Isla Bennett
Filing your nails is an essential part of a nail technician's job and can significantly impact the overall look and health of your nails. It is important to choose the right type of file for your nail. The higher the grit, the softer the file. Files with a grit of 240 or higher are more abrasive and intended for thicker, denser nails, nail enhancements, and toenails. Files with a grit of 180 or lower are intended for enhancements like acrylics and gels. Glass files are often recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. Before filing, decide what shape you want your nails to be and trim your nails with clippers to your ideal length. When filing, use smooth strokes in a single direction, filing down the length of the nail more often than towards your fingers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash hands with | Warm water and soap |
| Wash hands for | At least 20 seconds |
| Dry hands with | A clean towel |
| Nail shape | Almond, square, stiletto, squoval, oval, coffin, round |
| Nail clippers | Straight clippers |
| Grit file | 180 and up |
| File in | Single strokes |
| File direction | One direction or back and forth |
| File type | Classic emery board, glass files |
| File maintenance | Cleaned to prevent the spread of bacteria |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right nail file for your nail type
Choosing the right nail file is essential for maintaining healthy nails and achieving the desired shape. The different types of nail files are designed for different purposes, so selecting the right one is important.
Natural Nails
For natural nails, a fine-grit cushion file is recommended. The higher the grit number, the smoother the file. Fine files (240-600 grit) are ideal for removing small bumps, ridges or discolourations, and for shaping the free edge of natural nails. Ultra-fine files (600-2400 grit) are suitable for buffing and shining natural nails. Glass nail files are also a good choice for natural nails as they provide a gentle and smooth finish, and are perfect for weak nails that tend to split.
Artificial Nails
Coarse files (60-100 grit) are best for acrylic nail extensions. Medium files (100-180 grit) are ideal for shaping extensions of medium thickness, like most tips and wraps, and for shaping toenails. For acrylics, gels, and extensions, a lower grit (80-180) will help grind through the layers of cured glue or other artificial material.
Nail Shapes
The shape of the nail file also matters. The most popular nail file shapes include straight, banana, boat, block, and S-shaped. A straight nail file is great for everyday use and can be used to model nails into various shapes. The banana-shaped file has a gentle curve that allows for easy shaping of the nails and simplifies filing by helping you reach the tricky areas at the side of the nail without damaging the skin. The boat-shaped file has a curved and straight edge, making it a great all-purpose file that works well with gel polish and acrylic nails. The block file has four fine-grained sides for buffing the surface of nails.
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Prepare your nails and hands for filing
Preparing your nails and hands for filing is a crucial step in achieving the desired nail shape and maintaining healthy nails. Here are the steps you should take to ensure your nails and hands are ready for filing:
Cleanse Your Hands and Nails
Start by thoroughly washing your hands with warm water and soap. Spend at least 20 seconds lathering your hands and pay extra attention to your nails, ensuring you clean underneath them as well. This step helps remove any dirt, oil, or residue that may interfere with the filing process and prevents the spread of bacteria.
Dry Your Hands and Nails Completely
After cleansing, use a clean towel to dry your hands and nails completely. It is important to ensure that your nails are dry before filing because wet nails are softer and more prone to breakage. Filing wet nails can lead to rough edges and increase the risk of nail damage.
Trim Your Nails to the Desired Length
If your nails are on the longer side and you want to reduce their length, use fingernail clippers or scissors to trim them before filing. Cutting your nails to the desired length first will make it easier to focus on shaping them during the filing process. This step is especially important if you are aiming for a specific nail shape, such as square or oval.
Choose the Right Nail File
Selecting an appropriate nail file is crucial for effective and safe filing. Emery board files are a popular and affordable option, but glass or crystal files are also recommended due to their gentleness on the nails and ease of cleaning. If you have natural nails, choose a nail file with a softer grit, ideally between 180 and 240. Coarser grits, such as 80-100, are only suitable for acrylic nails as they can damage natural nails. Avoid metal files, as they are more challenging to control and may be too harsh.
Determine Your Desired Nail Shape
Before you begin filing, decide on the nail shape you want to achieve. Common nail shapes include square, oval, round, coffin, squoval (squared oval), and stiletto. Each shape requires a slightly different filing technique. For example, for a square shape, you would focus on achieving straight edges, while an oval shape involves creating a smooth, rounded free edge.
