Is there a way to have gel nails that won't wreck my fingernails?

[balzamico]

I have my toes gelled at a local place but have had to accept that my fingernails can't hack it.
Although they're reasonably strong normally they seem to get really damaged by gels. I ended up having to grow the whole nail out after the last twice - you could see where the gels had been as the nail was flaky.
Nonetheless I'd love to have them done occasionally- would be it better at a different salon? Is there a way of protecting my nails before the gels are applied?

I can’t help, but will bump as I’m interested in the answer! I have really long, strong nails naturally, but I’m the same - one gel application and they’re buggered for 6 months.

Yes, there is. Let me try and remember the name for you!

So I think it's called builder gel, although I'm not 100% correct.

I used to get it applied under neath the gel polish

Could be the removal, rather than the application. When I went to a salon which removed the gel with electric files, my nails were wrecked for 6 months.

There is something called Gel bottle- builder in a bottle. This doesn't get soaked off, it gets filed down to near the nail then another coat and infill put on. It's the soaking that wrecks the nails, so this doesn't unless you want to stop in which case it gets soaked off. I use it and have it redone once a month. There are a few colours, mainly neutrals but you can put a colour over it.
The pro gel company do one similar, but I find I get more wear from the builder gel

@Lovetoridemybicycle

There is something called Gel bottle- builder in a bottle. This doesn't get soaked off, it gets filed down to near the nail then another coat and infill put on. It's the soaking that wrecks the nails, so this doesn't unless you want to stop in which case it gets soaked off. I use it and have it redone once a month. There are a few colours, mainly neutrals but you can put a colour over it. The pro gel company do one similar, but I find I get more wear from the builder gel

This is exactly what I meant! You've described it far better than me

I do my own and dont rough up my nails before applying the gel. When I want to remove I just soak in water and peel off.

@Notsandwiches

I do my own and dont rough up my nails before applying the gel. When I want to remove I just soak in water and peel off.

I do this as well.

They don’t last as long as they’re not quite so bonded to the nail but they last long enough for me - I hate visible re-growth so was going to the nail salon every 10 days before I bought my own kit.

My nails are now really strong and have zero damage.

In had BIAB nails done yesterday.

My nails don’t really grow much and tend to break. I can’t be doing with extensions and all the maintenance work involved. These should last 3-4 weeks then I can get them removed or get them infilled which should last another 3- 4 weeks. By then I should have a nice bit of length and hopefully my natural nail won’t be damaged.

Builder gel for strength and protection, and if you want them removed, gently file off by hand. I have them done all the time and no damage :)