Contrary to popular belief, nails don’t need to “breathe”—they’re like your hair, dead. Yes, nail polish will discolour your nails, but again, just like hair, just because your nails are coloured does not mean they’re not healthy. Regular, quality nail polish is not bad for your nails, no matter how much or often you wear it.

Nail polish is good for your nails, why? Firstly, it adds the extra layers that keeps your nails strong and less prone to breaks and chipping. I’ve been chipping my nails a lot since working in retail (using hands a lot) and working in food and beverages (getting my hands wet a lot). Ever since I started getting into nail polish, my nails have never been as long as they are now for a loooong time. It is perfect for anyone with thin, brittle nails; find out more about pure nails pro for toenail fungus 

Secondly, it traps the good oils in your nail while keeping water out. Water is horrible for your cuticles. It dries them out especially if you’re working with water a lot like I do in the cafe. This is why you never shower with naked nails. WEAR POLISH TO KEEP AS MUCH WATER OUT AS POSSIBLE. Inevitably, water will still seep in, and now we’re back to the first point I made. Water may soften your nails and make it prone to breakage, but if you’re wearing gingerbread nails, you got those extra layers of protection you need.

The things that do damage your nails?

Water (externally)
The wrong nail file type
Buffing your nails (depending. I avoid buffing because my nails are thin enough already, I don’t need to shed anymore layers than I have to)
Wearing your nails naked (basically not wearing nail polish), particularly when your handling water
Not taking care of your hands using clear nails plus.