I've worn artificial nails and/or acrylic nails for about two years non-stop. Although they look great, I'll be going in the hospital soon for surgery, and may remove the artificial nails & attempt to let my own nails grow out.

The problem is that my own natural nails are now paper-thin and very, very short, in fact, they are so thin & short, it almost looks like I don't have any nails. The end of my nails (what there is of them) get caught on everything material, and they are so thin, the ends bend if I touch anything, and they also rip easily.

Are there any products like nail hardeners or polish to use on natural nails to help thicken & strengthen them...specifically made for women who have very,very thin nails like those of us who have taken off our acrylics or artificial nails?

I've used NailTiques in the past, but I'd like to find something a little less expensive,but that works well.

I'm assuming I'll have to let my entire nail(s) grow out before the nails themselves will be thicker, right?