Ok. I've just had my acrylic nails taken off.

[catinboots]

After 5 years. And they look Mingtastic.

I've cut them really really short. What else can I do to make them grow and be strong???

OPI Nail envy would be a good starting point.

I second Nail Envy. It is great stuff.

Other than that - rubber gloves for all housework. Even just dusting and polishing.

Lots of hand cream too - Body Shop Hemp is great - couple of times a day.

Thanks. Just looking at the Shellac thread. I was considering it, but it looks like it wrecks your nails just as much as acrylic

this is very good

As a former therapist/ nail technician I would recommend keeping nails short for at least three month until the thin nail has grown out. Apply base coat to clean nails and repeat every other day. Also condition the nails and skin with a cuticle oil daily

5 years - eek!

If you want them to be polished while you are growing them Shellac (or any other gel polish) doesn't damage nails at all and your nails do grow and get stronger underneath it.
You have to make sure you take it off properly (acetone on cotton pads and foil works best)
Salons do it under Shellac, Gelish or Gelerations or you can DIY with Sensationail (Boots)