It is not obligatory to untie the plaits of hair to perform Ghusl

A: All praise be to Allah Alone, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, and his family and Companions. There is no difference between men and women in terms of the way Ghusl is performed, and neither of them need to loosen their hair to wash it, rather it is sufficient to pour three handfuls of water on the head, then to pour the water over the whole body, for the Hadith narrated on the authority of Um Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she told the Prophet (peace be upon him): “I am a woman who tightly braids her hair, should I undo it to take Ghusl after Janabah?” He (peace be upon him) said, “No, It is enough for you to pour three handfuls of water over your head and then all over yourself. That will purify you.” (Narrated by Muslim). If there are Sidr (lotus jujube: an important source of natural dyes), or Henna (A reddish-orange dyestuff prepared from the dried and ground leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic dye), or similar substances on the woman’s or man’s hair that prevent water from reaching the scalp, it should be removed. However, if these dyes are lightly applied to the hair that they do not prevent water from reaching the scalp, then there is no need to remove them. (Part No. 5; Page No. 321) Scholars have controversial opinions whether a woman should loosen her hair during the Ghusl taken after menstruation ceases or not. However, the most correct opinion is that it is not obligatory for a woman to loosen her hair. This opinion is supported by some versions of the Hadith of Um Salamah reported in Sahih Muslim that she said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): “I am a woman who tightly braids her hair, should I undo it to take Ghusl after Janabah or (completion of) menstruation?” He (peace be upon him) said, “No, it is enough for you to pour three handfuls of water over your head and then all over yourself. That will purify you.” This version is evidence that a woman is not obliged to loosen her hair while taking Ghusl from menstruation or Janabah. Nevertheless, it is better for her to loosen it while performing Ghusl after menstruation as a precautionary procedure to avoid the difference of opinions among the scholars and reconcile the evidence.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.