Hey,
I ended up having to do the same thing as I keep strumming off my nails (strumin on skin aint no picnic
. Just a couple of my personal pros & cons.
I've only bought whole nails in a do-it-yourself kit. They're ok for a temporary fix (eg: day.. maybe two if it has good glue supplied or you switch to superglue). They're good for strumming, wont last so well for picking, and are quite thin which means that they mostly feel like your nails anyway, not much adjustment. And I would love them for just that reason... if, they would stay on.
The acrylics I've had applied at the nail place have all been tips. Then they cover the whole nail with a filler that dries as hard as rocks. It does tend to make your nail a lot thicker though (which can take a little bit to get used to when playing... especially if they're too long or too thick, which is what I find annoying initially)
Overall, pretty cheap and long lasting. You can get them back filled but I usually let mine grow off (usually 3 -4weeks). Great for picking, I convinced my fingerpicky guitar playing pal to get some & his playing was so much louder it almost drowned out my uke (we cant have that!! lol).
Biggest bummer? They do damage your nails underneath. I had hoped the acrylic would come off and leave a lovely strong natural nail underneath but so far no go. If anyone has any tips or ideas I'd be most grateful.
Be great to hear how anyone else has gotten along with this - good luck & Happy Strummin,
E