Is Halal Nail Polish Allowed in Islam?

Contrary to popular belief, nail polish is not haram (impermissible) in Islam. It is, however, oftentimes difficult to get halal nail polish for practicing Muslim women because most regular nail polishes create a water impermeable layer when applied. Blocking water from touching our nails during Wudu halts the Ablution process.

Halal nail polish, unlike regular nail polish, creates a water-permeable layer when applied. The unique breathable nail polish formula it's made with allows water and oxygen to pass through it. This makes it possible for Muslim women to perform Ablution and pray with nail polish.

Is halal nail polish actually halal? It's okay to be skeptical! However, breathable nail polish is simply a long-overdue innovation in technology.

So, how does breathable nail polish work? Chemistry. Breathable nail polish formulas are made with a different molecular structure than traditional polish.

As it was put in an Allure article by Lauren Hubbard: "Traditional nail polish is made up of very neat, tight molecular bonds, like straight lines stacked directly on top of each other. But the molecules that make up water- and air-permeable formulas feature a more staggered structure—like a bricklaying pattern—that allows teeny water and air molecules to slip through the spaces."

Many companies have realized this formula solves a problem and innovated the formula further. Mersi Cosmetics, spent over a year on research and development to ensure we release the most permeable formula on the market. We're constantly working to improve water permeability and performance.

In the video below, we demonstrated the breathability of our nail polish compared to regular nail polish. Using the Alka-Seltzer test. Alka-Seltzer dissolves when it touches water. When covered completely with our water permeable nail polish, it almost immediately begins to dissolve in water. When cover in regular (O.P.I.) nail polish, it does not for a very long time. 

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