Is it permissible for a woman to bleach the hair of her beard and sideburns, but not her eyebrows, for the purpose of concealing the hair, not changing the skin color, and is this considered a compromise between the opinions of scholars regarding the ruling on removing facial hair?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A woman is permitted to remove excess hair on her face because it deviates from her natural creation, and this is not considered namṣ (plucking). This is supported by what Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, and by Al-Nawawi's statement that the namṣ that is an exception is when a woman grows a beard or mustache. As for eyebrow lightening (tashqeer), it is coloring the eyebrows with a color that matches the skin. It does not fall under namṣ nor "changing the creation of Allah" because it is temporary. However, it is forbidden if done to deceive a suitor or if displayed in front of non- men.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/29685
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 29685
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy