Manly Nails

[Bob Spumoni]

I play hybrid: flat pick +3. I've developed really good facility with all my fingers. The problems is that due to age and a nagging medical condition, my nails are getting thin and weak. They crack. They split. They wear down. It's worse lately because I've been working on that string-popping, chicken-picking stuff.

I've been experimenting with fake nails: silk, super glue, various ladies' potions, ping pong balls. I haven't really found anything very satisfactory. What's the solution?

 

[thomquietwolf]

Yeh
Mine ain't up to snuff at 80...
Started working on picks full time last week...

 

[Bob Spumoni]

Yeh
Mine ain't up to snuff at 80...
Started working on picks full time last week...

I' e tried the picks - all kinds, even the Alaska jobs - I lose all the touch and dynamics I've worked on. I might persist with themn if I can't find some sort of fake nail or potion that works. I know classical players use falsies.

 

[Rickety]

I have no idea if this would work for you, but I've heard that taking biotin everyday helps your nails grow faster and stronger, and I think they have some kind of fingernail paint thing that goes on clear that's supposed to harden your nails or something? I'm not sure, I don't really mess with nails stuff, I usually chew or pick my nails so I'm not well versed in this area.

 

[Bob Spumoni]

I have no idea if this would work for you, but I've heard that taking biotin everyday helps your nails grow faster and stronger, and I think they have some kind of fingernail paint thing that goes on clear that's supposed to harden your nails or something? I'm not sure, I don't really mess with nails stuff, I usually chew or pick my nails so I'm not well versed in this area.

Tnx. I've tried the hardeners, even straight up super glue. The cosmetic stuff doesn't last at all. The super glue is better, but...it's GLUE fer crissakes. I tried superglue-soaked silk. It delaminates before too long. There has to be something that works.

 

[Eric_G]

You know, you could consider to consult with a specialist.

Go get a good manicure, ask for fake nails with the intent of playing guitar and the need for resistant nails. I'm sure the ladies will be please to help you out, and you'll have the best looking hands in your neighborhood

Bring an acoustic, serenate them a little you may even get a discount !

 

[Rickety]

Tnx. I've tried the hardeners, even straight up super glue. The cosmetic stuff doesn't last at all. The super glue is better, but...it's GLUE fer crissakes. I tried superglue-soaked silk. It delaminates before too long. There has to be something that works.

Have you tried using acrylic nails? Those suckers are glued on pretty tight.

 

[Bob Spumoni]

Have you tried using acrylic nails? Those suckers are glued on pretty tight.

I just ordered some. We'll see! They are supposed to be the hardest. I just wonder whether the gorgeous-lady shape is optimal for guitar playing. I really just need something to reinforce the end of the nails, particularly the ring and middle, though I'm now using the pinky enough that it'll start wearing too, I suspect.

 

[ukoldgit]

Could try some kitchen knife guards

 

[trapdoor2]

I've tried just about all of them...since my nails have been soft and thin since day one.

The acrylic ones are pretty good...but it is a PITA to keep up with them as your nails grow out...or the playing surface wears.

I wore metal picks for 20 yrs (banjo) until I switched to nylon strings. I cut mine back to about 1/16" and don't worry about my nails so much.

 

[Heavyriff]

Vitamins

 

[Thrup'ny Bit]

Bananas.

 

[ido1957]

I have issues with my index finger nail (split when young blah blah blah) and I also play hybrid, and get my three fingers done at the nail salon every 3 or 4 weeks. Only started doing this when I retired and play several hours a day and my nails started to really wear out on the top edges, right to the quick. Plastic tips and some sort of gel and mat finish polish. It costs me 20 bucks including a tip.

When we went into lockdown they grew out and everything eventually peeled off. The underlying nail was kinda thin from the dremel tool they use when refinishing so there is an impact.

 

[stormsedge]

get my three fingers done at the nail salon every 3 or 4 weeks.

Beat me to it. I actually "do" my own when I start having splits...file them, polish, burnish...then a clear non-glossy polish to help harden the surface. Try to get my diet and vitamins right too. Seems to help (but my nails are no where as tough as they were when younger).