Many people ask if Muslim women can wear artificial nails. There are many different dimensions to this question. When we look at the teachings of other scholars, there is no one straight answer. However, according to scholars, it is not illegal for women to wear artificial nails if summed up in a few words. However, artificial nails are not recommended. They can’t perform martial arts, which prevents them from praying. But if you can do that between prayer times, there’s no problem doing what you love the most!

Rulings on such practices

Many accounts suggest that it is not an admirable thing for anyone to adapt to the practices of other non-Muslim tribes.

Thus, one can draw a correlation from this narrative and understand why Muslim women shouldn’t wear artificial nails. Wearing fake nails and hair extensions is not taboo, but the best thing to do is avoid using them for obvious reasons in such a narrative.

Ultimately, the use of nail polish or artificial nails is a personal decision. If it makes you feel good, there’s no reason to hold back. Just remember to strike a balance between your religious beliefs and fashion, ensuring that one doesn’t overshadow the other.

When is it “not allowed”?

One of the main reasons why the use of acrylic nails or artificial nails is discouraged is the application process. For instance, acrylic nails are applied to your original nails using UV lamps and other products. This means that your original nail cuticles will have an extra layer of product. Additionally, the artificial nails are often painted with nail polish, adding another layer of substance to your nails.

Why is this important? When you put so much substance on your nails, you can’t perform martial arts, and it can damage your nails. Painting your nails is not explicitly forbidden, but not being able to pray is a sin. Some of you may be wondering if you can use these pegs between Namas time. It’s allowed, so go ahead!

However, some people may feel this is a waste of time and money, as your fake nails take about an hour to get the perfect manicure. You can’t spend that much time praying three or four times daily.

Are artificial nails harmful?

Nails themselves are harmless. What is harmful is the procedure involved. Wearing artificial nails consists of using different chemicals and toxic substances. When you put them on, touch them up, or take them off, you use chemicals on your nails. These substances can damage the outer layer of the nail, leading to nail fungus and other infections.

So, one sure way is to be careful about your chemicals. Also, whenever you touch up your makeup or manicure, ensure you know what substances you use on your hands and whether they’re safe.

When is it okay to wear artificial nails?

Now, we know that most of you are probably sad because many people find these nails beautiful and appreciate them. So, here are some situations where you can wear artificial nails:

During menstruation, you may not pray or fast. Therefore, you will not be guilty of any sin of missing prayer. So, put them on during your period and take them off when you start praying again. But if you have an event or wedding to attend, you can also use them at that time and then take them off and go about your daily life.

Another way to get color on your nails without worrying about anything is to use water-permitted nail polish. There’s permeable nail polish and acrylic nails—they let water in when you perform martial arts. In this case, your martial arts will be effective, and you will not miss any prayers. You can also apply breathable nail polish on these nails, which is called halal nail polish because it does not prevent water from entering your body.

When discussing fake nails and hair extensions, many Islamic scholars allow people to wear fake nails and hair extensions. However, when you die, your acrylic nails and extensions must be removed because they prevent water from reaching your body. In some cases, people may be unable to remove acrylic nails from your body, which would be inappropriate because your stomach is incomplete.

You can do it if you have faith in yourself and can find the right balance between praying and hammering. They look great, and there’s no doubt you’ll look great in them, too.

Take Away

When we look at the Qur or the narrative, there is nothing specific about fake nails or wigs, mainly because these things were not common among people at the time. However, if you want them, you can compensate yourself by wearing breathable nail polish. Muslim scholars consider them halal because they do not prevent water from entering your body. You can use artificial nails in between church services.

So, above all, it’s a personal choice for each individual. If you want to do it, do it. No one will stop you – but try to find alternatives such as breathable nail polish that allows you to pray and perform wudu while you paint your nails. So, you don’t have to omit everything; learn to organize your life according to Islam.