Dyeing nails

Can a woman dye her nails (with henna or varnish) and apply henna patterns to her hands?

It is advisable for a married woman (sunna) to completely dye her hands and feet with henna, unless her husband forbids her to do so. But for the unmarried to do this is undesirable (karahat).

Regarding the application of patterns and colouring to the fingertips (including the application of varnish to the nails), it is forbidden (haram) for the unmarried. However, for a married woman it is permissible, even without asking permission from the husband, unless the colour is black and the husband does not prohibit it. Dyeing with black color is permissible only with the permission of her husband.

Notes:

1. It must be remembered that before each full and minor ablution, nail polish must be removed, as it is an insulator.

2. A woman, whether she is married or unmarried, is forbidden to go outside with henna decorated hands or with nail polish for display to men who are outsiders.

Argumentation:

“It is advisable for a married woman to completely dye her hands and feet with henna (unless her husband forbids it), since beautification for the sake of her husband’s satisfaction is encouraged by religion.”

“It is undesirable for a single woman to dye her hands and feet with henna.”

“Dyeing fingertips (and applying patterns) with henna (not black) is permitted without the permission of the husband (unless he forbids it).”

“Applying patterns and dyeing fingertips for a married woman is not desirable and dyeing with black without the permission of her husband is completely prohibited. (An unmarried woman cannot dye even with non black colour).”

Source: Nihayat al Muhtaj, vol. 2, p. 25; Hashiya al Shabramallisi, vol. 2, p. 25.