BIAB nails - is this normal?

[Needtosoundoffandbreathe]

I treated myself to BIAB nails a few weeks ago as I'd had a couple of nails break and fancied it. I removed the BIAB myself recently, carefully soaking in an acetone based remover and then gently scraping it off after watching a few online tutorials.

My nails are now not in great condition and one has broken since removing the polish. It split at the side of the quick and was one of the ones that had broken shortly before I had them done. The other previously broken one is now going the same way. A couple of other nails look to have partially detached from the nail bed below the tips as though the BIAB held them rigid so there was no natural give in them, if that makes sense.

Is this normal?! I liked the way the BIAB looked but honestly this seems to have been no better than acrylic nails which I tried once and vowed never to have again.

That makes sense. It takes about that long for your nails to fully grow out after damage.

What's 'lifting'?

I think it depends where you go. I get BIAB every 3 weeks, and I've never had a break or lifting. They don't use the electric files, and when I've grown out the BIAB on a few occasions, the nail beneath has been perfectly healthy and strong. I go to a proper salon where the tech takes her time. I also use my hands a lot - horses, dogs, fencing, kids, general housework, and never had so much as a snap!

On the other hand, I've been to a cheap nail bar twice and both times had my nails destroyed. Unsanitary and electric files drilling down to my nail beds. All lifted within two weeks, plus thick and clunky looking. My salon keeps them natural looking and healthy, same with the friends who recommended them. You've got to shop around a bit for a decent place, in my experience.