Position Your Hands and File Correctly
When you're ready to start filing, position your hands so that your fingers point toward you, allowing you to see your work clearly. Hold the nail file parallel to the side of your nail and file from the side to the center. Avoid filing back and forth in a saw-like motion, as this can damage the nail. Instead, file in single strokes along the grain of your nail, always going in one direction.
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File in one direction with slow, smooth strokes
Filing your nails is a great way to keep them healthy and in shape. It is important to use the right grit file for your nail type and to file in the correct direction to prevent damage to your nails.
When filing your nails, it is best to file in one direction with slow, smooth strokes. This means avoiding a back-and-forth or ''sawing' motion, which can cause jagged edges that are prone to breakage. Filing in a single direction helps to maintain smooth edges and prevents stress and damage to the nail bed.
To begin, hold the file perpendicular to the edge of the nail, with the surface of the file touching the nail straight-on. Start filing from one of the outside corners of the nail and work towards the centre. Then, file from the opposite corner towards the centre. Take your time with this process, as filing too quickly can result in removing too much nail, making it challenging to achieve the desired shape.
After a few strokes, stop and examine your nail from different angles. Compare it to the surrounding nails and the same nail on the other hand to ensure uniformity. Repeat the filing process until you are happy with the shape and length.
Remember to work with your nail's natural shape, which is typically determined by the shape of your cuticle and nail bed. This will result in a more flattering and easily maintainable nail shape.
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File from the outside corners towards the centre
Filing your nails is a great way to keep them healthy and in shape. It is important to remember that a nail file is for shaping nails, not removing length. Therefore, it is recommended to trim your nails with clippers to your ideal length before reaching for a file.
When filing your nails, it is crucial to use the right type of file and the correct technique. For natural nails, glass files are often recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. When it comes to the grit of the file, a higher number indicates a softer file. For natural nails, a grit of 180 or higher is recommended.
Now, to the filing technique. It is important to file in one direction from the outside corners towards the centre of the nail. This helps to prevent nail damage and allows for a smooth and gradual curve. Start by holding the file perpendicular to the edge of the nail, with the surface touching the nail straight-on. Then, gradually tilt the file slightly under your nail to achieve a curved edge for rounded nails.
For different nail shapes, you can adjust your filing technique accordingly. For almond-shaped nails, file down the sides of your nails more than the tip to create tapered sides that meet at a rounded peak. If you're going for a coffin or stiletto shape, focus on filing the sides of the nail into straight lines that meet at the end, then slightly blunt the very tip to avoid injuries.
Remember to take your time when filing and make adjustments as needed. By following these steps and techniques, you can achieve well-shaped and healthy nails.
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Finish shaping, clean your tools and hydrate your nails
Once you're happy with the shape of your nails, there are a few final steps to take. Firstly, make sure to clean your tools. This is important for hygiene and to maintain their effectiveness. Use an alcohol pad or nail cleanser to wipe down your nail file and any other tools you've used.
Now, it's time to hydrate your nails. This step is important for the overall health of your nails, and it will also improve their appearance. Apply a rich hand cream and massage it into your skin, paying particular attention to the areas around your nails. You can also use cuticle oil to nourish and strengthen your nails. Cuticle oil can also be used to soften your cuticles before you decide whether to trim or gently push them back. For extra hydration, wear cotton gloves overnight after applying a thick layer of cream.
To finish, gently buff your nails to create a smooth surface. However, be careful not to over-buff, as this can weaken your nails and make them prone to splitting. Aim to buff no more than once a month.
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Frequently asked questions
The type of file you should use depends on the type of nail you have. For natural nails, a glass file with a grit of 180 or higher is recommended as they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. For thicker, denser nails, a more abrasive file with a grit of 240 or higher is suitable.
Before filing, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, paying extra attention to your nails and underneath them. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel. You should also trim your nails with clippers to your ideal length before filing.
It is recommended to file your nails in one direction from the side of the nail to the centre with short strokes. Then, alternate sides and swipe fully across one or two times to finish the shape. Filing in one direction helps to prevent nail damage and breakage.
The shape of your nails is determined by the shape of your cuticle and nail bed. Work with your natural shape as this is the most flattering and easy to maintain. For round nails, file the sides straight and then lead into a semicircle tip. For almond nails, create tapered sides that meet at a rounded peak.
