If you have Sally Beauty stores nearby, try their store brand, ACI. They make a Growth Spurt, Gelous, and Yellow Stopper. The Growth Spurt helps to make them grow faster (obviously) and grow healthier. Gelous dries almost as thick as a gel, without the damage soaking causes; some report serious thinning of the nails after using gel. Having a thick polish holds the nails while they grow out. Yellow Stopper's original purpose is just what it say and I can testify to its efficacy.
Now, what most people don't know about Yellow Stopper is its brilliance in removing glitter polish. Anyone who has ever worn a glitter bomb knows is what a pain it is to remove it. Apply three coats (a lot, I know) and then paint on as much glitter polish as you wish. When you tire of that colour, use as orange stick or another finger nail and gently pry up the edge of the polish at the cuticle. Zoop! The paint pops off, usually in one solid piece!
Hallelujah!
Some prefer a slightly watered down school glue. It works, but takes a long time to dry and you cannot get your nails wet while the two-three coats are drying until you have a layer of polish over the glue. Yellow stop is much easier.