Cracked nail a chatzitzah? - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Cracked nail a chatzitzah?

August 3, 2014

Question

I cut my finger this week, including the nail. The cut in the nail will take weeks–months to grow out. Is any part of the nail now a chatzitza? I am keeping it covered with nail polish to prevent any further cracking. Should I remove the nail polish the next time I need to prepare for mikvah?

Answer

Thank you for reaching out to us. We are sorry to hear of your injury.

As long as the nail is not hanging off and/or about to fall off, it is not considered a chatzitzah. If it is hanging off, you should gently and carefully cut off as much of the hanging nail as possible without injuring yourself.

If removing the nail polish would be difficult or painful, or if you are concerned that the nail could crack further if you remove the polish briefly to immerse, you may immerse with the nail polish in place. Otherwise, it would be preferable to remove it.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

Refuah sheleimah!

This response was updated on 3 November, 2025.