I love the acrylic nail! I've had good luck with it.

First time: fake nail was applied to the end for the length, with acrylic over that.

Next time: nail has grown out so no fake nail is needed, just acrylic on top of my own nail.

Yes, the nail grows out and sometimes starts to lift away. I usually am able to go for 3 to 4 weeks before getting it redone. I never make an appointment because they generally take walk-ins, and since it's only one nail it takes little time.

When the nail grows out, there is a ridge where the acrylic was originally at the cuticle. I just take an emory board and file it down even with my nail so it won't catch on the strings.

I've had good luck with acrylic nails. No fungus, no other problems. When I started clawhammer banjo my own nail went wimpy. So I'm thrilled with the acrylic.

A note about doing the Sally Hansen by yourself: a cosmetologist friend of mine said that the professionals who apply the acrylic are trained to look for the fungus and any other problems, and she discouraged me from doing it myself. I don't know if that is such a problem. But I will point out that the professionals use a little dremel tool to rough up the nail surface before applying the acrylic, and again to buff after applying it. The rough-up might be crucial to the acrylic sticking well.

My only complaint is the people who have nail parlors that don't speak english. I want one nail done, with all the others short, and they are perplexed. Funny Oh, and Bert and Doug, wouldn't the viagra only work on the middle finger? :o) Margo