How can I protect/strengthen my fingernails?

Question

I recently started learning the Ukulele and I've been focusing on getting good strum patterns and have really been working on flamenco styles. Most real flamenco styles don't use picks/plectrums, just fingernails... the fingerwork is not well suited to having just one point of contact with the strings.

So a few weeks ago, I bought a little bit of nail care stuff to help me shape the nails on my right hand. I've got a decent shape now for playing the style I want, but I have a new problem.

I've been working on tremolos, and getting faster and faster and more accurate too. This means MUCH higher wear on my index finger nail.

I just spent 30 mins practicing and it shredded a good millimeter off of one surface of the nail edge. I filed and reshaped, and 10 minutes later of heavy practice, the same edge is in very bad shape... It's been beaten back to the nail bed...

Some questions:

Is there anything I can use on it to make it stronger?

Should I be using a file? (my thought is that a smooth edge will get torn less easily)

Will the nail get stronger by itself? My fingernails don't really seem to be all that thick.

Is there something I can put on them to reinforce them that has similar hardness? I have seen some artificial nails before, but they seem to be fairly low density.

I'd consider using something like that, but only as a last resort.

thanks.

Answer 1

K Alejandro,

I'm not expert at picking or a scientist in what makes nails stronger.  Here's another approach.  Have you ever tried http://www.alaskapik.com/?  You might be able to pick some up at Guitar Center.  My buddy has these and swears by them.

CowUkeA

Answer 2

olive oil

Answer 3

use a base for your nail it's clear nail polish or Apply a nail hardener

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Nailscript%20...

Don't file our nails that mush because it make them weaker.

and don't worry your nails will grow Good Luck!!

Answer 4

any oils but i usually use vitamin e oil