Nail files: what are, how to choose and use correctly?

In the process of nail care at home or while receiving services in the salon, nail files act as the main working tools. This product has its own characteristics, in addition, it is divided into types where each product has individual characteristics. Therefore, having a complete understanding of those or other properties of the product, you can easily choose the most suitable tool for manicure that can cope with the task.

It’s quite difficult to make a beautiful manicure at home or with the help of a master in the salon without using a basic set of tools, which includes a nail file.

Today, the range of this category of tools is represented by a wide varietydue to which the nails can be put in order, as well as strengthened, armed with high-quality and suitable products from Russian or foreign manufacturers. The main purpose of the file is to adjust the shape and length of the nail, but over time and the introduction of new materials in the nail service, the functionality simultaneously with the product range has expanded significantly.

In light of the multifunctionality of modern nail files, we can distinguish their main feature, which is that this tool today occupies a special place in the list of used products for home hand care, as well as for the master’s work not only with natural, but also with artificial extensions materials, means for design and care.

Due to the introduction of new technologies in manicure, as well as the use of new materials and techniques, the number of basic tools, including nail files, has significantly increased. Today, the tool can be classified taking into account the main characteristics of the product, such as: the task that the tool must perform during work, the type of raw materials used to make the product, and the degree of abrasion, which largely depends on the type of material the saw is made of nails.

To make it easier for the master or amateur to choose one or another tool in the presented assortment for nail plate care, for classification by functionality, it is customary to rely on the shape of the product itself.

• As for the oval nail file familiar to everyone, it is used to correct the shape of the nail plate, in addition, using this type of tool, you can shorten its length.

• A rectangular product has a universal purpose, similar to an oval tool, but, in addition to standard procedures for creating shape and length, a rectangular nail file can be used to polish a natural or artificial nail, remove excess gel, and also make a smooth surface.

• The tool, which in everyday life due to its shape is usually called a "banana" or "boomerang" is recommended to use for home hand care. The nail file stands out for its convenience due to concave edges, which eliminates the slipping of the tool during operation. Most often, a “banana” gives the nail a rounded shape, in addition, the file can be used to correct the applied layer of the built-up synthetic material.

• Files in the form of blocks, which have a second name - buffs, are acquired for polishing the surface of a natural or artificial nail. As a rule, this type of tool can be used from several sides: usually a buff has six working areas, which are distinguished by varying degrees of abrasiveness, in light of which the tool should be used for grinding in a certain sequence.

• For professional nail service masters, well-known brands that specialize in the manufacture of tools for manicure produce dome-shaped and diamond-shaped files. With their help, the final correction of the appearance of the nail plate, including gel varnishes, acrylic, gel and other materials, is carried out.

• In addition to the above types, on sale you can also find a tool of a non-standard shape. Most often, such an attribute for caring for manicure is acquired by adolescents or children.

Considering the type of raw material from which the work tool for the master is made, the files can be different. In the process of selecting the most suitable material, one should be guided by the condition of the nails, as well as the general sensitivity to mechanical contact with the plate. For brittle and thin nails, gentle materials with a minimum degree of abrasion should be selected, for artificial coating a stronger working tool will be needed. The main types of files are presented below.

This category of products for nail care belongs to the category of budget manicure tools. The surface of such a file is not rigid, so this option should be used for natural nails, which will be thin in nature.

This species stands out among its analogues for its fragility, since it is very fragile.Most often, such products are sold together with a storage case, however, careful handling of such a product is a prerequisite during operation. The main purpose is considered to be the care of natural nails.

Such an attribute is still not so common in domestic nail salons. However, the high efficiency of such tools determines their gradual appearance in Russia, especially due to the fact that they polish the surface of the plate very well, smoothing out possible defects at the initial stage of delamination. The properties of this type of tool characterize it as grinding products with a sealing effect.

Relate to the segment of products with an average cost, some masters note a lot of positive effects from the use of tools on a natural basis. The file copes with its task perfectly, therefore it is used in salons and at home.

Such options stand out against the rest of the species for their ductility and high cost. As a rule, the inside of the product is a plastic or wooden part, and the edges of the file are made of special fiber.

Until recently, it was the most popular manicure tool, which was used to correct and polish nails at home and in salons. But in the course of the emergence of more universal and modern analogs, such a nail file was used extremely rarely, since it damages the nail plate quite strongly, and is also able to leave deep scratches on it. But in terms of a grinding tool for artificial nails, it fits perfectly; in addition, such an inventory is quite durable.

Recommended for correcting the ends of extended nails. Such files are able to minimize delamination, and granular particles deposited on the surface can polish existing defects on the plate.

A modern and yet expensive tool that is most often purchased for work in salon conditions. In the course of working with such a product, there are no restrictions regarding the direction of work, therefore grinding is at the request of the master. In addition, laser options for nail care have the ability to adjust the shape and condition of the inside of the nail plate.

A fairly new kind of laser tool is the option with diamond spraying.with which you can simultaneously remove the cuticle. Contact with the nail is very soft, but the level of effectiveness of the work done is high. A diamond file is a universal model, because it can work with various artificial materials, as well as treat dead skin on the sides of the nail. However, in this matter it is important to carefully select the degree of granularity of the tool.

Such files may be different in degree of granularity, as well as intended for single or multiple use. The latter option is possible only in the case of individual operation, since such an instrument cannot be disinfected after use. As a rule, special cardboard with spraying is used for their manufacture.

Such a tool has 2.4 or 6 working sides, it is used for the final correction of the shape and condition of the plate. Most often, the tool is used for polishing, for example, after removing gel polish, when the plate is covered with small grooves.

