Acrylic vs. Silicone Nail Tips: Which is Gentler on Your Nails?

Question
I recently had tips put on with acrylic, but when they were removed my nails were ruined. Would the silicone be better on the tips and not ruin my nails when removed

Answer
It's not the product that does damage to your nails, it's the techniques used to apply and remove the products.

I see a lot of damage coming from discount shops where speed takes precedence over quality; electric files (drills) are used at high speed with heavy pressure against the nail, or even hand files that are too coarse for fingernails are used. They just file too hard against the natural nails and tear them up, then they take the old product off by prying it off with nippers, thread, nail tips, or even with special tools that forcibly separate the product from the natural nail.

Take some time to baby your nails, maybe find a salon that does really good natural manicures, then find a professional nail tech with the skills and product knowledge to help you understand how products work and make a decision about which ones will work best for you.

But bottom line, if the place where you've been getting your nails done wrecked them with acrylic, they're going to wreck them with anything else too.