Yes, nails can grow with nail polish on.
Nail growth originates from the nail matrix, which is located beneath the skin at the base of your nail. The nail you see is already composed of dead cells, primarily keratin. Applying nail polish to these dead cells doesn't affect the living cells in the matrix responsible for nail growth. Think of it like painting your hair – the paint doesn't stop your hair from growing at the roots.
Here's a breakdown:
- Nail Structure: The visible part of the nail is dead tissue.
- Growth Center: Nail growth happens in the nail matrix under the skin.
- Polish Impact: Nail polish sits on the dead tissue and doesn't affect the living tissue in the matrix.
Therefore, the presence or absence of nail polish has no impact on the physiological process of nail growth. What can affect nail growth are factors like nutrition, overall health, and any trauma or damage to the nail matrix itself.
