I am very rarely without my nails done - mainly because my own nails are just so thin and break really easily through years and years of nail biting. I've had both gel and acrylic and didn't like either. Gel seem to include lots of filing and then being "baked" and to my acrylic ones are too thick and heavy. My nail lady does fiberglass and these are much better. They let the nail breathe underneath and don't cause any damage to the nail bed. They stay on real good too - usually last me 3 weeks unless I get maintenance and they last twice that. Costs about £25, including an American manicure (slightly softer than the French manicure).