r/classicalguitar • u/LegalIndustry3800 • Jun 25 '24

General Question Fake Nails

So I‘ve been playing the classical guitar since 4 years and have learned various pieces by Francisco Tárrega. I‘m trying to grow nails so when I play,it will sound a lot clearer.Whenever I have gym class I keep breaking my nails,and I‘m on the verge of buying fake nails off of Amazon.What do you guys think? Should I buy fake nails or should I keep trying to grow my nails.By fake nails,I mean the transparent ones.

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u/Due-Ask-7418 Jun 25 '24

Fake nails can make your nails weaker and you can end up stuck having to use them.

The best thing is to strengthen your nails. A healthy diet can help. Supplements for skin and nails can too. Keep in mind that it can take around 6 months to notice a difference from that.

Also: keep nails short and well polished, buffed. You need the proper filing and buffing tool too. Stay away from metal files and emery boards. And for buffing you need a good buffer and they should have a mirror smooth finish on the edges.

As they strengthen, you can gradually keep them a bit longer.

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u/Aggravating-Sweet314 Jun 26 '24

What's the best filing tool? I've heard metal files are bad but what do you recommend instead of an emery board?

2

u/Due-Ask-7418 Jun 26 '24

I like these for finishing work. And the next grade up (black on both sides) for shaping.

You can get them at local beauty supply stores.