My nails are naturally weak. Just about the time they start looking nice, they start breaking and/or splitting. The first time I had them done was for my daughter's wedding. I did silk and had them left long. I found out you have to learn to use them so when I went in for a fill, I had them cut shorter. I do love the look of nice nails which I only have if I do the acrylic/gel/silk. I have had them on and off for the last 20 years. I took them off about a year ago because I got tired of the up keep. I think about having them put back on but remember the up keep and change my mind again. I'm sure I will cave in and put them back on, but not this week.