is it possible to have gel put on top of your own real nails, so as to strengthen them and grow them a bit longer, without having your own nail scuffed up (damaged) and false extensions put on?
I use OPI Nail Envy which is excellent for strengthening nails.
However if the tip of a nail splits or I break it further down I do a nail wrap. Basically a very fine nail shaped piece of silk which you stick to the nail using nail repair glue, you let it dry and then file it to shape, it protects the nail while it grows, it's not permanent and after a week or so it will come off and the nail is fine.