Isla Bennett
Filing your nails is a great way to keep them at a uniform length and shape, and prevent them from breaking. However, it is easy to file nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage. Filing your nails in one direction from the outer corner to the centre of the nail is the best way to file your nails, as sawing back and forth can cause the nail layers to split. Filing in this way can also promote nail growth, and help your nails grow long and strong.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How nails grow | Nails generally grow about 0.1 to 0.15 millimeters per day or around 2-3 millimeters per month. |
| Factors influencing nail growth | Age, genetics, overall health, and nutrition. |
| Nail growth and health | Nails are relatively slow-growing structures compared to hair. |
| Nail growth and nutrition | Nutrients come to the nail matrix via the blood. |
| Nail growth and chemotherapy | Patients receiving chemotherapy can experience significant nail plate and/or nail bed damage in the first hours of treatment or even for years after the treatment ends. |
| Nail growth and filing | Filing nails in one direction can promote nail growth. |
| Nail growth and trimming | Trim nails regularly to prevent them from becoming overly long and fragile. |
| Nail growth and nail products | Nail strengthening products can provide extra support for nails, especially if they are prone to breaking. |
| Nail growth and protection | Wear gloves when performing tasks that can harm nails, such as dishwashing or gardening. |
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Filing technique
Filing your nails is a good way to maintain their length and shape, and it can prevent them from breaking. However, incorrect filing can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file your nails effectively and safely:
Firstly, it is important to have the right tools. You will need fingernail clippers to trim long nails before filing, and a nail file. Glass nail files are recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. It is also important to clean your nail file to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Next, decide on the shape you want. The shape of your cuticle and nail bed usually determines the natural shape of your nail. If you are trying a new nail style, it is best to leave the shaping to a professional nail technician. Common nail shapes include square, round, oval, almond, coffin, squoval, and stiletto. Each shape requires specific filing techniques to achieve the desired look. For example, for square nails, file from the left towards the centre, and then from the right towards the centre. For oval nails, file from the side towards the centre in one direction, creating a smooth, rounded free edge that mirrors the shape of the base of the nail.
When filing your nails, direction is key. You should never file your nails back and forth in a saw-like motion, as this can fray the nail and damage the nail bed and cuticle. Instead, file from the outer corner into the centre of the nail, and then repeat the motion on the opposite side. Go slowly and carefully to avoid taking off too much nail and making it hard to achieve your desired shape.
After filing, get rid of any filings attached to your nails by flicking the nail file upwards from under your nail tips. You can then apply cuticle oil and moisturizer to repair frayed nails and prevent future breakage.
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Filing direction
Filing nails is an essential part of a nail technician's job and can significantly impact the overall look and health of the nails. Incorrect filing can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
The direction in which you file your nails depends on the shape you are aiming to achieve. For example, if you want a "squoval" (squared oval) shape, you should use nail trimmers to cut straight across the end of your nails, rounding out the corners later. For square nails, you can do the same, but if your nails are relatively short, skip the cutting step so you have more nail to work with. For round or oval nails, make 4-5 smaller cuts at the end of each nail to get the curved shape started.
If you want almond, coffin, or stiletto nails, cut down the sides of your nails more than the tip so that they become narrower toward the ends. For a coffin shape, file both sides of each nail into a tapered point by placing your nail file underneath the corner of your nail and filing in a single direction toward the centre. Repeat this on the other side. Once you've achieved the tapering, square off the tip of your nail by holding the file perpendicular to the nail tip and filing in a straight line.
When filing your nails, it is recommended to file from the outer corner into the centre of the nail and repeat the motion on the other side, rather than using a back-and-forth sawing motion, which can cause damage. Filing in one direction is also said to prevent peeling and breaking. However, some sources claim that there is no difference in the condition of the nail plate when filing in one direction compared to a back-and-forth motion.
It is important to use the right tools and keep your nails healthy and strong. Glass files are often recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. It is also crucial to clean your nail files to prevent the spread of bacteria.
