Question:
Yep, i will agree on the base and top coat factor. If you get a good quality one, and good quality nail polish it shouldn't chip off too easily.
And btw - acrylics/gels dont ruin your nails! Yes, they make them a bit thinner and more brittle when you get them taken off, but your nails always grow the same way - as soon as they start to grow, they will go back to normal. You just need to be patient for a few weeks and apply a nice nourishing nail treatment while you wait.


Answer:
Originally Posted by Cutie Pie Yep, i will agree on the base and top coat factor. If you get a good quality one, and good quality nail polish it shouldn't chip off too easily.
And btw - acrylics/gels dont ruin your nails! Yes, they make them a bit thinner and more brittle when you get them taken off, but your nails always grow the same way - as soon as they start to grow, they will go back to normal. You just need to be patient for a few weeks and apply a nice nourishing nail treatment while you wait.
I blame acrylics for my nails being so sh|t for ages.. even after that actual nail had 'grown out' (I get what you mean).. it was months and months before they got to be strong and healthy again. I had acrylics for so long though.

Answer:
I've had acrylics on and off for years. I usually only get them done for special occasions then take them off.
I found that sometimes when they were doing my infills the little sand drilly thing would burn my skin and the pain was excrutiating!
Also, yes they get caught in your hair, knocking them hurts too and it was also very painful having them taken off!
Each to their own I guess, I would still recommend getting them done so at least you have had the experience then it is up to you if you want to keep them or ditch them. You wont be forever wondering!

Answer:
Gels look great for about a week or 2 for me and then the growth of my nail near the cuticle gets very noticable. I hardly have time to keep going to the nail place to get refills too. Nothing wrong with giving them a go though! I love it when I have a new set put on
I have to ask the girls who have had gels though - with mine they turned an off white yellowy shade. This happens after about a week the lady who does mine said it's my moisturiser but it isn't. Am I the only one that has this happen?

Answer:
Thanks everyone for the advice
I guess I'll just stick with my own nails and look into getting a better base and top coat, have been using the Jessica brand, but will invest in either creative or OPI.
Thanks again

Answer:
Originally Posted by aligirl Gels look great for about a week or 2 for me and then the growth of my nail near the cuticle gets very noticable. I hardly have time to keep going to the nail place to get refills too. Nothing wrong with giving them a go though! I love it when I have a new set put on
I have to ask the girls who have had gels though - with mine they turned an off white yellowy shade. This happens after about a week the lady who does mine said it's my moisturiser but it isn't. Am I the only one that has this happen? I always assumed it was the solarium or the smoking that did this to mine