Not a single nail correction is complete without a nail file, which has become a permanent item in any woman’s cosmetic bag and is therefore always carried with her. Yes, indeed, by taking a small nail file with you, you will always be sure that putting your nails in order in a matter of seconds will not be difficult. Usually, you take a miniature file with you, which takes up little space in your purse, but a professional file will require more space.

In this publication, we will consider in detail all the types of files that are found, which files should be used and for what, and also select the ideal suitable option.

From our article you will learn what can help you when choosing a nail file for correcting both artificial and natural nails.

Abrasiveness- degree of hardness, which is measured in grit. A high degree of grit unit indicates a fine dusting of the file, which means the file’s blade is softer. For artificial nails low abrasive files 100-180 grit. The tips of natural nails are treated with a file with an abrasiveness of 180-240 grit. Files with high abrasiveness from 240 to 500 grit can be used for grinding.

To polish nails, use a buff or file of more than 1000 with an abrasiveness of more than 1000.

The abrasiveness of the file is not the only indicator that you should focus on when choosing a file. It is very important what material the file is made of. In the store you can find files made from the following materials: glass, metal, as well as using paper and plastic and with laser processing.

So, files can be of different abrasiveness, made of several types of materials, and also have different shapes. All of the listed properties of our files will affect the result after filing with one or another file. We recommend that you study in more detail the main types of files for nail correction.

What kind of files are there?

Looking at the abundance of the presented assortment, we get lost and cannot choose the right option. We must clearly understand which nail file is intended for what, which is the safest, and which can harm us. The material from which the nail file is made also affects the quality of the spraying.

Paper files

The file is so called because it is sprayed onto a multi-layer paper base. Granite, Teflon and quartz chips are used as spraying. In salons, such a file is used one-time, but at home it can be used as a reusable file, but for one family member. Such a file cannot be disinfected; the paper will simply delaminate and the file will become unusable.

Plastic files

The plastic nail file is convenient to use. This tool should be used to process very fragile tips. Plastic files are disinfected and suitable for reusable use. A large assortment and low cost will allow you to choose the appropriate option.

Metal files

This file is durable and strong and these are all its positive qualities. Your nails should be beautiful, so we do not recommend you to use it. A metal file with a rough coating will damage the surface of the nails and cause your nails to split, that is, it is not recommended to use it. But use a metal file when working with artificial nails.

Glass file

We all know metal files from childhood, but glass files appeared later. The glass nail file can be disinfected and used for a long time; it is very gentle on your nails without damaging the plate. Very pleasant to use and loved by many women. The disadvantage of this file is its fragility, so it should only be stored in a case and protected from shock.

Ceramic nail file

Nail care, as you and I know, exists superficially as well as deeply. To process and correct nails, we can use a glass file, but if we want to seal the tips of the nails, it will not work for us. For these purposes, it is better to use a ceramic nail file. We recommend using this file for those whose nails are prone to splitting. There are flint and ceramic whetstones, the abrasiveness of which allows you to gently grind the nail scales. The material, like glass, is fragile, so it can last a long time only if treated with care.

Laser nail file

A laser file is a new generation manicure tool; it can not only adjust the length of the nails, but also removes the cuticle. The laser file has a very fine diamond coating with small grooves. The holes resemble tiny honeycombs and are invisible at first glance. This file, just like a glass file, has a gentle effect on the ends. nail plate.

What shapes of files are there?

There are various shapes files The variety of assortment in stores will allow you to choose the right tool for you. The tool should be easy to use, practical, and preferably inexpensive. Consider the following tool forms:

• Straight files. Suitable for both manicure and pedicure.
• Curly files, unusual shape. Designed for children and teenagers.
• Buffs (blocks) – polishing and grinding of the nail plate. The buff can have several working planes with different abrasiveness
• Boomerang or “banana”, curved nail file.

The enterprises produce diamond-shaped, dome-shaped and square-shaped files. A professional tool can help you correct your nails by making a high-quality file.

Don’t rush to make decisions about purchasing a nail correction tool. Study the issue facing you in detail, understand the details and watch the video tutorial, which will allow you to save time when choosing a tool in the store, since you will already know well what you want to purchase.

Every woman must carry with her a cosmetic bag or necessary cosmetic accessories - lipstick, a mirror, a nail file. About what types of nail files exist, as will be discussed in our article. Our grandmothers must have been surprised that we pay so much attention to the types of files, because previously there was only one type - a metal file, which looks more like a small file. From this article you will learn which nail file is suitable for your nails.

If you come to a store to get acquainted with the assortment of nail files, then, first of all, you should pay attention to the degree of their abrasiveness, that is, hardness. To measure such an indicator as the abrasiveness of a file, there is a special unit of measurement - grits, that is, the number of abrasive particles per certain unit of area. The greater the number of grits and the higher the abrasiveness of the file, the softer and more gentle the file is on the nails. Accordingly, the lower the grit number you see on the file, the harder it is. Let's look at what types of nail files are distinguished by the degree of abrasiveness.

• 60-80 grit. This file is the toughest and is intended for adjusting the length of extended nails. Rasp natural nails Using such a file is strictly prohibited, as this will lead to delamination of the nail plate.
• 100-150 grit. The file is intended for filing the surface of artificial nails and giving them shape. If the file says 100/150, this means that one side has an abrasiveness of 100 grit, and the other - 150.
• 150-240 grit. This nail file has a medium abrasiveness, but it is still intended for final filing and shaping of artificial nails. It is not recommended to work with it on natural nails, so as not to injure the nail plates.
• 240 grit A file with this level of abrasiveness is suitable for absolutely all types of natural nails.
• 240-400 grit. This file is soft and can be used at the final stage to correct and polish both natural and artificial nails.
• 400-900 grit. An even softer file that allows you to prepare your nails for the polishing process. Suitable for both artificial and natural nails.
• 900-1200 grit. This type of files includes microabrasives and buffs, which will help give natural and artificial nails a mirror shine.