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Nail shape
The shape of your nails is largely determined by the shape of your cuticles and nail beds, and is usually either round or square. However, there are many different shapes to choose from when filing your nails, including:
Round
Round nails are a common natural shape that resembles the tip of the finger. To achieve this look, file the sides straight and then lead them into a semicircle at the tip. This shape is a good choice for those who prefer to keep their nails short, as it can elongate the fingers.
Square
Square nails are flat across the top with straight, sharp corners. This shape is popular for those with short nails or long, narrow nail beds. It is also considered stylish, clean, and low-maintenance. To achieve this shape, file the sides of your nails evenly and straight, and then file the tip in a straight line.
Squoval
Squoval (squared oval) nails combine the flat edge of a square nail with the softer, more oval shape of an oval nail. This shape is perfect for those who like the look of a square nail but dislike the sharp corners. It is also a good choice for those with wider, longer nail beds as it helps balance out the look of wide nails. To achieve this shape, cut straight across the end of your nails and then round out the corners.
Oval
Oval nails are filed down on the sides and the tips to create a more curved appearance. This shape tends to make fingers look longer and is a good choice for those who want to do nail art.
Coffin
Coffin nails, also known as "ballerina" nails, become narrower as they move away from the nail bed and then come to a blunt square point at the tip. This shape resembles a coffin or a pointe shoe.
Stiletto
Stiletto nails are filed into a sharp point and are usually worn long, though a shorter version is sometimes called a "mountain peak."
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Nail health
Healthy nails are typically smooth and free of discolouration. However, nail health can be an indicator of other health issues. For example, problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can manifest as changes in the colour and texture of your nails.
Nail biting, for instance, may be a sign of persistent anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Similarly, horizontal lines on the nail may indicate a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Yellow nails could be a sign of a fungal infection, but in rare cases, they can indicate severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis. Bluish nails can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen, which could be linked to emphysema or heart problems. Rippled or pitted nails may be early signs of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease, but they could also be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails or overexposure to moisture or chemicals.
To maintain nail health, it is recommended to avoid filing your nails more than once a week, as this can weaken or damage them. When filing, it is important to use the correct technique to prevent jagged, frayed nails and cuticle damage. Filing nails help keep them uniform in length and shape and prevent breakage. Before filing, trim your nails to the desired shape, then file from the outside corner to the middle and repeat on the opposite corner. It is also important to clean your nail file to prevent the spread of bacteria.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
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Nail growth rate
The growth rate of nails depends on a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, behaviour, age, gender, and overall health. On average, fingernails grow about a tenth of a millimetre per day or around 3.5 millimetres per month. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at one-third to half the rate of fingernails, taking around 12 to 18 months to grow out completely.
The nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, possibly due to more frequent use, which increases the risk of trauma and injury. The increased risk of trauma to the dominant hand's nails may lead to quicker nail growth as the body sends more blood and nutrients to the area to support healing.
Age also plays a role in nail growth rate. Research suggests that nail growth rate may slow down by as much as 0.5% per year after the age of 20. This could be attributed to the fact that health conditions impacting nail growth become more prevalent with age. For example, fungal infections of the nail, known as onychomycosis, are more common in older individuals and account for about half of all nail disorders.
Hormone levels can also influence nail growth rates. For instance, during pregnancy, hormone changes can lead to rapid nail growth, while the opposite may occur during lactation. Puberty is another critical period for hormone fluctuations, resulting in peak nail growth rates.
Environmental factors, such as warm weather, have been associated with increased nail growth, while cold environments tend to slow down nail growth. Maintaining good nail hygiene, including keeping nails clean and dry, trimming them regularly, and avoiding biting them or clipping them too short, can promote nail health and growth.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to file your nails every couple of weeks to keep them in shape. Avoid filing your nails more than once a week, as it can weaken or damage them.
First, cut your nails down to the desired shape. Then, hold the file parallel to the side of your nail and file from the side to the center. Keep the file flat against the nail tip to reduce the risk of breakage. Repeat the motion on the opposite side.
Glass files are recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. Emery boards are also commonly used, but they wear out quickly and can tear or shred the edges of the nail.
