Does anyone have any experience with the different kinds of manicures ? Thanks

I like french manicures.

http://www.beautynewsnyc.com/home/uploads/2007/09/french_manicure.jpg

I also do, but the issue/discussion of getting the nail long and strong enough for that is what I'm after.

The best way to get healthy nails in my experience is to make sure you get all your daily dose of vitamins. I use to have brittle nails that would always split and chip. Then when I was pregnant and taking the prenatal vitamins my nails were stronger then ever and grew so long and strong. I continued taking womens daily vitamins and my nails are still strong and look great. Also u can use products to strenthen your nails. I also buy vitamin E tablets that u can bust open and rub them on your nails and that makes them strong and healthy.

I think the worse thing u can do to your nails is get the fake acrylic ones. They shave down your real nail to virtually nothing then put the fake one on top. Then if u don't keep up the acrylic fillings and what not it gets very ugly.

vitamins and stuff never did anythig like that for me. and any manicure - gel, acrylic, or silk will ride roughshod over your nails. i realize that, going in.

I had acrylics put on once by a friend (she was a pro) and I never will again. Worst thing you can do for your nails.

I also take vitamins and rub the stuff on but they still will rip across at the sides. Best thing and ONLY thing that ever worked for me is this little magic bottle. It's not that cheap, and sometimes hard to find (at least here in Canada it's tough to find now - my drugstore orders it in for me). It's called Mavala Scientifique - from Switzerland. A green liquid you put just on the tips about 3 times a week (every other day). You don't use much at all - a lrg. bottle lasts a year and costs around $24 (last I purchased at least). This stuff is lightyears ahead of "Witchcraft" or Sally Hansen. Here's a link to their website.

http://www.mavala.com/indexphp.php?s=com&l=2

I'll guarantee you success with this stuff. ;)

Thats cool. Thanks. You know what also helps? If you wear gloves when you wash dishes, use harsh cleaners to clean the tub or, gardening, anything like that. That really is hard on your nails. :D

nails are like a skull, huh? sometimes hard and sometimes too soft

I also read if you eat a lot of rice it is good for your nails too.