Hey M! Thanks for responding. I've been on a long journey with nails/picks/acrylics, etc. I gave up on the French Wrap Gel treatment a long time ago, it just didn't work because they were too weak and temporary. I switched to DIY acrylics for awhile and had success but also found that this method weakened my natural nails. Made them very thin and brittle. After that I tried Tiptonics, a very pricey method where you attach removable Delrin picks to your nails (web link posted below). They work but the medical adhesive used to attach them to your nails wears out and you have to buy new nails to get the same adhesion. At $7.50 US a pop, that s way too expensive. I also had some failures with them; they would come off in the middle of a set...not a good thing. Also as the Tiptonic nails are long, I didn't get the best feel for the strings.
The Tiptonic website is
https://www.tiptonic.com/
I am now back to natural nails. While I was waiting for my natural nails to get strong again, I played using just the tips of my fingers (Tommy Emmanuel style). That method worked and I actually liked it because my feel for the individual strings was very strong and accurate.
I have strengthened my nails by drinking white grape juice mixed with fruit pectin. Not only are my nails stronger but my knees and other joints are doing well. Seems the pectin promotes cartilage/nail health.
https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2014/10 ... arthritis/
As far as the wire pick method, I think that after a certain amount of practice, putting them on and taking them off wouldn't be that difficult or time consuming.
I hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Bill
