Q: I am a Muslim woman and have a permanently damaged toenail due to trauma. Although it is not causing physical problems, the appearance of the nail causes me significant embarrassment and distress and affects my confidence.
I am getting married soon and would like to know whether it is permissible to use a cosmetic toenail reconstruction or similar treatment to restore the appearance of the damaged nail. My intention is not simply beautification, but to conceal and correct a defect that resulted from injury and that causes me considerable emotional distress.
If such a treatment forms a layer over the nail, how would this affect the validity of wudu? Is there any allowance in this situation, or would it need to be removed for wudu?