Yes, you can have beautiful nails AND keep them healthy! Breathable nail polishes let air and water pass through to your nails, stopping them from becoming dry, yellow, or weak. These special polishes are a game-changer for anyone who loves doing their nails but worries about damage. In South Africa, more and more beauty lovers are switching to breathable formulas, and for good reason!
As someone who has tested dozens of nail products over the years and seen what works for our local climate, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned. Let’s get into everything you need to know about breathable nail polishes and which ones are worth your money.
What Exactly Is Breathable Nail Polish?
Think of regular nail polish like putting a plastic bag over your nails. Nothing gets in or out. Breathable nail polish is different – it works more like a cotton t-shirt. Air and water can move through tiny holes in the polish.
This matters because your nails need moisture to stay strong and bendy. When they can’t get water, they become hard and brittle. They can also turn yellow or start peeling.
Breathable polishes use special technology that creates a thin layer with tiny spaces in it. These spaces are too small to see but big enough for water and oxygen to pass through.
Why South African Women Are Loving Breathable Nail Polish
Our beautiful country has some unique weather challenges. In Johannesburg, the dry highveld air can make nails crack. In Durban and Cape Town, humidity changes can affect how polish wears.
Here’s why breathable polish works so well for us:
- Hot summers don’t make the polish lift or bubble as much
- Nails stay hydrated even in dry winter months
- Perfect for women who pray with wudu since water can reach the nails
- Great for healthcare workers who wash hands many times a day
- Ideal for active women who are always on the go
The Best Breathable Nail Polishes You Can Get in South Africa
1. Inglot O2M Breathable Nail Enamel
Price Range: Around R200-R250
Inglot is probably the most famous breathable nail polish in the world. The “O2M” stands for Oxygen and Moisture – exactly what your nails need.
What I love about it:
- Gorgeous colour range (over 100 shades!)
- Lasts about 5-7 days without chipping
- Dries quite fast
- Easy to find at Inglot stores in major malls
The not-so-great:
- A bit pricey for some budgets
- Some darker shades need 2-3 coats
You can find Inglot at Sandton City, Gateway Mall, and the V&A Waterfront.
2. Orly Breathable Treatment + Colour
Price Range: R180-R220
Orly took things a step further. Their Breathable range is a treatment AND a colour in one bottle. This means you can skip the base coat.
What makes it special:
- Contains vitamins and nutrients for nails
- One-step application saves time
- Available at Clicks and some Dis-Chem stores
- Works well on damaged nails
Keep in mind:
- Colour range is smaller than Inglot
- Some shades are quite sheer
3. Essence Gel Nail Colour
Price Range: R50-R70
Looking for something easy on your pocket? Essence is your friend. While not marketed as “breathable,” their thinner formula lets more moisture through than heavy gel polishes.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Super affordable
- Available everywhere (Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay)
- Cute colours that follow trends
- Easy to apply
Be aware:
- Doesn’t last as long (3-4 days)
- You’ll need a good base and top coat
4. 786 Cosmetics Breathable Nail Polish
Price Range: R250-R300
This brand was made with Muslim women in mind but is perfect for anyone wanting halal and vegan beauty. The formula allows water to fully pass through.
The good stuff:
- Certified halal and vegan
- No harsh chemicals
- Beautiful, rich colours
- Long-lasting (up to 10 days with proper care)
Things to consider:
- Harder to find in stores
- Best to order online
- Higher price point
5. Tuesday in Love Nail Polish
Price Range: R200-R280
Another water-permeable option that’s become popular in SA. This Canadian brand ships to South Africa and has built a loyal following.
What stands out:
- Proven water permeability
- Chip-resistant formula
- Lovely pastel and bold colour options
- Cruelty-free
How to Make Your Breathable Polish Last Longer
Even the best polish won’t work magic if you don’t apply it right. Here are my tried-and-tested tips:
Before You Paint
- Clean your nails properly – Use nail polish remover to get rid of any oils, even if you’re not wearing polish
- Push back your cuticles – Don’t cut them, just gently push
- Buff lightly – This helps the polish stick better
- Don’t soak your nails – Water makes them expand, and polish will chip when they shrink back
While Painting
- Use thin coats – Two thin coats beat one thick coat every time
- Cap the tips – Run the brush along the edge of your nail to seal it
- Wait between coats – Give each coat 2-3 minutes to dry
- Don’t shake the bottle – Roll it between your hands instead to avoid bubbles
After Painting
- Wait before doing things – I know it’s hard, but give it 30 minutes
- Apply cuticle oil daily – This keeps everything looking fresh
- Wear gloves for cleaning – Harsh chemicals are the enemy
- Touch up chips – A quick fix is better than a full redo
Signs Your Nails Need a Break (And Breathable Polish Can Help)
How do you know if your current polish is hurting your nails? Look out for these warning signs:
- Yellow staining – Especially under where you wear dark colours
- White spots – Can mean dehydration
- Peeling layers – Your nails are too dry
- Ridges forming – Could be damage to the nail bed
- Breaking easily – Lack of flexibility from no moisture
If you’re seeing these signs, switching to a breathable formula can really help. Give your nails some love!
