nail advice

[Oceano]

I play fingerpicking a lot, and don't like using artificial fingernails.
Anybody knows how to make your nails harder in a natural way (foods, etc).

Any advice is appreciated.

[EricV]

Hey there,

I think what really helps is something called "beer yeast" ( something containing Vitamin B ) or something. They´re available as pills that you take on a regular base. It definitely takes some time for the effect to kick in, but some people I know say it works great.
Eric

[Oceano]

Thanks Eric, I will check that out for sure.

[Wyll_Watts]

well this isn't really a "natural" way.. but I use a product called Hard as Nails, that is basically a clear type of polish.

Wyll

[Darran]

I play fingerstyle quite a lot for acoustic and chord-melody pieces, and have never grown my nails. I personally think you get more rounded attack with your fingertips.

But then again, I don't know what fingerstyle pieces you're working on, so feel free to ignore me!

[Oceano]

I do a lot of playing in the Adrian Legg style, lots of alternate tunings, and mostly all on steel string.

When I pick, I don't use all nail, it's a combination of flesh (first), and then nail (last), on the same stroke. I find that using just the nails, the sound is too thin, and using all flesh, you tend to lose definition when playing fast arppegios. Therefore, the combination works best for me. However, because I play mainly on steel string, the harder the nail, the better.

I think I will try that "Hard as Nails" product, since it is a rapid solution, but I am trying to grow harder nails if at all possible.

[Rock_Rocket]

Hi there,

I'd recommend to try siliceous earth/silica. This is a "natural" substance and will make your nails harder.
Someone advised me (when I still played classical guitar) to apply olive oil to my nails - maybe that's worth a try, too (I never tried).

Hope this helps!

Rock_Rocket

[EricV]

One other thing regarding nails that comes to mind...
At the forums, we had some discussions about nailfiles, and that they usually are better for nailcare, rather than scissors or clippers... the latter can cause small cracks which will decrease the durability of the nail.

I was recently talking to a friend who actually recommended using those foam-style nailfiles ( those spongy ones ). She mentioned that regular metal nailfiles ( like saphire nail files etc. ) get really hot when you use them, and that can cause small cracks, too ! That´s what she said. So basically, she recommends those kinda files:

http://www.alida.co.uk/AltFrame/NailFiles/NFImages/ProBlk05.gif

Just thought I´d share :)
Eric

[Oceano]

Thanks for that Eric. I am using metal files now, but I will for sure check out the ones you mentioned, and see what difference it makes.

[Wyll_Watts]

good advice Eric.. metal files are VERY bad in my opinion.. I use the foam type too and actually do the final polishing with a piece of box cardboard..

Wyll

[dfclark]

I play classical guitar with nails, and I also use my nails on my steel strings to play jazz.

Here's the trick: in addition to using a nail file, finish your nails with 500 grade sandpaper from 3M. You can buy it at many guitar stores that cater to classical guitarists. What this does is to eliminate the fine cracks that cause chipping and breaking. When you've done this properly, your nail surface should feel as smooth as glass. One thorough sandpapering tends to last until I need to file my nails again (about a week).

[EricV]

Hey there, and welcome at ibreathe...

thanks for that recommendation, that´s really helpful
Eric

[Bizarro]

I've heard that there are gelatin based products out there that help nails grow. You might also take a multivitamin everyday so you know it's not some weird diet-deficiency thing.

[Oceano]

Thanks guys, there is a lot of advice I have never heard of before.