Is the gel manicure you are talking about the same as a shellac manicure? My experience with Shellac is great; no chips, no peeling and no damage to the nails. Eventually your nails grow enough that you have to remove it because you can see the regrowth. Color selection is limited to about 30 shades though. I only know of one person who has not had success with the Shellac and her technician told her that she had very oily nails and the product just wouldn't bond to her nails.