Short answer
In the Hanafi school, no. Human hair is part of an honoured body and may not be given, sold or used as a wig or extension, and the Prophet ﷺ cursed attaching human hair to hair. Cut hair should be buried. You can still help: give money to cancer charities, or support wigs made from synthetic fibre, which a patient may wear.
Using human hair for benefit, by sale, gift or attachment, is not permitted, because the human being is honoured. Wigs and extensions of human hair are haram. Synthetic fibre or animal hair (such as wool) may be used, so a patient who has lost her hair may wear a synthetic wig.
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
Many people cut their hair to donate it to charities that make wigs for children and adults who have lost their hair to cancer treatment or alopecia. The intention is kind, and many Muslims ask whether they can join in.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "Allah has cursed the woman who attaches hair and the woman who has it attached." A woman asked him about her newly married daughter who had lost her hair through illness, and he still did not allow hair to be added. The Hanafi texts also say that human hair may not be sold or used, because Allah has honoured the human being and none of his parts are to be treated as material. The four schools agree that attaching human hair is forbidden.
So in the Hanafi school:
- donating your hair to be made into wigs is not allowed
- wearing a human hair wig or extensions is not allowed, even for a patient
- cut hair is best buried rather than thrown away
What you can do instead:
- donate money to charities that provide synthetic wigs, head coverings or support to cancer patients
- run a sponsored event and give the funds
- visit and help patients; the Prophet ﷺ greatly praised visiting the sick (see visiting the sick)
For patients. A woman who has lost her hair may wear a well-made synthetic wig, a scarf or a turban, and hair loss does not reduce her honour. Follow a qualified doctor's advice on scalp care during treatment, and ask a mufti if you are unsure about a product.
Ask a mufti about your own case. This answer explains the general ruling. When the details of your situation matter, as they do here, ask a qualified mufti and give them the full facts. Where to ask a scholar.
The evidence
Quran, Surah Al-Israa 17:70
۞ وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ وَحَمَلْنَٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَٰهُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَٰتِ وَفَضَّلْنَٰهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍۢ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًۭا ﴿٧٠﴾
And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.
The honour of the human body is why its parts are not used as material.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5933
Sahih... لعن الله الواصلة والمستوصلة ...
"Allah has cursed the woman who attaches hair and the woman who has it attached."
Using human hair as extensions or wigs is forbidden.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5641
Sahih... ما يصيب المسلم من نصب ولا وصب ولا هم ...
"No fatigue, illness, worry or grief befalls a Muslim except that Allah expiates some of his sins by it."
Hair loss from illness is a hardship that brings reward.
Where the ruling is recorded
- al-Hidaya, Kitab al-Buyu, Bab al-Bay al-Fasid. Selling or using human hair is not allowed, because the human being is honoured.
- Radd al-Muhtar (Ibn Abidin), Kitab al-Hazr wa al-Ibaha, on attaching hair. Attaching human hair is forbidden; wool and similar materials are allowed.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.