For biters who quit (solidarity), or anyone wanting to feel more put together with less daily effort. Even as prices go up and service gets worse, it could still seem worth it.

But eventually, beneath that literal glossy veneer, your natural nails get so damaged that they only look perfect for four or five days. Then, a distracting chip. Hair sliding underneath the gel when washing. You tolerate it for a week or two, until you have no choice but to start again.

We wanted off the nail rollercoaster.