Originally Posted by Quiltin'Lady

Mine (on their own) are nicely shaped, but are thin, brittle, and very fragile. Which is why I've done gel for most of the past 20 years [not counting a short period in the middle when I was an impoverished grad student and had to give them up]. I keep them like Patrice -- just long enough to look pretty, but short enough to type quietly and not get in my way. My nail lady uses a light (i.e., thin), clear gel and that's all -- the shiny finish looks like clear polish.

My hands used to be my one source of physical pride (which is partly why I started with the gel back in the '80s), but they aren't any more -- thanks to all my arthritic bumps and lumps. Now I'm just grateful for the days when I can still knit or quilt without hurting... [sigh]