Brittle Nails from Hand Washing? Gel Nails as a Solution

Question
Hi, I work in a restaurant and wash my hands all the time. My usual nails are pretty healthy, but lately they've been brittle and just chip off and as soon as they get longer they start doing that so I have to cut them down. I would usually just grow them long and get manicures every other week. But it hasn't really been the case lately.

I like having long nails and a friend of my actually has gel over her real nails. Do you think that would be an good option for me? Because I would like my nails to be strong, and long and I don't want to keep wasting money on bi-weekly manicures if my nails keep breaking off. Gel over real nails as opposed to getting silk/acrylics/gel?

Thanks!

Answer
Hello Pam,

I would like to start off by explaining that I personally feel that getting overlays(gel or acrylics over your own nails) does not adhere as well as using tips, simply because your own nails might bend and turn which would separate the enhancement from your natural nails at the free edge. If your hands are indeed in water a lot, there could be serious troubles awaiting you. There's 2 options that I would recommend to you,

A. Get a Nail hardener and apply daily, use under and over any polish color of your choice for your manicure and apply over your polish daily.
B. Get a full set, With tips. This will lessen the chance of lifting at the free edge. Some work better with gel, some with acrylics, It's going to be a trial and error for you til you try both types of enhancement and decide which adheres, feels, looks better to you.

Good luck
Miko