Fingernail dream meaning is explained below using 2 different sources. Each interpretation is shown with its source.

Interpretation 1 — Nancy Wagaman

Protection, especially self-defense.

Abrasiveness or an abrasive personality (as in “fingernails on a chalkboard”).

Consider also what stood out about the fingernails and their context.

Your perception of someone’s personality (such as long fingernails representing femininity, or dirty fingernails representing hard work or lack of hygiene).

See Finger, Thumb, Manicure, Claws, Hand, Body Part

Source: The Curious Dreamer’s Dream Dictionary • Author: Nancy Wagaman

Interpretation 2 — Ariadne Green

Fingernails are human claws and thus relate to your ability to protect yourself.

For a woman, they may remark on her rage. Long fingernails may mention the need to claw through some great obstacle.

A broken fingernail may indicate a loss in the ability to protect your work or a creative project.

Source: Ariadne's Book of Dream • Author: Ariadne Green