Went to get my haircut yesterday. I was a bit apprehensive of a £28 wash, cut and blowdry but she did it very well! I would definitely go back there again.
They are definitely better for your nails than acrylics. My nails grew well under them, and were not damaged at all. They DO have to be soaked off though, if you pick/peel them off you will probably cause some damage. Mine have always lasted until I decided to soak them off. They grow out, not wear out in my experience