[herrKanin]

I have for a long time now tried to grow some nice and long fingernails on my right hand for fingerpicking. The problem is, it seems like they are too thin because they keep breaking.

Is there by any chance something I can do, some way to strengthen my nails?

[krisling]

There are some nail hardeners available at your local grocery store that some use.

[diredigits]

I have the same problem herrKanin. Very thin nails that crack and chip easily. Looking forward to reading the replys to your question.

[wcostley]

I had a different kind of problem with my nails, the nail on my ring finger curled downward and would hook the string, so I went to a pick, after that I found out that a lot of the guys on this forum keep there nails cut all the way down and pluck with their bare fingers, so I went to that and am pleased with the sound it produces.
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[allthumbs]

Don't let your nails get too long. They just need to be long enough so that you can pluck the strings with the flesh of your fingers and nails at the same time.

[Aunt Doty]

You might try this: LCD (liquid crystal devloper) It's a protein nail fortifier and the best thing I've found so far. Forms an acrylic type finish on top of the nail. I buy it from a beauty supply place, not very expensive. The company that makes it is Salon Services, Fort Lauderdale Florida. You might be able to google it and find out if you can order or if it's sold in your region! Good luck!

[jdpaz]

Nail polish may sound a little prissy but it'll work.

I have two hook nails, too, wcostley. I file them at an angle instead of making them uniformly rounded. It counteracts the hook real well. I learned that trick from "Pumping Nylon".

[herrKanin]

Originally Posted by allthumbs

Don't let your nails get too long. They just need to be long enough so that you can pluck the strings with the flesh of your fingers and nails at the same time.

Really? After watching John Butler's Ocean (with the creepiest nails in world) I thought long nails was the thing.

Okey then, I will try some of your tips! I thank you all!

[Chaotic Kittie]

Those nails look very artificial to me, so they're probably stronger than natural nails. Playing with natural nails that long would in more or less every case break them.

[cshude]

I tried several times to grow my nails on the right hand- they would always break. So, I just use bare fingers- works for me.

[starsailor]

Originally Posted by herrKanin

Really? After watching John Butler's Ocean (with the creepiest nails in world) I thought long nails was the thing.

Okey then, I will try some of your tips! I thank you all!

No you don't want them too long, I had mine quite long but I found I was catching the strings so I've cut them back similar to what Allthumbs recommends and I still have enough to get the sound I want, it also depends on what kind of work you do as well, some jobs don't lend themselves to long nails.