I'm a complete "nail treatment" novice but I'm going to a wedding and I'd like my nails to look nice at the moment they are terrible. I've been having a little look online but it all seems a bit technical. Will a gel overlay be like a nail extension? I want to add a little bit of length and go for the pretty french polish look but I haven't a clue where to start. Or am I best going for a gel nail extension? Do gelish nails add length to the natural nail? Sorry for all the questions!

Are your nails bitten or just untidy?

The are generally untidy, different lengths and bad cuticles.

Whens the wedding? Sally hansen do a 'miracle grow' which claims 30% longer in a week
I tried it once, and noticed difference, but didn't actually do the full week because I change my polish too often and forgot haha!

Longer than that try something like OPI nail envy or Nails inc save the nail (both available in boots), a good cuticle oil (apparently stimulates growth, but if nothing else makes it nicely moisturised!) and Leighton Denny crystal nail file (I never use anything else!)

If less time, I have no clue... I've never tried any form of gel/false nails or anything, and hopefully somone will come along and help!

Like Jane, if you have time, I would recommend proper care (maybe a nice treatment manicure at a salon as a kick start) for improvement. I know people who have had gel nails and so on done, and have found that it left the nails underneath in far worse condition than when they started. I also know a lady who had an allergic reaction to the gel nails and her nails are still buggered, more than 6 months on.

I wouldn't bother about extensions, get a good manicure and a Jessica (gel) polish finish. My nails aren't long and I had extensions and overlays for a while. Now I just keep them short and paint them regularly.

Join us on the nail thread! OPI Nail Envy is the bomb! I've tried almost every strengthener/treatment on the market and nothing else comes close. Don't buy a bottle from a shop though, it's about £18. QVC sell the bottle and Avoplex cuticle oil as a 2 pack for about £17. My nails are longer, stronger and less prone to flaking/splitting/breaking since I started using it. Read the great reviews on site for further confirmation.

Maybe go for a manicure to get them tidied up then maintain them yourself? French manicure is easy when your nails are in good shape. Rimmel do a tip whitening pencil that goes underneath the tip if you're not confident in painting tips yourself.

Just grabbed a quick snap for you. About 6 weeks ago my nails were flaking, splitting and breaking badly. I'd posted on the nail varnish thread about how I'd had to give them a break from polish to try and let them recover. I was keeping them short but as fast as one split grew out another began. I ordered the Nail Envy and oil set and noticed an improvement within a fortnight. This is how they look now.

That is an incredibly large picture.