you should try cal gel (sp?) at sakura. i swear to you... amazing $hit!!! my toenail was kinda not the prettiest (lol) but after I had the cal gel, the cracks were gone. i think they says that it's a gel that allows your nails to breathe. i'm not a big fan of getting my nails done all the time so this was a perfect solution!
Re: Nail Salons that "Shellac"
Charlene at Bliss 49 does an amazing job. it is hard to apply and if they apply it too thickly it can peel off before 2 weeks.
hth
The one on First Avenue & 56th Street is the nicest of all