Islamic Ruling on Lip Liner and Lipstick Tattoo 💄🔴

💄✨ What Is a Lip Tattoo and What Are Its Religious and Medical Implications?

To create facial symmetry and enhance lip beauty, lipstick tattooing (also known as micropigmentation) is performed. In this procedure, using a fine needle, a pigment is inserted into the second layer of the skin, gradually changing the lip color and making the lips appear more defined and full.

🕰️ How Long Does Lip Tattooing Last?

The longevity of a lip tattoo depends on several factors:

1. 🎯 Skill of the Technician: The specialist’s precision, hand angle, and pigment penetration matter significantly.

2. 🌵 Skin Type: Dry or peeling lips reduce pigment retention.

3. 💊 Cold Sore Prone Individuals: Those prone to cold sores should take acyclovir every 8 hours starting two days before and continuing for three days after the procedure. Cold sores can reduce pigment retention.

4. 🎨 Pigment Quality: The higher the pigment quality and vibrancy, the longer it lasts.

5. ♀️ Timing of the Procedure: If done during menstruation, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, hormonal changes may reduce pigment absorption and durability.

   

🙏 Common Religious Concerns

If you’re considering a lip liner or lipstick tattoo, you might wonder:

🕌 "Can I perform prayer (namaz) after having a lip tattoo?"
💧 "Is my wudu (ablution) or ghusl (ritual bathing) valid?"
🕋 "Can I perform Hajj with a lip tattoo?"

⚖️ Religious Rulings on Lip Tattoos

✅ Prayer and Ablution (Wudu)

According to all major Islamic jurists (Maraji’), since the tattoo pigment is injected beneath the skin, it does not block water from reaching the skin’s surface. Therefore, it does not invalidate wudu or prayer.

✅ Ritual Bathing (Ghusl)

The same applies to ghusl. Because the ink is under the skin, ritual bathing remains valid.

✅ Performing Hajj

All jurists agree that having a lip liner or lipstick tattoo does not prevent a person from going on Hajj.

🕌 Fatwas from Prominent Islamic Scholars

📜 Ayatollah Jawad Fadhil Lankarani:

• Question: If a woman gets a lip liner or lipstick tattoo, is her ablution valid?

• Answer: If the pigment is under the skin (like a tattoo), there is no issue for wudu or ghusl. However, if it attracts the attention of non-mahram men, it must be concealed.

📜 Office of Ayatollah Khamenei (may his shadow endure):

• If the pigment is under the skin, such as with eyeliner or lip tattoos, it is permissible.

• Question: Parts of my body are tattooed. Does this invalidate my ghusl, wudu, or prayers?

• Answer: If the tattoo is simply pigment under the skin and does not block water, then ghusl, wudu, and prayer are valid.

📜 Office of Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi:

• Lip tattoos and cosmetic micropigmentation do not invalidate wudu.

• Question: What is the ruling on tattoos? Do they invalidate ablution or ghusl?

• Answer: If there's no bodily harm and the images do not promote immorality, tattoos are permissible and do not affect ritual purity.

• Question: Is tattooing haram (forbidden) in Islam?

• Answer: It is not haram, unless the image is indecent or contains sacred names that may be disrespected.

• Question: Are lip tattoos permissible, and do they interfere with wudu and ghusl?

• Answer: If the color is under the skin, it poses no issue.

• Question: Nowadays, many women get lip, eye, and brow tattoos. Since these are considered adornments (zinat) and hard to conceal, do they fall under the Quranic verse: “They should not display their beauty” (Surah An-Nur: 31)?

• Answer: This ruling does not apply to visible facial adornments like the face and hands, according to the phrase "except what is apparent".

⚠️ Dangers and Risks of Lip Tattoos

Tattooing was once used for religious or tribal identity but is now often done for cosmetic enhancement (lips, eyes, eyebrows). However, this practice carries serious risks, and many undergo it without being aware of the consequences.

⚠️ Common Side Effects:

• 🔴 Redness and itching, either immediately or years later

• ❌ Infection, especially when done in non-sterile environments

• 🦠 Risk of transmitting diseases, such as HIV/AIDS

• 🌡️ Allergic reactions, especially due to red pigments

🚨 Medical Warning:

Lips are a sensitive area, prone to allergies. Tattooing is invasive and irritating to the skin. Most doctors do not recommend it. The risks increase drastically when performed in unhygienic or unlicensed settings.

📈 Rising Popularity Among Youth

In recent years, lip tattoos and other forms of cosmetic tattooing have become increasingly popular among young women, many of whom proceed without considering the irreversible consequences.