Any of You Hybrid/Thumbpickers Shellac Your Nails?

My sister, a thumbpicker who is very familiar with the inside of a nail salon, insists that I try shellac for my right hand nails, which she describes as "a fingernail on top of a fingernail". Can't find any info on it though. Anyone tried it?

I play a lot of Carter style that I use the finger nail on my index finger for down strokes on the upper strings. It sure wears out the finger nail.
I would like any info on this shellac also.

Got obsessed with nails when I was playing out about 15 years ago and hooked on hybrid. Started getting my right hand nails acryliced at a nail salon. Worked great until they cracked and broke, which happens if you don't get 'em done regularly. Your natural nail underneath also gets all screwed up due to lack of oxygen. Now I just file em to try to prevent breakage. Sometimes that tuff nail, natural, oil stuff you rub into 'em helps. Never heard of shellac. Ray Flacke used to use superglue on his nails, but doubt if he still does. I would not try this.
Swang on,

I had really weak nails when I first started studying classical guitar. I'd go with Steveareno's advice: File and buff your nails daily. Also that the nail strengthener stuff you rub directly on your nails works as well.

I've tried all three of these and have pretty much settled on the wraps. I just get my ring and middle finger done every couple of weeks.


The difference between fake nails
Acrylic Nails

Artificial or Acrylic nails are basically made by mixing a particular powder and liquid. Acrylic nails are best for those who are unable to grow their natural nails for varied reasons.


Silk Wraps

Wraps are pieces of silk, linen or fibreglass that have been cut to a desired shape and glued to the nail plate. This adds strength, and sometimes length, to the nail. Also though applied on top of natural nails, wraps are most commonly used to strengthen tips. Silk is the most natural-looking wrap and provides a lot of flexibility, but it is often too delicate for those with an active lifestyle. Linen is stronger, but not transparent and appears quite thick. Fibreglass provides the best of both worlds since it gives the natural look of silk and the strength of linen.


Gel Nails

Gel acrylic is a one-part system consisting of the application of a thick viscosity gel acrylic. Gel is normally 'cured' under a UV light. Do not confuse gel with traditional acrylic. Even though the two products are actually acrylic, they apply and wear differently.

I tried silk and fiberglass wraps. BIG MISTAKE. They totally FUBAR the nail underneath. It took 3 months for my nails to grow out and strengthen back to the way they were originally.

Now days, I just pay more attention to keeping the nails on my picking hand short - about even with the tip of each finger. Once a week maintenance is all it takes. If I let them go for much more than 7 days, they are prone to splitting.