Can you get fake nails/shellacs/what ever they're called that look real?

[VivaLeBeaver]

I'm not allowed to wear fake nails at work, wold probably be shot if I did. We have to keep natural nails short.

Now I don't want big talons but I have a terrible, terrible nail biting problem and an sick of my ugly nails. I'm happy to have really short ones, the main thing is there can't be any risk of them falling off.

Is there anything I can have put on my nails to help me?

I think if I just have it done for a couple of months it might help me break the habit.

A Shellac manicure is just your own nails, nothing stuck on. Are you allowed nail varnish? I had mine done on Monday, they look like my own nails only a lovely shape & colour & beautifully shiny :) And I think you'd be hard-pushed to bite through it, it's quite tough! (Not a nick since Monday!)

We have the same job viva and I sometimes have very short, natural acrylics put on.

plus gloves if matrons about

I've just got visions of taking my sterile gloves off and a nail pinging across the room!

Second recommendation for gel polish (Sehllac, Sensationail, Gelish etc.) V hard to bite through!
If you can't have colour just do 2-3 coats of the base/top coat

It has probably been said millions of times but what happens to the real nail? Do they file it down. I have always wanted nice nails but I hate the idea of having anything stuck on or the natural nail ruined.

Thanks

No Merlin, a good salon (or if you DIY) should not file down the natural nail.
Sometimes they will rub over it slightly with the siftest side of a buffer, just to take of any oils for better polish adhesion, but the same effect can be achieved with cleaning the nail with rubbing alcohol or acetone remover.

You also need to make sure you remove correctly, only file off the very top (shiny) layer of polish then use acetone on cotton pads and wrap nails in foil. Should come off in about 15 mins.

Use cuticle oil every couple of days too.
hth

siftest? obviously I mean softest! doh....

I used to work in a similar environment (midwife) and have very short acrylic nails. Just choose the most natural looking tips and the clear coat. anything white tipped and pink acrylic/uv gel will look fake, but short and natural shades you will get away with.
If done in a reputable salon, they should not ping off even after wearing gloves. You will need to visit the salon every two weeks or so for infills, especially if you want to keep them looking natural.