Oh my goodness, I did my own gel last year and inevitably got frustrated and started picking it (and my actual nails). I tried dip which was definitely worse and also waaayyy harder to do than they make it look on YouTube. Ugh. I’ve been hooked on press-ons for a minute now, use a base coat so it’s not as damaging. I have to admit though, salon nails look so…good. Thanks for the warning!