What does water-permeable mean? It means that our nail polishes have a special formula which allows water and oxygen particles to pass through. The difference between traditional nail polishes is in the way the molecules are arranged. Traditionally, the molecules were packed together very tightly leaving no room for any particles on a molecular level to pass through. However, with breathable nail polishes, it is formulated with loosely packed molecules scientifically proving that water and oxygen polishes can pass through the polish and reach your nails.
How do we know if your polishes are really water-permeable? Our nail polish formula went through rigorous testing. You may find this reportfrom a third-party laboratory proving 95% water-permeability results. Here is a summary of the test conducted: Nail polish is painted onto filter paper and a hygrometer (an instrument that measures water content in the atmosphere) is placed below the paper. Water is then rubbed onto the surface of the polish while the water level is measured on the other side of the filter with the hygrometer. The results: for both the 1 coat and the 2 coat experiments water level in the atmosphere increased to 95%, proving water permeability.
Do you have any tips on water-permeability? Refrain from using more than 2 coats of nail polish. Ensure that each coat you apply is a light and thin layer. When taking your ablution, be sure to rub your nails thoroughly. The longer you wash your hands the more water can pass through, we recommend 30 seconds for each nail to be completely sure. As a precaution, if you have painted more than 2 layers of polish we highly recommend for you to remove your polish before ablution. With our convenient, on-the-go remover you can remove your polish without carrying any cotton wool with you. You can find it here: https://www.zahara.com/products/halal-nail-polish-remover
Is your nail polish formula halal? Yes, our polishes are halal meaning it was processed/made without the use of alcohol and include only halal-certified ingredients. You may view our halal certificate here.
You nail polish ingredient contain alcohol. Is it still halal? On this issue, we refer to Fatwa #12532 from Shaykh (Mufti) Ebrahim Desai. “If alcohol is derived from grapes or dates, it will be haram and impure. If it is from anything else besides dates and grapes and it does not intoxicate directly or through a mixture, then it is permissible.” Zahara nail polish contains isopropyl alcohol, diacetone alcohol and n-butyl alcohol. These are not alcohols like drinking alcohols, it is a chemical alcohol that is not derived from grapes or dates and does not cause intoxication. These alcohols are different from ethanol, the alcohol found in beverages like beer, wine and liquors. In Chemistry, alcohol is a general term for any organic compound in which a hydroxyl group (-OH) is bound to a carbon atom, which is bound to other hydrogen and/or carbon atoms. There is no Islamic legislation against alcohols as a chemical group but instead prohibits intoxicants. The ‘alcohols’ present in Zahara nail polish are purely chemical solvents and are in no way intoxifying. You can read more about this at http://en.islamtoday.net/node/648 and http://www.ummahnews.co.uk/article.php?id=86
I'm unsure of using your nail polishes. At Zahara, we believe that beauty should be embraced on your own terms. That being said, we will never try to force our products on anyone and we firmly believe women should be comfortable with the products they use. In other words, we have already done the research, testings and hard-work of ensuring our products are safe to use and accessible for people of all backgrounds and needs. It should be your own personal discretion on whether you choose to use our products. In the least, you can consider removing any polish before your prayer rituals. Here is a great on-the-go solution: https://www.zahara.com/products/halal-nail-polish-remover
