Lately what I have been doing is the shellac manicure. It is a polish that goes on your natural nail - no tips - and is cured with a UV light. There is no dry time and the color lasts about 3 weeks. Many salons are doing these now (I've seen it more at upscale full service salons rather than Vietnamese nail salons). It causes no damage to your natural nail. It is difficult to get off, and you should go back and get soaked in acetone to have it removed, but other than that they are a great and healthier alternative to the acrylics!
This is what I've been talking about the UV GEL is what they call it by me.
