Nail Polish and Removers
Allowed in cabin up to 100ml and in checked bags up to 0.5L per container.
Nail polish and removers are flammable liquids. Carry up to 100ml in cabin (inside the liquids pouch) and up to 0.5L per container in checked baggage, with lids taped and bottles cushioned.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ When it's allowed
- •Carry pre-soaked remover pads—they stay sealed and smell less.
- •Keep receipts for expensive gel kits in case customs queries value.
- •Let polish dry fully before heading to the airport; wet polish triggers smell complaints.
🚫 When it's NOT allowed
- •Don’t attempt manicures in the gate area—fumes bother other travellers.
- •Don’t travel with acetone in unlabelled bottles; officers need to know what the liquid is.
- •Avoid packing glass remover bottles against metal tools; turbulence can smash them.
Metal manicure tools, UV lamps, and nail drills add another layer: any bladed cuticle tool must be checked in, and UV/LED lamps should stay in their original foam packaging to avoid cracked bulbs.
Nail product allowances
| Product | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Nail polish (15ml) | ✅ In liquids pouch | ✅ |
| Acetone remover 300ml | ❌ | ✅ Up to 0.5L per container |
| Metal cuticle nippers | ❌ | ✅ |
Frequently asked questions
Are non-acetone removers less restricted?+
Can I carry nail glue?+
What about acrylic powder?+
Related guides
Related rules
Perfume / Deodorant
Cabin limit 100ml per bottle inside a 1L clear bag. Larger bottles go in checked baggage.
Sanitizer allowance
Cabin limit 100ml per container, same as any other liquid — the 350ml pandemic-era allowance ended. Checked baggage allows larger bottles if sealed.
Shampoo & lotions
Treat as liquids/gels. Cabin limit 100ml per container inside the 1L bag.
Makeup kit
Liquid or gel-based makeup counts toward the 100ml rule; compact powders are exempt.
Liquid bottles >100ml
Liquids above 100ml per container are banned from cabin unless exempt (baby food/medicines).
Hair oil / ghee
Counts as liquid/gel. Cabin up to 100ml; checked baggage allowed with leak-proof packing.
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.