Gel nail overlays question

[Jemster]

I'm trying to grow my nails and am doing well. First I had extensions but these were too long so I had gel put over my natural nails to let them grow and protect them.
I thought the gel would be very hard, almost like the feel of the extensions but it is not at all, it's quite soft. It feels like I'm just wearing thick nail varnish. I can feel my nails bending under it and I think I could easily still bite or break them. Also at £40.00 a time ( they dont do infills!)
I'm looking for something much harder.
Is there anything else I could try? What should I ask for?

Thanks

Gel will not make your nails stronger - it is just like a layer of polish. For stronger nails you want either an acrylic overlay (just over your natural nail, not extending beyond it) or if you also want colour you could go for something like Shellac's new Brisa Lite or Gelish structure gel then a gel colour on top.

All of these have to be applied professionally, obviously, so are not cheap!

Ok thank you. I didn't realise gel was just like polish, seems very expensive just for that! I think I might be better with acrylic overlays as my nails are so soft I'm worried I'm going to ruin them and the gel is starting to peel off in places.