File Your Nails
Filing your own nails is not a difficult task. There's no need to visit the salon; all you need is a nail file and an understanding of using the right technique, saving time and money.
Contents
Steps
Preparing to File Your Nails
- Choose a nail file. Emery boards are the most basic nail file and are a cheap and easy tool for filing your nails. They come in different grits -- the lower the number, the rougher the grit, and the more of your nail it will take away at once. Try to find a file with a grit between 220-300 if you have healthy natural nails.
- Glass files are very effective, but they can be very expensive.
- Crystal files are as effective as glass files, but are cheaper.
- Try to avoid metal files if you can. They can tear your nails and cause peeling.
- Consider getting a few different types of emery boards so you can file your nails as smoothly as possible.
- Decide on your nail shape. Before you start filing your nails, you need to decide on the shape you'd like your nails to be. There are five basic nail shapes: oval, square, squoval, round, and pointed/almond. Then create each shape, start at the sides of your nails and follow the natural curve of your cuticle until you reach the center of the nail. Here are the distinctions between the five basic nail shapes:
- Oval. The oval is a basic nail shape for short, low-maintenance nails. This shape is curved at the top, creating an oval shape for the nail.
- Square. The square nail has a slightly curved edge that meets two flat sides. It creates a square (or really, a rectangular) look for each nail.
- Squoval. As the name suggests, this nail shape isn't as round as an oval and isn't as straight as a square. The Squoval, perfect for nails with wide nail beds, is curved but still maintains a partially square look.
- Round. The round nail is more curved than the oval nail. The sides of the round nail are curved and meet at a rounded point.
- Pointed/Almond. This is a more extreme version of the round nail. A pointed nail does not have a flat or curved edge but has both sides meeting up to create a point. This creates a dramatic look but requires higher maintenance.
- Wash your hands. Before you file your nails, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, making sure that you remove any dirt or grit from underneath your fingernails. If you're wearing nail polish, don't worry about taking it off -- it will actually make it easier for you to file your nails.
- If you do decide to remove your nail polish, use any basic nail remover cleaner. You don't need designer name nail varnish remover or products, as they all do the same thing.
- Thoroughly dry your hands. After washing your hands, dry them until your nails and fingertips are completely free of moisture. Don't file your nails while your hands are still moist or after you've taken a hot bath. You want the enamel to be as dry and sturdy as possible, or you might break your nails while you're trying to file them.
Filing Your Nails
- Clip your nails (optional). Though you don't have to clip your nails before you file them, clipping them will help you file and shape them, especially if they're really long. Just shape them enough to leave a square edge that you can shape with a nail file. If you clip them too short, you won't be able to shape the nail.
- If you are nervous or not confident using a nail clipper, don't use it. Use a nail scissors instead. Some are curved and some are straight. The straight scissors works best.
- File your nails. File from the outside of the nail towards the center of the nail -- going from each side inward, but not going back and forth. Sawing the file back and forth instead of in one direction will tear and break your nails. Use short forward strokes on each side of the nails. Make sure to let the file form your desired shape as you continue filing. For a curved edge, you need to curve the file, and for a square edge, you need to keep filing it in a flat position.
- Be firm but not too forceful when you file your nails. If you apply too much pressure to your nails when you file them, you may damage the nail wall.
- If you're going for that perfect smooth nail, start with a rough grit and move towards a fine grit.
- File off any uneven pieces with the rougher section of the emery board.
- Once you're done filing, you can use the file to remove any excess skin from under the fingernails.
- Buff your nails (optional). Though you don't have to buff your nails, doing so will help you get that smooth and shiny finish. Buffing your nails too often can weaken the nails, but buffing them once a month or so can improve their look.
- Check out your new nails. If you've filed your nails correctly, then you should not have chipped or snagged edges. You can test this by running your nails along a piece of fabric. If your nail snags, file that bit down.
Tips
- File in one direction only. This prevents roughness and weakening of the nails.
- Go slowly at the beginning; this ensures that the nails look even and smooth.
- Other techniques to get that perfect set of nails include: buffing, polishing, and cuticle treatment (or cutting hangnails).
- If you can, go to a nail salon or beauty supply store and buy salon-grade equipment. It is inexpensive and often of a higher quality.
- If your nails are too short, you may want to try something more simple like the oval instead of square or pointed/almond.
- If you are using glitter nail varnish, it is difficult to remove so don't bother removing it. Just file it down a bit when it starts to break up and add another layer. This process works well on the nails. For some reason whatever the ingredients in the glitter nail varnish, it definitely makes the nails harder and with prolonged use there will be a difference in the nail strength.
Warnings
- Avoid filing your nails when wet as they're more prone to breakage.
- Avoid filing back and forth. This can cause the nail to become torn and jagged.
- Avoid filing too short. This can cause pain and bleeding.
- Avoid the urge to push back your cuticle it can cause you to get a infection.
Things You'll Need
- Nail file
- Buffer (optional)
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- Get Nice Nails
- Have Flawless Nails
