Generally, wearing nail polish is considered impermissible (haram) for men in Islam if it is specifically for adornment and beautification in the manner of women.
Here's a breakdown:
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Adornment vs. Necessity: Islamic teachings generally discourage men from imitating women in appearance or behavior. Nail polish, often viewed as a form of female adornment, falls under this category. If the intention behind wearing nail polish is purely for beautification and to resemble women, it is generally considered haram.
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Exceptions: Some scholars may permit it under very specific circumstances where it isn't considered an imitation of women. For example, if a clear, unnoticeable nail strengthener is used to protect damaged nails for a medical reason, and it isn't viewed as adornment, it might be permissible. However, even in such cases, it is advisable to consult with a knowledgeable Islamic scholar.
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Prayer (Salah) Considerations: Traditional nail polish creates a barrier between the nail and water, preventing water from reaching the nail during ablution (wudu), which is required before prayer. Therefore, even if a man were to wear nail polish for a permissible reason, it would invalidate his ablution and render his prayers invalid unless it is removed before performing wudu. Some breathable nail polishes are available, but their permissibility for ablution is a matter of scholarly debate.
In summary, while there may be rare and specific exceptions, the general consensus is that wearing nail polish for adornment is not permissible for men in Islam, primarily due to its association with female beautification and the challenges it presents for performing valid ablution before prayer.
