Everything you wanted to know about Nail Filing

Nail filing is an important part of nail care. Filing gives a proper shape to the nails and prevents split and broken ends, rough edges etc. To give a clean and smooth look to your nail, buying the proper nail file and proper nail filing is important.

Types of Nail Files:
Nail files come in different forms and sizes. Buying the right nail file is the first step in proper nail filing:

Emery Boards: Emery boards are economical and effective in filing nails. They are made of cardboard filled with emery (fine grained corundum). Emery boards are disposable and are a good option for nail filing.

Glass files: Glass files are durable and are gentle on your nails. They have fine surface and this keeps the nails from splitting, peeling etc.

Metal files: Metal files are covered with corundum and are good option for long term use.

Emery boards are disposable and prevent the spread of diseases. Metal files are the harshest and should be used with care. Glass files are finer and good for long-term use. Metal files and glass files should be sterilized to prevent the spread of virus, fungus.

Nail files usually come with two or more surfaces or grits. A rough grit is useful for initial filing while the smoother one is good for polishing.

How to File the Nails?
Here are the following steps to file your nails:

• Wash your hands to remove the dirt under the nails. The dirt underneath the fingernails can be removed using a fingernail brush


• Use a nail clipper to clip the bigger nail portions to get the basic nail shape of square shape or oval shape. Clipping the nail makes your filing process easier


• Use a fine grit initially to file your nails and move towards a rougher grit.


• Start on one corner of the nail and move towards the center of the nail.


• Apply minimum pressure and file the nails in one direction for smooth finish.


• Use a short motion followed by long motion to file your nails.


• After filing the nails, wash and moisturize your nails.

When nail files are shared, they can spread virus, fungus etc. Hence, always clean the nail file after using it. To sterilize nail files, add some liquid soap to hot water and soak the nail file in it. After this, remove the nail file and wipe the nail file using liquid alcohol.

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