Acrylic Nail Removal & Nail Health: Addressing Fungus & Damage

Question
Hi, Susana! I've read several of your answers and I followed the one about removing acrylic nails.  I've had acrylic on my nails since I was 16 y.o and I'm 27 now.  I got fungus on a few of my nails over the summer which I never had before.  The fungus is gone now and I switch to a different nail shop.  Lately, I've been lazy when it came time to get my nails filled so I decided to cut my nails down and soak the acrylic off.  They are a little sore but I think it is because I had the overlay on them for so long.  They are weak and have lines in them.  I also have some slight discolor on three of my nails.  I bought Sally Hansen nail maxium growth polish that claim to help strengthen my nails.  I'm afraid to go to the nail salon to have a manicure because they are so quick to use the electric file and my nails are already thin and weak.  My question(s) are what do you recommend that I do to get my nails strong and healthy again?  Should I stop using the Sally Hansen or use it along with something else.  My fingers look so funny withou long nails and I have to get used to them looking short and stubby. Will I still be able to get a french manicure with my nails being weak and thin?  And also my nails tend to "split" on top where the white part is.  I hope that makes sense.  They don't split down the middle they split to where I can take the top part off and still have a nail under it?  How do I prevent that from happening?  Oh and I was unable to remove all the acrylic off my nails last night there are still a small patch on the nail beds on three of my fingernails what else should I do?  Sorry for all the questions, I don't want to see another nail salon for a while and if I can et my nails healthy at home I would orefer to do so.  Thanks so much, Unhealthy Nails Nika

Answer
Well it sound like your nails are pretty sore so i would recomend a good basic manicure to help you get on tracks, but defenetly electric files shouldn't be used on natural nails generaly speaking. It sounds like you would benefit from a parafin dip and regular use of cuticle oil (i would recomend Solar Oil by Creative if you can get this brand). Please select a good nail tech to visit, one that is fully qualified and not so eager to use the e-file. Use cuticle oil once or twice a day and you'll see some changes, it might take a while for your nails to fully recover thow, as they take about 4 months to completly grow out (from the cuticle to the edge).