My nails are almost an inch long...my secret...Sally Hanson's Teflon Tuff. It's a clear finger nail polish. Also, I tap my nails on a hard surface. This makes them stronger. I do this especially after washing dishes because the water makes them soft. It can drive people a little crazy because they don't like the rap-tap-tapping. As for the shape of your nails...take an emory board to them and shape them. If they don't grow the way you want them...make them the way you want them. Everyone swears my nails are fake but I turn them over and show them they are real. It may take you some time to find out "how" you want them and it may take them a while to get there but they will get there.
My nails grow out straight...I shape them to where they are oval shaped. All it is, is practice makes perfect.