Nail trends are always evolving, bringing new innovations to enhance the nail styling experience. From breathable nail polish to decorating nails with rhinestones, these trends focus on longevity and creativity in nail art. 

One such trend is gel manicures. But many Muslim women wonder: Is gel nail polish really halal?

Gel nail polish was invented as a solution to chipping and a way to achieve long-lasting manicures. However, there's skepticism about its halal status and its impact on ablution. Are you curious about the status of gel nail polish and whether it’s suitable for Muslim women?

Let’s dive into the answers to your questions.

What Is Gel Nail Polish?

Gel nail polish is a type of nail paint that hardens only under UV or LED light. Unlike traditional polish, it doesn’t dry on its own. This feature gives you ample time to perfect your manicure without worrying about it drying too soon. When you’re satisfied, the gel polish is cured under UV light, forming a solid layer that won’t smudge.

The curing process relies on acrylic monomers and oligomers bonding together. This results in a durable, chemical-resistant coating. While regular nail polish starts to chip after a week, gel polish lasts up to 2-3 weeks with proper care. However, removal can be tedious—you’ll need to soak your nails in acetone to remove the gel.

Why Was Gel Polish Needed?

When gel nail polish was invented, it was meant to fix the problems users faced with regular nail polish. Traditional polishes, which need air drying, often smudge or chip after just a few days. Consumers wanted a solution that was faster, more durable, and smudge-free.

With gel polish, you don’t have to sit around waiting for your nails to dry, as it hardens in seconds under UV light. 

The result? 

A flawless, long-lasting manicure. 

But the question remains: can gel nail polish dry on its own? 

No, it needs UV light to cure. That’s why gel nail polish is seen as a modern miracle for those who seek a durable, smudge-free option.

Pros and Cons of Gel Polish

The popularity of gel nail polish stems from its unique features. Gel polish is made of stronger ingredients that adhere to the nail more firmly than regular polish. While traditional polish can air dry, gel polish requires UV or LED light to harden. But can you put regular nail polish over gel? Yes, but there are caveats, such as needing a proper top coat for lasting results.

However, UV exposure comes with risks. While brief, repeated exposure to UV light may contribute to skin damage over time. The removal process for gel is more complex, often requiring an acetone soak. For those who prefer frequent changes, this can be cumbersome.

If your nails are brittle or thin, the process of removing gel polish may weaken them further. In such cases, it’s advisable to alternate between halal and breathable nail polish. This allows your nails to "breathe" between manicures.

Is Gel Nail Polish Halal?

 

In the beauty world, “halal” means products free from prohibited ingredients like alcohol or animal derivatives. The curing process for gel polish forms a strong, impermeable layer over the nail. This means water cannot reach the nail, making it unsuitable for performing ablution. However, the ingredients in many gel polishes may still be halal if they don’t contain haram substances like animal by-products.

The issue arises with ablution, as water needs to reach the nails for it to be valid. So while gel nail polish may contain permissible ingredients, its impermeability to water makes it unsuitable for prayer.

What is Halal Nail Polish?

Halal nail polish is a type of nail polish that allows oxygen and water to permeate its coating. Halal nail polish is made up of ingredients that are permissible for Muslims to use. Halal nail polishes are water and oxygen-permeable. Muslims need water to reach their cuticles when performing ablution; hence the need for halal nail polish arises.

Often, the ingredients of traditional nail polishes go unchecked, and the dyes contain all sorts of animal-based products. Halal nail polishes ensure that the ingredients used in your polish are clean and not derived from anything prohibited in Islam.

You can better understand halal nail polish with the example of contact lenses. They allow oxygen to pass through them so your eyes remain hydrated. The same is the case with halal nail polish. 

The reason why it is called halal is that it enables Muslim women to offer daily prayers. On the other hand, traditional nail polishes create a barrier between Muslim women and prayers. 

• Halal Nail polish is good for your nails as it allows oxygen to reach your nails. While your nails don't need oxygen to breathe, oxygen helps keep them shiny and prevents them from being brittle or getting infected.

• Many people prefer halal polish over gel manicures for several reasons, like the convenience of being able to do them at home and the ease of taking them off by using minimal acetone.

• The easy removal of polish also encourages people to be more creative with their designs without having to think about their long exposure to UV lamps and acetone.

How Is Gel Polish Different From Breathable Nail Polish?

While both gel and breathable polishes give a polished look, they have key differences. 

Can gel nail polish dry on its own? No—it requires UV or LED light to cure, unlike breathable polish, which air dries. The removal process is also different: while breathable polish can be removed with a cotton pad and acetone, gel polish requires soaking in acetone for several minutes.

Breathable nail polish is often preferred for its ease of use at home and its permeability to water. Can you apply regular nail polish over gel? Yes, but it won’t be water-permeable, making it unsuitable for prayer unless removed beforehand.

Key Takeaways

Gel polish offers a smudge-free, long-lasting manicure through UV curing. While gel nail polish may have permissible ingredients, it’s not water-permeable, making it difficult for Muslim women who pray five times a day. A great alternative for them is breathable nail polish, which allows water to reach the nails during ablution.

Many women wonder, what happens if you put regular nail polish over gel? You can, but it may require extra maintenance. And while gel nail polish was invented to solve issues with regular polish, it’s important to remember that it cannot replace breathable options for those observing Islamic practices.

​​Ready to try a manicure that aligns with your values? Explore Mersi Cosmetics’  range of halal, breathable nail polishes and elevate your  nail care routine with confidence. Shop now for long-lasting, vibrant colors made just for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is shellac halal?

Shellac is made from resin derived from insects, making it unsuitable for halal use. Be sure to check the ingredients before use.

2. Can you put regular nail polish over gel?

Yes, you can use regular nail polish over gel, but it’s best to apply a top coat for protection. Can you paint regular nail polish over gel? Absolutely, just ensure you let it dry completely before using a top coat.

3. Can gel nail polish dry on its own?

No, gel nail polish must be cured under a UV or LED light. Without this, it remains liquid and won’t harden.

4. Can you let gel nail polish air dry?

No, gel nail polish cannot air dry. It requires a UV or LED light to fully cure and harden.

5. Can you paint nail polish over gel?

Yes, you can paint regular nail polish over gel, allowing for a quick color change without removing the base.