How to Safely File Your Nails and Achieve Flawless Results

Thoroughly cleanse and dry your hands using soap and warm water. Before commencing the nail filing process, ensure your hands are free from any oils or debris that may impede it. Wet your hands with warm water, apply soap, and lather for at least 20 seconds. Pay special attention to massaging soap onto your nails and beneath them using your fingertips. Subsequently, dry your hands with a clean towel.

• Filing wet nails can increase the risk of breakage or uneven edges, so ensure they are completely dry before proceeding.

Opt for a gentle-grit nail file. Among the various types of nail files available, emery board files offer both affordability and effectiveness. Select a file with a softer grit of approximately 180-200 for a smoother filing experience and to avoid rough or uneven nail edges.

• Reserve coarse grits, around 80-100, for use with acrylic nails only. These grits are too harsh for natural nails and may cause damage.
• Avoid using metal files, as they are not very gentle and are difficult to control. Instead, opt for glass or crystal files, which are highly effective and easily cleaned in the dishwasher.
• While not recommended, sandpaper of 200-grit or higher can suffice in a pinch. For optimal results, wrap and secure it around a sturdy object, such as a wooden block or ruler.

Select your preferred nail shape. Numerous nail shapes are available, with some of the most popular and basic shapes including oval, square, and almond. The choice of shape is entirely up to you, so choose the one that resonates with you the most. Remember, you can always try a different shape next time.

• Oval nails are ideal for maintaining long nails, as they are less prone to breakage. Symmetrically round at the tip, oval nails offer an elongated, feminine appearance.
• Square nails make a bold statement and complement both long and short nails. Achieve this shape by filing the nail straight across the tip.
• Squoval nails strike a balance between oval and square shapes, featuring an elongated, slightly squared curve. These are easy to achieve and look flattering on any hand.
• Almond nails create the illusion of slender fingers with their narrow, curved tips.
• Coffin nails have gained popularity recently. Long and narrow with a squared-off tip, they combine sophistication with an edgy appeal, particularly when adorned with black polish.
• Stiletto nails taper to a sharp point, creating a bold and distinctive look. Opt for these if you're daring enough, but exercise caution to avoid accidents after filing.

Trim your nails to the desired shape beforehand. Begin by cutting your nails to the basic shape you desire. For instance, if you prefer a squoval shape, use nail trimmers to trim the ends straight across, leaving room to round out the corners later. This step is unnecessary if your nails are already short.

• For round or oval shapes, make 4-5 small cuts at the end of each nail to begin shaping the curve.
• If aiming for almond, coffin, or stiletto shapes, focus on trimming the sides of the nails more than the tip to achieve a narrow appearance towards the ends.

Hold the file perpendicular to the nail edge. Initially, position the file so that its surface aligns straight with the nail. Maintain this angle as you shape the nail's basic form. Also, orient your hands towards you, rather than away, to improve visibility. If filing rounded nails, gradually adjust the angle to create a curved edge.

• Avoid filing at an angle until nearing completion to prevent unnecessary thinning and weakening of the nail.
• If your nails are thin or prone to bending, refrain from filing at an angle altogether.

Utilize gentle, single strokes in the direction of your nail’s grain. Avoid the back-and-forth sawing motion, as it may result in nail tears or breakage. Opt instead for smooth, unidirectional strokes, primarily filing downwards along the nail's length. Lift the file away from the nail after each stroke before beginning the next.

• Stay mindful of your technique, as you'll execute numerous strokes during the filing process. Consistency is key!

Start filing from the nail edges towards the center for most shapes. For rounded or pointed shapes, begin by filing the outer edges towards the center, creating a gradual curve. To achieve a squared end for coffin nails, file perpendicularly at the tip. For squared nails, file straight across until you attain a flat end, then lightly smooth the outer edges.

• When shaping rounded nails, alternate filing each side to maintain symmetry. For instance, perform 10 strokes on one side before switching to the other.
• For stiletto nails, focus on filing the sides into straight lines meeting at the tip. Blunt the tip slightly to prevent accidental injury.

Use the first nail as a guide for the others. Once you've perfected the shape of the initial nail, replicate the process for the remaining nails. Continuously compare each nail to the first and inspect from various angles to ensure consistency.

• Clear away any accumulated shavings under or on the file during filing to maintain a clean workspace, resulting in better outcomes.
• Avoid filing past the fingertip to prevent potential injury or nail damage.

Buff your nails for a polished, smooth appearance. Buffing smoothens ridges and imparts a glossy finish to natural nails. Hold a buffing block parallel to the nail's surface and, in unidirectional strokes, glide it across the nail top. Limit strokes to 6-8 per nail to prevent excessive thinning or weakening.

Nourish your nails and cuticles with cuticle oil. Applying cuticle oil keeps the skin around your nails healthy and prevents hangnails. Simply add a drop of cuticle oil to each nail, allow it to absorb for 1-2 minutes, then wipe off any excess with a paper towel.

• Keep cuticle oil and moisturizer near your sink as a reminder for regular application.

Maintain your nails with regular polish application and filing. After preparing your nails, paint them as desired. Remember to remove old polish weekly and file your bare nails every couple of weeks to maintain their shape.

• Avoid excessive filing, which can weaken or damage your nails. Allow them time to grow!

• Nail clippers
• Nail file
• Buffer
• Cuticle oil