Halal Nail Polish- A Game Changer
By: Safa M. Qureshi/Arab America Contributing Writer
As is the case for many observant, Muslim women, manicures have long posed a religious problem. Thus, beauty and fashion brands are increasingly looking for ways to cater to Muslim clientele. In this article, Arab America will go over what is “halal” nail polish as well as provide you with a list of the three, top-rated, halal nail polish companies.
What is Halal Nail Polish?
Let’s start out by going over what the definition of halal is. In Islam, things that are permissible to consume or use are “halal,” while those that are not are labeled “haram” or impermissible. The basic idea is that for Muslims, there are things in this world — particularly products made of pork and consumable alcohol — that are not permissible to use or trade. It’s obvious with food, but it also applies to countless other products, including clothing and even cosmetics and skincare products.
So when we refer to “halal” nail polish, we are talking about breathable nail polish. Halal nail polish is permeable, allowing water and air molecules to pass through. Additionally, nail experts argue this is better for the health of the nails.
It’s also important to note that halal nail polish is vegan-friendly, free of drying alcohol, and in terms of nail polish, it’s completely breathable and water permeable, which means you are never left with dry, flaky, yellow nails. And of course, you don’t have to be Muslim to enjoy the benefits!
Why is it referred to as Halal?
Some Muslim women avoid nail polish because it creates a barrier between their skin and the water during the pre-prayer, washing ritual (الوضوء), meaning that the water will not reach every part of their body, as it is required before prayers. Some Muslim women might put nail polish on after finishing the last prayer of the day before going out, and then take it off again before dawn prayers.
As a result, many Muslim women restrict their manicures to period days when they can’t pray (according to Muslim blogger and scholar Mustafa Umar). However, Muslim women might be embarrassed to wear nail polish, because some find it embarrassing to do so because it could signal that they are menstruating.
The Benefits of Breathable Nail Polish
Combats Waterlogged Nails: One of the goals of Orly’s unique breathable line was to combat waterlogged nails. “Nail cells expand and contract as they absorb and hold moisture, which makes nail polish split, chip, and peel, so we created the Breathable formula to be more permeable than our traditional nail lacquer,” Tal Pink, Vice President of Business Development at ORLY International said.
Healthier For Your Nails: By now you’ve probably heard the recommendation to let your nails “breathe” or take an au natural vacation in between frequent manicures. But by using these water-permeable polishes, your nails have the potential to stay more hydrated and moisturized, even with product on top.
It Dries Faster: Because oxygen can permeate through the polish as it dries, you’re likely to experience a shorter wait time for your nails to dry completely.
It Lasts Longer: Breathable polish just might be more durable than regular polish. How? The oils that build up underneath traditional polishes can cause chips since polish won’t properly bind with oil present. (This is why experts recommend wiping your nails with alcohol prior to painting!) But with breathable polish, your nail’s natural oils can move through, and eventually, off of your nails, which can make your manicure more durable and last longer.
Best Rated Breathable (Halal) Nail Polish Brands
With the invention of porous, breathable, nail varnish that allows molecules of water and oxygen through to the nail, Muslim women now have wudu/الوضوء friendly options. Want healthier nails? Tired of Gel, Shellac, or SNS nail polish? Then it’s time to try some of the best rated “halal” nail polish brands!
- 786 Cosmetics is not only certified by the Kalamazoo Islamic Center (KIC) as being Halal friendly, but it is also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, too. You can safely wear these polishes knowing they contain no toxins like formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, camphor, DBP, xylene, or parabens. Their fabulous, limited edition colors and names for the line are inspired by and pay tribute to, Muslim cities around the world. For example, the Jaipur shade is a fun and flirty pink that takes inspiration from the Indian city, which is famous for its all-pink architecture. Dubai mimics sand glistening in the desert sun, and Marrakech is a bold red, in homage to the “Rose City”.
- Inglot was one of the first cosmetic companies to create a porous polish with its line of O2M Breathable Nail Enamel back in 2013. Company transparency is at the forefront of their business model, with over 95% of its products made in-house in their own facilities to ensure quality ingredients and fair prices. But let’s talk beauty: Inglot has become a favorite of industry professionals, and with good reason: their product lasts for ages, comes in a multitude of shades and textures, and dries quickly. No wonder fashion houses like Kenzo and Broadway productions like The Lion King all keep their products well-stocked in their makeup artists’ toolkits.
- Orly: In 1975 Jeff Pink created a nail style that could be worn by actresses from scene to scene with low maintenance: it was the original French manicure, and the popular style grew into a nail polish company, which continues to be owned by Pink’s family today. All polish options boast breathable color that prevents chipping and peeling. What’s more: their formulas are infused with argan oil, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin C, whilst also being 13-free.
So are you ready to make the switch?
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