Nail Care and Repair for Guitarists

[pubmgr]

I don't have a recommendation that I can speak to first hand. My daughter (licensed cosmetologist) was just describing artificial nails. I think this would work. But, as she describes it, the technique requires some expertise/training. But, because I find the sound and touch of the right hand so important, I would urge checking it out. Getting a good tone is so important.

If anyone else has had success dealing with this problem, please chime in.

[kenp3L]

My problem isn't breakage; it's undesired curving. The thumb nail, e.g., once it grows past the nail bed, curves down toward the padded side of the thumb. This causes two problems. First, since the nail is so close to the flesh, there is a good chance that it will slip over the string without a substantial pluck. Second, due to the angle of curvature, sometimes the nail gets caught onto the string. What can be done to change the shape of an otherwise good nail?

[jagara1]

To those people who are concerned about applying glue to their nails:

I think superglue was first developped for surgical use.

It was certainly used in the field in Vietnam to seal wounds - so no problems with applying superglue to your body :)

[ottou22]

@jagara1 Exactly. Super glue was used in wars to seal bleeding wounds. As long as people don't put in in their eyes or eat it its fine.

[rustythoughts]

@ottou22 They still use super glue in hospitals, particularly for facial cuts where they want precision to reduce scarring by avoiding stitches. I had my lip glued, they don't go into the wound but bridge over the top. The glue heats up as it cures and as the cut filled and the skin around grew the glue simply fell off.

[pubmgr]

Excellent. Glad to hear that you've had success. It's not always clear sailing, with edges chipping sometimes, and the occasional lump/bumpy application. But I find the powder and glue to be a lifesaver.

[LapizLazuli333]

I just got done doing my nails with this method and i just have to say AWESOME!!!!. I used a different glue and acrylic powder but it came out just fine. I will definitely be doing this more often thanks pubmgr

[SeasaltMermaid]

I get pro salon tips placed on my PIMA fingers and then shape them myself.

It seems to be working fine. My teacher and many other guitarists I know do this. Having just four nails done is dirt cheap (less than fifteen and I'm a big tipper) and they last at least two to three weeks.

Why would anyone go without playing for two weeks when it's so easy to get them done professionally (a single nail repair might cost $5 to $8)?

[HillbillyJ]

What does the glue do to the nail? Seems like that would be bad for it.

[pubmgr]

The glue goes on only at the end of the nail, maybe 3/8 of an inch. So it's not near the growing end of the nail at all. The nails doesn't seem to suffer any harm by having the glue on it. BUT, if part of the glue "pops" off, you have to be very careful, either peeling the rest off or simply reapplying a layer of glue and powder on the that area. Otherwise you do run the risk of tearing the nail as you pull off the glue.

[gobacktorussia]

presumably taking vitamins and minerals to promote nail growth and strength would help?? might give a boost

[pubmgr]

It's a good question; and I don't know the answer. People were talking, many years ago, about eating more gelatin to thicken the nails. Anyone out there able to speak to this? Or about other supplements that are shown to strengthen nails?

[2xredd]

@pubmgr did not do anything for me

[lurker62]

The reservation I would have about eating gelatin products is that it will first be broken down into its constituent amino acids before being absorbed, so I can't believe you have gained anything.

Just my $0.02

[orestesdd]

Does anyone recommend these fake nails for someone who may need them all the time since his nails are weak brittle, thin, and break easily? How about if your nails don't grow to the length is needed for playing? Thanks.

[orestesdd]

Does anyone recommend these fake nails for someone who may need them all the time since his nails are weak brittle, thin, and break easily? Thanks.

[guitarslim56]

Down with powerpoint!

[coop7774]

hey.. ive been looking to strengthen my nails for a while now.. but i am a little different.. i play a steel string not classic stance.. my problem is my nails filing themselves down on the strings

will this be effective in stopping that ?

[pubmgr]

@coop7774 Yes, I play steel string myself. Works fine. Two or three layers depending on how thick the glue is. I recently tried a brush on glue (from the hardware store), and like it a lot. Easier to control the thickness with the small brush. Don't forget the powder.

Let me know how it works out for you. Definitely worth a try.

Cheers,

Tom

[derprinzgustavo]

that's a lot of work =(

[pubmgr]

It's only worth the bother if you're already spending time trying to maintain right hand nails. But for players who are already into some sort of routine, it's worth considering. Very inexpensive, and it doesn't take much time once you get used to it.

[eurabio]

I think I have very strong nails, and usually I never have any issue with the acoustic guitar. But, I also play electric guitar and my problem is that I only play fingerstyle, when I strumm my nails(index mostly) get destroyed pretty fast... I was thinking to try and get some artificial nails, acrlic, to see if they work, because this is a real BIG problem. But your option sounds worth a try, thanks a lot

[JohnnyBrooksdotcom]

Thanks alot

[6K6R]

Well done my friend 5*****

ClaudeSirois

[pubmgr]

Cool! Let me know how it goes!!! Happy to provide free advice! lol. I've used three layers of glue and powder without a problem. If anything, the tone can get TOO FAT! (Nice for a change!)

Thanks for watching!

Tom

[Musiclo0ovee]

@pubmgr Thaaaaaaaaaaaanks -- Great work

[doner6961]

thanks for the info,very usefull.i have very thin nails,and have used superglue and an activator in the past.this remains brittle however.the use of powder had not occured to me,so thank you again.