talk to me about nails

[qazxc]

I have short and stubby fingers. So I do like a bit of length on my nails, sadly my nails tend to split or break quite easily.
I was thinking of trying acrylic or gel nails, can anyone talk to me about pros and cons. How practical/hardy are they?
What about nail art/shellac/ polish. Looking for some inspiration.

I bite my nails, always have. So I have LCN gels, and infills every 2 weeks. I love that my nails always look 'done' and I don't have to bother with them.

I have them fairly short, neutral colour and 'squoval'.

Thank you, I have tried a variety of polishes, oils a d creams to strengthen my nails but so far nothing has worked.
I also work in a customer fronting role so the idea of getting them "done" and lasting for a fortnight is appealing. I'm just wondering how hardy they are.

For the last two to three weeks I have been using Sally Hansen, I think it is called double base. Historically I am a nail biter, and have used acrylics and gels in the past. These both ruined my nails. I have used a lot of nail products over the years, but for me, the SH has been a game changer. I use it as a base and top coat and it has strengthened my nails very well. Photo is my nails as of now. I have SH base and top coat and two coats of Essie Madamoiselle.

Anything you stick onto your nails will damage them. UV curing is particularly bad; if it sunburns us and contributes to skin cancer, it sure as shit isn't good for your nails!

Do you take a vitamin? Zinc and vitamin E are good for skin and nail health. I used to bite relentlessly and stopped myself. I've strengthened my nails up by using a Sally Hansen Maximum Strength, and cream, don't let them soak I.e. wear washing up gloves or gardening gloves for jobs.

I've had acrylic on my nails since 1999 and only took them off to have a c section. Nothing untoward has happened to my nails except they are thin underneath as they have not been exposed to the air. But they aren't discoloured, they still grow etc. I don't see what the problem is really.

Yeah, I've had gel nails since 2004 but took them off this Summer because I had an injury and didn't want anyone messing.

My nails are fine. I thought they might be hideous but they're just the same since the last time I saw them in their natural glory!

I had my first Shellac 10 days ago before my holiday, always do my own nails but wanted a professional job for maintenance. I like a short sqoval shape, I loathe a long nail.

It's been fab but I'm bored with the colour now.

I do CND nails (qualified a few years ago while I did my PGCE) and love shellac. It genuinely can be good for nails if it's done correctly. I do MIL's nails and a few friends and none of them has anything but healthy, lovely nails underneath.