Hair Cleansers in Medical Hadiths and Healthcare

Various healthcare guidelines are presented in Islamic tradition regarding human health, one of which is about hair care. The current study aimed to analyze the cleaning and washing approach in hair care with cleansers, such as Henna, Cedrus, Hibiscus, and Katam (Buxus dioica) and their curative and hygienic role. In addition, some dimensions of the medical instructions of the narratives concerning hair cleansers and their influence on healthcare are investigated. This content analysis was completed by referring to the authentic hadith books, namely Al-Kafi and Wasa’el al-Shi’ah and extracting the hadiths about hair care and hair cleansers. The basics of hair care and health in these hadiths were assessed. Our findings demonstrated that cleansers, including Henna, Cedrus, Hibiscus, and Katam (Buxus dioica) which are emphasized in the hadiths, in addition to their cleansing properties, contain natural ingredients that diminish the feeling of sadness in an individual. These materials play a sedative role interpreted as the eliminator of the evil temptations in Islamic traditions. Medical hadiths concerning hair cleansers contain instructions about spiritual and hygienic interventions in hair care and health. It seems that using such detergents and promoting their application can be effective in elevating the physical and mental health of the community and reducing medication costs.