i have always had the problem where after i am playin slap for a while, my index finger starts to kinda of shred up on the skin right on the nail from where the string was hitting against the finger when i popped

is there anything i can wear to prevent this? like some sort of tape or something?

If you recently started playing slap you will have this problem for a while. But it is going to be only for a few days until your index becomes harder and then you will have no problem. Otherwise I don't know how to help you. Cheers!!

i do it every once in awhile but when i do i end up playing for a long amount of time
never developed a thicker skin on my finger
it usually just reheals and then i go through the same thing again

my fingernail cracks right up the middle on my index. Bugs me to no end

The key to this is playing. And when you feel that you are going to traumatize your finger stop. Don't let it grow bubbles(don't know if it is the correct word) with matter.Cause then you are not getting any thicker your skin. Stop and try playing the next day or when you are healed. I had the same problem with my thumb when i tried dome wooten stuff , and I was over it doing this "trick".

I got the same kind of problem, even though i played slap pop for like 3 months consistently now. My thumb is ok, but my index and mid fingers (sometimes i played double pop) occasionally get small cuts.

Keeping your nails trimmed (I mean really trimmed and shaped) and rounding off your nail where it meets the skin in the corners will reduce the "cracks". Also keeping your hands from getting dry will do the job too.

I find in the winter I have to use a hand cream once a day or I pay the price for a week or so waiting for the cracks to heal. By then you have cracked your calous and it takes a long time for the skin to heal. Continuing to play does not make it any better but you usually have no choice right?

Peace