said he liked to start with the right when putting on his shoes, combing his hair and purifying himself (Sahih al-Bukhari 168). So when you comb, start on the right.
Oil, especially on Friday
Using oil on the hair is mentioned in the hadith about Jumu'ah. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever takes a bath on Friday, cleans himself as much as he can, uses his oil or perfume, then goes to the mosque and listens quietly, will have his sins between that Friday and the next forgiven (Sahih al-Bukhari 883). That makes Friday a great day to oil and comb your hair. See What are the sunnahs of Friday?
Any good, pure oil works: olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil or a halal hair oil you like. Avoid products made from pig derivatives.
Not too much either
Islam likes balance. Scholars mention that the Prophet ﷺ discouraged spending excessive time on grooming every single day, so the aim is neatness, not obsession. The Quran reminds us to enjoy adornment while avoiding excess:
For men, women and every hair type
- Men: this applies to the hair on the head and to the beard. Long hair needs even more care. See Can Muslim men have long hair?
- Women: the same sunnah applies, at home and under the hijab.
- Curly and coily hair: oiling is often a real need, not just a nice extra. A wide-tooth comb counts as combing.
- Wudu: oil on the hair doesn't stop you wiping over it in wudu, as long as it isn't a thick layer that blocks water. For hair colour questions, see Can I dye my hair?
- Caring for your hair is a sunnah, not an obligation.
- Start combing on the right side, as the Prophet ﷺ liked.
- Friday is a special day to oil, perfume and groom.
- Keep it balanced: neat, not obsessive.
People also ask
Can I make wudu with a wig on?
It depends: remove a clip-in wig and wipe your own hair. For glued hair systems, many scholars allow wiping over them, especially for hair loss.
Read the full answer →Can Muslim men wear bracelets?
Muslim men can't wear gold bracelets or amulets. Scholars differ on simple leather or bead bracelets; watches and medical bands are fine.
Read the full answer →Is it haram to pierce a baby girl's ears?
No, it isn't haram to pierce a baby girl's ears for most scholars. Earrings were worn in the Prophet's time; age, boys and safety explained.
Read the full answer →How do I make wudu with a beard?
To make wudu with a beard, wash your face, let water flow over the beard and comb it with wet fingers. Thin beards need water on the skin.
Read the full answer →Can I wear sunscreen or lotion during wudu?
Yes, most sunscreen and lotion is fine for wudu because it absorbs. Only water-resistant or thick barrier products that make water bead need removing.
Read the full answer →