2012.05.28
The products you use on your fingertips are one thing, but the way you file your nails can also have direct impact on the health and look of your next manicure. Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you're paying a visit to the nail salon:
EMERY, CERAMIC OR GLASS?
Emery nail files can't be sterilized, while ceramic and glass files can be washed and soaked in a liquid solution. Emery files work faster since they're hardier, while ceramic files are more delicate and tend to break easily. Emery nail files types are more diverse (size, thickness, degree of grain. Glass and ceramic nail files are less abrasive meaning they're perfect to use on very thin and weak nails.
KNOW YOUR GRITS
As we mentioned before, not all emery boards are created equal. Grit sizes range from ultra-fine to coarse. It's best to stick with a grit size of 180 to 280 (the higher the number, the finer the grit). The reason is that it's best for basic filing and shaping on natural nails. If possible, use a long nail file for extra dexterity. While mini files are handy for quick touch-ups, a long nail file is much easier to use and gives you more control.
As for buffing, stick to the finest grain (900 to 12000 grit size) and always rub gently. A hard, coarse-grained buffer can actually wreck your nails!
FILING IT RIGHT
While filing nails in one direction is the nail school standard, it's okay to gently rock back and forth from corner to corner as long as you're using a very fine-grain nail file. However, keep in mind that too much force runs a risk of actually splitting the nail at the tip. Below are some tips depending on the shape you're going for:
Square shapes: File the tip of the nail first to establish the final length of the nail. Then continue on to the edges of the nail to balance out the square.
Round shapes: A round shape nail is more of a gradual taper, so it's best to start at the sides before gradually segueing towards the tip. Never rush this process, or you might risk removing too much nail material on one side which forces you to remove a matching amount on the other side.
Round shapes: A round shape nail is more of a gradual taper, so it's best to start at the sides before gradually segueing towards the tip. Never rush this process, or you might risk removing too much nail material on one side which forces you to remove a matching amount on the other side.
