"applied by a professional nail technician."

Bingo! That's how you avoid fungus ect. under the falsies. I've been having mine done (3 fingers RH) every month for donkey's years now, by our local nail and beauty shop. They use the right techniques and high-quality materials, and they check the health of the nail beds each time.

I don't need the tips any more, they just build up a layers of fibreglass wrap (like a very fine version of the old 'Isopon' car-body repair stuff) and gel - hardened off in a fluorescent-light-box. Hard as nails (pun intended!) and pretty much indestructable, WW3 standard.

I have them soaked off for a couple of weeks each year, when I go away on holiday, to give the natural nails a chance to 'breathe' for a while.

If you use a professional and reputable manicure/nail salonaaaaaaaaa you need have no fears at all.

Fibreglass wraps & Gel - The True Path!