Despite the overall obsession with gel manicures, which offer a long-lasting coating, they are not always the best choice for Muslim women due to their incompatibility with certain religious practices. However, this doesn’t mean that well-maintained, beautiful nails must be sacrificed. Check out our guide to discover how to keep your nail treatment aligned with your principles while ensuring it remains flawless and stylish. 

One major concern within the Muslim community regarding gel coating and even ordinary nail polish is wudu — a ritual washing performed before the prayers. According to the rules, hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, and feet should be washed with water to maintain spiritual purity. Technically, the artificial nail coating creates a barrier between the nail bed and water, preventing this practice from being completed. 

Another aspect is the nail products’ composition: frequently they contain animal-derived ingredients, alcohol and certain chemicals or are tested on animals which is prohibited by the Islamic faith.

So, how to make a manicure halal? Start with the products. Fortunately, many brands now offer breathable nail polishes that allow water to pass through, are free from non-permissible components, and avoid unethical practices such as animal testing. The safest way to meet these standards is by choosing halal-certified products. 

What if your nail design is cruelty-free and doesn’t contain forbidden components, but still creates a barrier? Make sure to remove it before religious practices involving wudu in a way that does not interfere with the skin’s natural condition or cause harm.

Lifehack: Look around for natural alternatives that are not specifically meant for nails — for example, henna — and embrace your creativity with unique nail art.