You can keep your nails healthy at home by filing them. You can also achieve beautiful, strong nails by choosing the right file, choosing a good shape for your nails, and by filing your nails in the right direction and position.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Your Nails
Step 1. Wash your hands
Before filing your nails, it's a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to get rid of any grease or oil that can interfere with the filing process.
Step 2. Dry your hands thoroughly
Make sure your hands and nails are dry before starting to file. Liquids can dehydrate your nails, making them more prone to breaking when you file them.
Step 3. Select a nail file
While there are several different types of files, emery boards are both an inexpensive and effective option. Choose a file with a high grit number for the smoothest results, which is around 300-600 grit.
- A file with a coarse grit number, or about 80-100 grit, should only be used on acrylic nails. If used on natural nails, these files will break them.
- Avoid metal files as they can also break your natural nails.
- Glass or crystal files are very effective and easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Step 4. Determine the shape of the nails
There are many nail shapes to choose from, the most basic of which include ovals, squares, and almonds. Adjust the shape of the nails to your taste and nail type.
- Oval-shaped nails are perfect for lengthening and maintaining nails. This form is the most functional because it is not easily broken. Oval-shaped nails are symmetrically curved at the ends.
- Square nails will stand out and are suitable for those with long nails. This shape can be created by filing the nail perpendicular to the entire end.
- Almond-shaped nails will make your fingers appear thinner. This shape resembles an arch at the base of the nail.
- Are your nails so short that they can't be molded? Not a problem. File existing nails and apply cuticle oil every night to promote growth so they can be shaped in the future.
Part 2 of 3: Shaping Nails
Step 1. Trim your nails before starting
If your nails are long enough, trim them according to your desired shape.
- For example, if you want square nails, don't cut your nails too short as this will require longer nails.
- You can trim your nails a little shorter if you want them to be oval. However, make sure to cut your nails into an oval shape.
- If you want almond-shaped nails, trim both sides of the nail beyond the tip.
Step 2. Hold the file parallel to both sides of the nail
When starting, hold the file parallel to both sides of the nail. This position will prevent your nails from cracking.
Make sure not to file too deep into the side of the nail as this will make it more prone to breaking
Step 3. Move the file to the center
You should file your nails from side to center in a smooth, one-way motion. That way, your nails will be smooth and not jagged.
Don't file your nails like "sawing" in a back and forth motion. This will cause the nails to peel and break
Step 4. Move the file horizontally over the tip of the nail
When filing from the side to the center of the nail, you should always move the file perpendicular to the tip of the nail. This will prevent your nails from becoming brittle when you file them.
- Moving the file in an angled position from above will cause the nails to thin.
- If your nails are already thin, move the file horizontally while tilting it slightly from under the nail.
Step 5. Finish by moving the file parallel to the other side of the nail
Move the file from an upright position at the tip of the nail to the side opposite the side you originally filed. Make sure to hold the file parallel to this side of the nail.
Step 6. Lift the file off the nail while repeating the movement
Since you can't "saw" your nails by moving the file back and forth, lift the file off the nail and return to the other side before continuing.
Part 3 of 3: Polishing and Grooming Nails
Step 1. Get rid of the debris stuck to the nails
If there are bits of file still stuck to the nail, try to get rid of it by placing the tip of the file under the nail and picking it up.
Step 2. Polish the nails
Shine your nails by polishing them after you're done filing. So your freshly shaped nails will look even more striking!
You can buy nail polish at a beauty store
Step 3. Apply cuticle oil and apply moisturizer
Rub cuticle oil regularly on your nails and moisturize your hands to keep them healthy. Every time you wash your hands, you should use cuticle oil and moisturizer.
Keep cuticle oil and moisturizer next to hand soap in the sink so you remember to use it regularly
Step 4. File nails every two weeks
Just file your nails every two to four weeks. Filing your nails too often can actually damage your nails by preventing them from growing properly.
