Nails advice needed.

Sorry for not coming back, you must think me terribly rude, thank you for the responses.

ga no, that is NOT me, I would never let my ash get that long, I am a very tidy smoker! (My ex husband used to drive me mad, lighting a cigarette, letting the ash get really long and only asking for an ashtray).

Ana eeeekkkkk! how on earth does she............. oh, never mind, I'm sure you must have all had similar thoughts!

Many years ago I had nail extensions, which I loved, but they were expensive and when I gave up on them my nails were paper thin underneath, but I have taken on board what has been said about the gel nails being different. Unfortunately I really don't think I can justify the cost of having them done at present, but definitely something to bear in mind.

I have been wondering if there might be some sort of dietary supplement that might work? I might be lacking in something?

So that's where the newspapers get the photos to match their articles from....

No, no LIKE THESE!
(This IS you isn't it phoenix?)

Like these?

scary nails

I've got pretty good nails, could never be bothered with polish but a Shellac or gel manicure is amazing. It dries instantly and really doesn't chip. Mine needs removing now after approx 3 weeks - still immaculate but the growth from the bottom (whatever the technical term is for where the nail comes out of!) is visible. It doesn't seem to weaken the nail, the reverse I'd say. I can't be doing with long nails but even short ones look good. You'd look mysterious with dark red ones Phoenix, curling round your cigarette

The gel was actually a shinier finish and there was a bigger choice of colours, also my nails were buffed before application of the 'geleration' polish, but really there didn't seem much to choose between them. They were both the same price and both hardwearing.

What is the difference between them ga?

Phoenix you've accurately described my own nails and like gracesmum I recently had both a shellac manicure and a gel manicure; they each produced amazing results, in that my nails looked beautiful for a full two to three weeks, and when the polish was removed (I should warn you that THAT is a right palaver) my own nails were in the best condition I've ever had them. The major downside of course is that they're not cheap.

My nails have been behaving like yours phoenix for the last 2 years and even Nail Envy and the Leighton Denny equivalent did no good, so I "treated" myself to gel nails for Christmas which have lasted 3weeks (I picked..... last night and 3 came off, so I have removed the rest!) but lo and behold, the nails have grown really well, protected by the gel overlay. For those who don't know, these are not fake nails but polish which is then sort of "baked" in a UV light so that you get a rock hard finish. Alas, with the car saga I don't know if I can afford another go, but it absolutely sorted the problem. Wish I had known about them in time for DD's wedding