Q: I am looking to seek a ruling on whether scalp micro pigmentation (SMP) is permissible in Islam. SMP stands for scalp micro pigmentation.
It is a method of depositing pigment into the dermal layer of the skin on the scalp, which replicates hair follicles. When viewed from a few inches or further away, the pigment dots appear as hair follicles. Here are some facts provided by a number of SMP clinics I inquired with:
SMP will have no effect on the ability for the skin to absorb water (i.e. for wudhu) or release water as sweat. The pigment consists of Iron Oxide, which according to the clinics is readily present in the body naturally The main difference between a tattoo and SMP is that SMP is semi-permanent and uses a completely natural pigment. It uses specialist pigments created for the scalp only, not tattoo ink.
A: If this is similar to a tattoo and the effects remain as a tattoo remains, then you should refrain.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)