What About Gel and Acrylic? Can They Be Breathable?
This is a question I get asked a lot. Traditional gels and acrylics are NOT breathable. They create a completely sealed layer over your nail.
However, some salons in South Africa now offer “breathable gel” services. These use special formulas like:
- Bio Sculpture Gel (a South African brand!)
- Gelish with breathable base coats
- IBD Just Gel with added treatments
If you love the gel look but want healthier nails, ask your nail tech about these options. Bio Sculpture is especially easy to find here since it started right here in SA!
Breathable Nail Polish and Your Faith
For Muslim sisters looking for wudu-friendly nail polish, breathable formulas are a blessing. Many brands now test their polishes to prove water can pass through.
Tested and certified options include:
- 786 Cosmetics (shows water absorption tests)
- Tuesday in Love (provides permeability certificates)
- Inglot O2M (independently tested)
Always do your own research and consult with your local imam if you’re unsure. Different scholars have different views on this topic.
DIY Nail Health Tips to Use With Your Breathable Polish
Great nails start before you even open that polish bottle. Here’s what works:
Weekly Nail Care Routine
Sunday Night Pamper:
- Remove old polish with acetone-free remover
- Soak hands in warm water with a little olive oil (5 minutes)
- Gently push back cuticles
- Apply a thick hand cream
- Massage in cuticle oil
During the Week:
- Apply cuticle oil every night before bed
- Use hand cream after washing hands
- Wear gloves when washing dishes
- Keep a nail file handy for snags
Foods That Help Nails Grow Strong
What you eat shows up in your nails! Try adding these to your diet:
- Eggs – Full of protein and biotin
- Spinach and morogo – Iron keeps nails strong
- Avocado – Healthy fats for moisture
- Beans and lentils – Protein on a budget
- Sweet potato – Vitamin A for growth
Where to Buy Breathable Nail Polish in South Africa
Finding these products is easier than you might think:
In-Store Options
- Clicks – Orly, Essence, some Inglot
- Dis-Chem – Orly, Essence, OPI treatments
- Woolworths – Their own brand has gentler formulas
- Inglot Stores – Sandton, Gateway, V&A, Mall of Africa
Online Shopping
- Takealot – Wide range, often on sale
- Superbalist – Trendy brands
- Faithful to Nature – Natural and halal options
- Direct from brands – 786 Cosmetics and Tuesday in Love ship to SA
Salon Brands
Ask your nail salon if they stock:
- Bio Sculpture
- CND Vinylux
- OPI Nature Strong
Common Questions About Breathable Nail Polish
It depends on the brand. Good quality breathable polish like Inglot or Orly can last 5-10 days. Cheaper options might only last 3-4 days. Proper application makes a big difference.
This is a mistake many people make! Regular top coat blocks the breathability. Always use the matching top coat from your breathable polish brand, or skip the top coat completely.
Most breathable polishes are safer than regular ones because they often skip harsh chemicals. Look for polishes labelled “5-free,” “7-free,” or “10-free.” But always check with your doctor if you’re worried.
It won’t fix damage overnight, but it will stop further damage and let your nails heal. Think of it as giving your nails room to breathe and recover.
Many breathable polishes are gentler and better for kids. Brands like Piggy Paint and Suncoat make water-based polishes specifically for children. They’re also easy to peel off – no remover needed!
My Top Picks for Different Needs
Best Overall: Inglot O2M – Great balance of quality, colour choice, and price
Best Budget Option: Essence with a breathable base coat – Affordable and accessible
Best for Faith Requirements: 786 Cosmetics – Tested and certified
Best for Damaged Nails: Orly Breathable – Built-in treatment
Best Local Brand: Bio Sculpture – Made in South Africa, available at salons
Ready to Give Your Nails Some Love?
Switching to breathable nail polish is one of the best things you can do for your nails. You don’t have to choose between beautiful colour and healthy nails – you can have both!
Start with one bottle from any of the brands I’ve mentioned. Notice how your nails feel after a few weeks. I bet you’ll see less peeling, more shine, and stronger nails overall.
Have you tried breathable nail polish before? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop by Salon Journal again for more tips on keeping your nails gorgeous and healthy.
This article was written by Tumelo for Salon Journal, your go-to source for beauty tips and trends in South Africa. All products mentioned have been personally tested or thoroughly researched to bring you honest recommendations.