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>I don't have particularly strong nails

How much sunlight exposure do you get? My fingernails were also very weak until I started supplementing vitamin D, which made them grow noticeably thicker and stronger. I think a lot of people here spend most of their time indoors so they're at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.

For me, nails are an on-and-off thing. My right hand has never hurt either way (and I haven't been playing for a long time).

If you really want to finger pick with your nails, you can try some clear nail polish to add a little strength. If that isn't enough, you can go for the old classical guitarist trick of layering superglue and silk to add some nail strength.