Hair Gel as a Barrier to Wudu Wiping — Jurisprudential Answers — Miscellaneous Issues, Vol. 3

Ahmed al-Hasan Response:

Any substance that has a visible physical layer after it is applied—meaning that it remains apparent and covers an area of the body, like wax—is considered a barrier that prevents water from reaching the body, or the hair if it is placed on it. Usually, however, when something is applied to the hair it does not cover all of it, and uncovered areas remain on the hair and scalp to which water can be delivered; this is sufficient when wiping the head in wudu. As for the particular substance you are asking about, gel, you should determine whether the product you use has a physical layer or whether the body absorbs it so that it does not form a covering over the hair and scalp. If it is absorbed, it is not considered a barrier. If it remains as a layer covering the hair and skin, then as long as some areas of the hair or scalp remain uncovered, even if scattered, it is sufficient for water to reach those areas when wiping in wudu. But if it forms a barrier that covers all the hair and scalp, the barrier must be removed so that the wiping can be accomplished.