That is the question.

Its depends on whether you do any of the following things....

Find the cheapest place to get acrylics put on and then sit back and wonder what mysterious products they're using
You don't care who does your nails, just do them & quick. Even if it means flinching every time the nail tech goes near you with an electronic file to your natural nail, while occasionally catching your cuticles and making them bleed
You don't use a good nail oil every day to keep your cuticles and nail bed happy and hydrated
Pick and rip off your acrylics which weakens the layers of your natural nail because its been 4 weeks since your last rebalance and they're starting to break
Don't use a nail strengthener afterwards that actually works and will make your nails grow so healthy you won't believe they are yours

SSSOOOOO..... Don't do those things.

Acrylics can be kind to your nails.

Pay more than the cheapest place around. If your nail tech is using branded quality products, has official qualification's, has experience, takes time and pride in their work; there's a chance that they'll be charging more than 15€ an hour... and thats without the blood bath.
Use a good cuticle oil every day. I use Solar Oil because it works.

Have regular rebalances (every 2-3 weeks) to keep them at their best strength
No picking at them or using them as tools to open things or peel stickers off bottles or if you can't find the screwdriver to fix that thing that's broken

Have them removed by a professional. One that can tell the difference to where your acrylic nail ends and your natural nail begins
Use a nail strengthener either on its own or as a base coat under colour polish (OPI Nail Envy is THE BEST EVER)

Continue to use nail oil everyday
File them a tiny bit every week
Don't worry, nails grow. If there is any nail damage like peeling, dehydration or ridges (caused by things on the "Dont" list) then it will only be for a short while until the nail grows out and renews itself