This month popular nail-polish brand Orly will be launching a variety of “breathable” nail polishes that are considered halal, permissible for observant Muslims.
A bit of background. Prior to the creation of this new nail polish, devout Muslims were not allowed to wear nail polish because it interferes with wudu or ablution — the Islamic ritual of washing parts of the body before prayer. “If something is blocking [your nails], that is not acceptable,” says Habib Ghanim, president of USA Halal Chamber of Commerce. “When wudu is performed, water has to touch every part of your body. If you have nail polish on that is non-porous, that is not considered halal.”
This new halal nail polish is said to have similar technology with that of a contact lens, allowing oxygen and hydration to pass through. Since water is able to breach the polish and reach the nail bed, Muslims can perform the duties of their faith while looking a bit fabulous.
