Gel vs acrylic nails

[wingingitalltheway]

Hi all,
I usually have my nails done quite short - a natural length - but acrylic with gel over the top. The main reason for having the acrylic for me is that it feels very hard and it stops me picking (I have a terrible skin picking habit that can get very sore!). BUT, every single time at least 1 or more falls off! I’m wondering whether I should make the switch to gel. Does anyone have gel and recommend them over acrylic? Are they more durable but still strong?

Gel is just shellac over your own nail so yes would absolutely recommend over acrylics as they wreck your own nail underneath. I find shellac/gel very durable and it lasts 2-3 weeks, would be longer but you start to see the nail regrowth at that point. I think you could damage your nails if you started peeling it off though as part of the nail could come off with it. Can you not wear normal polish?

I always just have short gel and my nails grow so well under it.

I've had acrylic once and it pinged off (and that was 20+ years ago and it must have been an extension)

Anyway there are a few gel type and I prefer the thicker types and don't like the "shellac" type as they felt fragile. I like OPI salon but was to expensive for a regular treat and had mine dowe at a new place (a garden salon! ) and she used blue sky and a non wipe top coat. Lovely and thick and shiny- super pleased for £18

Mine last three weeks usually. If not more. I soak them off myself and buff them, have them off for a few weeks the get them redone.

Your acrylics shouldn't come off like that. I'd change where I had them done.
Gels aren't as hard as acrylics but look good.