How to file nails properly

The main difference between cutting and filing nails is that when you cut them the nail is weakened, whereas if you file them, they stay strong.
Furthermore, filing them makes it easier to shape them as you like: squared, rounded, geometrical, pointed, etc.

How to file nails in 5 steps

1. Wash and dry your hands to avoid any dirt hindering the process.
2. If you have very long nails, you can cut them a little before you start.
3. Choose your nail file. It is best to choose fine grain files for natural nails and a smoother finish, but never metal nail files.
4. Always file nails in the same direction. Avoid filing forwards and backwards or backwards and forwards. Filing like this will make your nail files break easily.
5. When you have managed to shape your nails to your liking, clean off any remains and apply a coat of transparent nail varnish. They will look perfect.

What is the best shape of nails for me?

• Rounded nails: we file them straight and then round off the angles to make a curved shape. This shape is recommended for people who have narrow nails and want their fingers to look longer.
• Squared off nails: we file our nails straight in the same direction, first the sides and then the tips. Since they are easy to maintain, we recommend this shape for people who type on keyboards for long periods of times. Because of their shape, they do not get in the way as much when typing.
• Oval shaped nails: this is when we file the sides straight, but the tips are rounded off at the edges. As with rounded nails, they are recommended for people who want to make their fingers look longer and thinner.
• Almond shaped nails: for this to work right, you need to keep a wide base and round off the edges towards the tip of your fingers, bearing in mind that the narrow part needs to be perfectly aligned with the centreline of your nail. You need to be careful though, because this shape can break easily.
• Squoval nails: this is the most rounded off version of square nails. We file them the same, but the edges are rounded off a little bit. They are ideal if you tend to have ingrowing nails.
• Coffin shaped nails: we can make this shape by filing the edges of the nail towards the centre and filing the tips. Although they are not everyday nails, they are sure to be a great success on special occasions.
• Lipstick nails: they look great but not very practical. We only recommend them for special occasions. To make this shape, file your nails to an asymmetric point at the tip.

Types of nail files

You will find several types of nail files in different sizes, materials and thicknesses in the personal care and beauty section. Choosing the right one is important for showing off healthy nails and avoiding them from breaking easily.

Manicure and nail art experts recommend crystal nail files as the best choice. It is true that they are a little more expensive than conventional nail files, but they are very high quality, they last longer and because of the uniform grain size and soft surface they are better for your nails and filing is optimum.

Card and metal nail files are best avoided since they make your nails flake more easily.