Muslim women hoping to have gladde hare on Labarang were dealt a “blow” after the SA National Halaal Authority (Sanha) banned the Brazilian.
Sanha says the most popular hair smoothing treatment in the Cape, the Brazilian blow-out, is haraam because it “interferes” with the obligatory ablution and ritual bathing (ghusl) in the Muslim faith.
The treatment, Brasil Cacau, offers frizz-free and shiny locks, but Sanha says it isn’t halaal because it creates an “impermeable coating” which prevents water from reaching the hair shaft.
The issue has been referred to Islamic jurists across South Africa and, once their rulings are made, Sanha will make a formal decision, its spokesman confirmed.
For now, it has advised Muslims to avoid the product.
Sanha’s decision was based on information obtained from the manufacturers, spokesman Ebi Lockhat said.
While BR Beauty Cosmeticos in Brazil and the Brasil Cacau international store disputed the product coated hair, Aron Collins, spokeswoman for Hair Health and Beauty in Johannesburg, told Weekend Argus: “Keratin smoothing does, when first applied, form a coating on the hair which limits the amount of water that is allowed to penetrate the hair.”
Owner of Hair On Time in Gatesville, Parah Benjamin, called Sanha’s decision “utter nonsense”.
“Most of the women who come for the treatment are Muslim. Your hair has absolutely nothing to do with your relationship with our Maker. We will continue to provide the treatment,” says Bejamin.
Zainup Thomas, 34, from Elsies River, is determined not to have a kroeskop on Eid.
“I was not blessed with gladde hare so I need my Brazilian for Eid. I am gonna get my head done and pray about it afterwards. God will understand,” says Zainup.
But Ansaar Sulaiman, owner of Real Hair in Valhalla Park, has put the treatment on hold.
“I need to make sure not to promote this if it is not accepted in Islam,” says Ansaar.
Hadjie Jasmina Salie, 63, from Lentegeur says her prayers, for women to cover themselves, have been answered.
“Allah has his own way of speaking to us and maybe this is how He wants to get our young women to respect themselves and their faith. Doekie sales will probably go up this month,” she says.