Help me- clueless about nails!

[rachll]

My nails usually grow quickly and are strong so I've never in my life had my nails done!

However, I've broken loads of nails this week and have a special occasion coming up next week. So thinking of going somewhere to get my nails done- but I'm clueless! What do I ask for? If I want my broken nails made longer, do I need gel? Acrylic? And what is BIAB?

I'd like something natural and not too long (pic attached for reference). And I don't want it to ruin my natural nails underneath. HELP!!!

gel/shellac would suffice for this, or builder gel (biab) if they are in serious need of added strength. nothing will damage your natural nails, go somewhere reputable and they will be applied and removed correctly. its when they're not that your nail plate is damaged.

Thanks @IggySlave - would gel be able to build my broken nails up to a decent length (they've broken right down below my fingertip!)

Anyone? I need help!!!

I think with anything you do to your nails - covering them up with poilsh and chemicals is harmful in the long run, but temporarily is helpful and allows your own nails to grow. Just don't do it all of the time.

You need builder gel for this, it's amazing

I found acrylics brutal on your nails after it was removed. I tried BIAB recently and loved it when it was on. It’s now off and I think it’s left my nails thin and brittle. I have bought OPI Nail Envy today to try and strengthen them up again. I have used elegant touch glue on nails before for occasions when I have had a few broken nails and think they did less damage.

Looks like BIAB gel it is then!

Do I then need to go back to the salon to have it removed? (Think I'm just about getting my head around it all! )

There is nothing detrimental about having your nails covered, your nails are made of keratin similarly to your hair and is not living tissue. Any degradation of your nails is down solely to the application or (mostly) removal methods used.

I'm a former nail tech and have worn gel polish continuously for 10 years and my nails are as healthy as they ever have been. Before that I wore acrylics. Pick you salon carefully, use cuticle oil and don't pick!

I’d go to a reputable salon and have shellac. Some salons will say it’s all gel, however, shellac is a hybrid and whilst it doesn’t last as long as h (say up to 2 weeks rather than up to 3 weeks) it comes off easier and leaves your nails in better condition.
once they’ve pushed your cuticles down maybe your nails won’t be to far off the picture. buy some cnd solar oil or better cnd rescue rxx to rub into your cuticles, available on Amazon.

to take off you can do it in the salon but stay clear of people who use drills. You can soak off yourself at home acetone in a bowl (stay away from wooden tables!) or you can buy a kit on Amazon with pre cut bits of foil and cotton pad to give a similar experience to the salon.

I believe BIAB is builder gel I’ve had builder gel a couple of times and not convinced it made my nails any better it’s like gel polish but thicker.

if you really want length added for next week I think you can only achieve it with acrylics (or stick on nails?!) but I may be mistaken.

I'd just go to a good salon and tell them what the problem is. They can then advise what type of nail treatment would be best. Then book yourself in

Just get a set of stick on nails if you want to add length. Gel can't add length and acrylic will really mess up your natural nails