To determine such a characteristic of the tool as rigidity, you should pay attention to the markings that the manufacturer of his products sets. Based on this property, you can determine the abrasiveness of the file, and also accurately select which nail plate you can use the file.The unit of abrasiveness is considered to be grit. Today, products are presented in the following options:

• 80 - this indicator indicates the maximum rigidity of the tool;
• 100 - such products are also distinguished by a high level of surface rigidity;
• 120, 180, 220, 240 - files with an average degree of rigidity;
• 300, 320, 400 - such instruments belong to the soft class.

For the accumulated material, experts use a tool with abrasiveness within 100/180 grit, since a composition such as acrylic or gel cannot be processed with soft files. Nail files with a rough side of 80 or 100 grit, as a rule, shorten the length, and also get rid of excess material that could accumulate on the end of the nail surface, forming unattractive tubercles. Then comes the turn of processing with a tool having a more gentle degree of granularity.

The last version of the files is recommended for working with natural nails; some tools have two work surfaces with varying degrees of abrasiveness, but the harder side is usually used on artificial compositions such as acrylic, gel or gel polish. However, despite its softness, tools of this class can effectively remove bumps on the plate. To give shine, the polishing side of the tool should have a grain size in the range of 280-320 grit. Some buffs can be made with sides, the abrasiveness of which will be 900 or 1200 grit. Such products are most often purchased for work in salons.

When choosing the right tool in order to adjust the shape and length, you should give preference to products from trusted manufacturers who offer certified products. Saws made from low-quality raw materials in violation of established standards can cause serious damage to the nail plate, in addition, it is unlikely that it will be possible to sharpen nails correctly, and the operation of products made by artisanal methods can pose a health hazard in general.

Among the most sought after brands, which, according to customer reviews, have proven themselves on the positive side, it is worth highlighting such tools.

• QVS glass file, which is recommended for working with brittle natural nails. The surface of the tool has a fine-grained surface that gently polishes the plate. During operation, the products demonstrate durability under the condition of proper operation. The tool belongs to the class of affordable goods, because it has an average cost in its segment.

• For professional manicure in the market is present Brilliance file series. This tool can be operated not only with artificial materials, but also for the correction and polishing of natural nails. The main advantage of the products is affordable cost, as well as efficiency in work, since the tool provides a beautiful shine, but at the same time gently affects the structure and upper layers of the nail.

• In the list of newfangled laser nail files, the leading position is trademark Butterfly. The tool quickly and carefully processes the nail without damaging the surface. In addition to laser tools, wave files for natural nails are very popular.

• Zinger offers customers a wide range of products, including professional glass and metal products for nail care. In addition, the existing assortment of this brand contains many bilateral tools for home use; Especially popular are tools 100/180 and 150/220.

• Among laser tools, it is also worth highlighting Messer & Nagel tools MN-1503. The nail file combines several functions, since it can be used not only for the correction of nails, but also during procedures for performing unedged or combined manicure.

• Products for manicure Mertz deserved high praise among the masters; This brand offers a tool for nail care, in addition, with its help you can safely remove the cuticle. The range of products includes laser and metal tools, as well as power saws with removable files.

• Christina fitzgerald - a brand that offers the consumer a wide selection of glass and satin files, in addition, the brand produces a series for the care of natural nails with a medium and soft degree of abrasion.

During the selection of such a tool for home or professional use It is worth paying attention to the following characteristics of the tool.

• First of all, this relates to the degree of rigidity, it may be necessary for quality care to require several files at once, which will need to be used at different stages of working with nails. In order not to be mistaken in this matter, you should choose a suitable surface to the touch. If the tool is too rigid, within 80 or 100 grit, then there is a likelihood of seriously damaging the plate after such a procedure by removing several of the upper layers. For those who doubt their own choice, you can initially buy a tool with a grain size of 320 grit - after using it, there will already be an understanding of which nail file to purchase: with more or less abrasive surface. And soft products in any case will be useful for polishing and correction, as well as for finishing any artificial material or natural surface.
• It is also important to clearly state the purpose of using the product from the outset. Since, only taking into account the type of material that you have to work with, you can choose the right tool. To remove artificial raw materials, such as acrylic, a rough surface is needed; as for gel polish, in this case it is worth giving preference to the average value of grain size. Correction of the accumulated material is best done with 160 or 180 grit files.

• Attractive appearance of the product, bright design and coloring will not always indicate the high quality of the files. You should also give preference to well-known brands that have earned a reputation for quality products sold throughout the world.
• As for the selection of a file for working with natural nails for personal use, you can conduct a small test: try bending the overgrown nail. If it lends itself easily, then the nail plate will not withstand the effects of too aggressive the surface of the tool. For such cases, it is worth choosing soft files. When the nail can be bent with difficulty, you can use medium-grain files, for example, a diamond-coated tool.

Before using the tool, It is best to familiarize yourself with some expert recommendations.

• To perform the correction of the length and shape of the nails, work should only begin if the nails are completely dry. Exposure to a still wet nail plate can lead to the opposite result when a too vulnerable nail is damaged.
• Almost all types of files require work in one direction, since chaotic movements can provoke the appearance of defects and serious chips on the nails. An exception is laser tools.
• It is important, while working on the shape of the nail, carefully polish its edges; movements in one direction will help to “seal” the end face, which will reduce the risk of cracks. However, a too aggressive effect of a file on thin nails can lead to the opposite result.
• Finishing polishing should be done with a buff.This tool contains a soft side that gently treats the surface and also gives it a healthy glossy sheen. Do not disregard the edges of the nail plate, which also need care.
• To smooth the furrows or irregularities on the plate, which quite often occur after removing the artificial coating or the built-up material, you should grind your nails with a buff, but not more than once every 14 days, since it takes some time to restore the natural layer. During this period, you can use additional reinforcing compounds based on nylon or silk.

See how to use nail files properly in the next video.