Types of nail files according to the material from which they are made

As we said earlier, now when using nail files you are not limited to just one metal. Modern types of nail files involve various materials, such as glass, crystal, porcelain, etc. Let's figure out what their advantages are and why they should be preferred.

• Glass nail file. This option is useful for those with natural nails. Such files are durable, they are quite easy to wash and simply disinfect, they are not capable of destroying the natural structure of the nail plates. The only drawback of such files is their cost. The glass nail file is easy to clean in water.
• Crystal nail files. Their advantage is that they can be used to easily file nails in any direction. The edges of the nail scarves become very soft, smooth, pleasant to the touch, which allows you to completely eliminate the polishing procedure.
• Sprayed files. These can be ceramic files aimed at shaping and removing nail plates. rough skin around the nails. Another type - pomegranate files, differ high cost, but we can say with confidence that their price is completely justified, since they will serve you for many years. There is a zebra coating, which consists of a zinc coating and silicon carbide, which helps protect the file from being covered with dust and dirt.
• Files with a fabric base. These files are flexible and expensive. Their middle part is usually made of plastic, wood or synthetic material.
• Files with a paper base. Affordable and economical option. However, along with their low price, nail files with a paper base have a significant disadvantage - they cannot be disinfected, and therefore only one person should use them, otherwise there is a risk of contracting a fungal infection. But this does not apply to all paper files; a file with a base made of waterproof paper, which is impregnated with oil glue, can be used by several people and can be disinfected, since they can easily withstand sanitary treatment. Also, for paper files there is a special solution in which the file can be washed without damaging their structure. You need to ask the seller about such a solution or buy a file complete with it. The solution acts on the paper base softer than water and does not damage the structure.
• Files with a polyethylene foam base. As a rule, such files include blocks and buffs. These types of nail files are easy to clean and do not absorb moisture.
• Electric nail file. You can buy it if you need a professional manicure. These files come in different speeds and sizes. The smallest of them are intended for use at home, and the largest are for professional use in beauty salons.
• Polishing files. Can be created from various materials. Used at the final stage. This nail file will add shine to your nails. When choosing a polishing file, make sure that they are not made of suede. The porous suede structure is difficult to disinfect.
• Metal nail file. As we said above, metal nail files are something like a small file, which can damage natural nails. Professional masters recommend abandoning such files to maintain healthy nails.

In addition to the material, cost and degree of abrasiveness, nail files differ in their shape, which affects the functions that a particular file performs.

• Oval nail file. Suitable when you need to shorten the length of the nail without cutting it, as well as give the nail plates the desired shape and make the nails even.
• Boomerang file. It should be used to round the corners of the nail plates and in situations where artificial nails should be filed in the cuticle area.
• Rectangular nail file. This file is distinguished by its versatility. You can use it for any purpose.
• File-buff. Necessary for the final stage when straightening nails. Such files are usually 2-sided, 4-sided and 6-sided. Using a buff file, you can get rid of small grooves on the surface of the nail plates.

How much do nail files cost?

Approximate prices for nail files will help you understand what types of them you can purchase.

• Glass nail file QVS. This nail file is made of glazed glass and has a rough, fine-grained surface that allows you to work on fragile nails. It is characterized by durability and resistance. This nail file comes with a textile case. The cost of the file is 290 rubles.
• Crystal nail file Bohemia. This file does not create brittleness and prevents the nail from heating up, which helps maintain its health. During operation, the file does not lose its abrasive properties and does not wear off. The file is not afraid of chemical antiseptics, water and exposure high temperature. You can buy such a nail file in an online store for 200 rubles.
• Ceramic nail file Credo. It has a rounded end, which is very convenient to give the nails the desired shape. This file can be purchased for 590-950 rubles.
• Garnet Board Orly garnet nail file. A file with an abrasiveness of 120 grit can be purchased for 36 rubles. This file will allow you to quickly process artificial nails, file the ends and round the edge of the nail plate.
• Electric nail file Nail trimmer. The file has many attachments that allow you to quickly process your nails without damaging them. The cost of a nail file is 500 rubles.
• Brilliance polishing file. This polishing block is designed to work on artificial and natural nails. The polishing file will give your nails a dazzling shine without damaging the nail structure and cuticle. The cost of the file is 280 rubles.
• Laser nail file Messer&Nagel MN-1503. The file has a convenient shape and does not allow the nail plates to delaminate. The laser file is ideal for unedged manicure, as it is ideal for working with nails and cuticles. The file is durable, despite its elasticity, it does not bend, and also allows you to process the cuticle and nail at any angle.

When choosing the type of nail file, take your time with the choice. You may want to purchase several files at once, which you will use at different stages. Remember the degree of abrasiveness and the purpose of the files, and do not allow yourself to manicure natural nails with too hard files.

A nail file is rightfully considered an essential attribute manicure set. The tool allows you to align the free edge of the nail plate and give it shape. A low-quality device can also cause harm. For this reason, many girls wonder how to choose the right nail file. Tools vary in material, abrasiveness (degree of hardness), and pricing policy. Let's look at the main features and provide practical advice.

Glass nail file

1. The glass file is considered the most durable, easy to use, and gentle. The cost of the device is relatively low, which makes it possible for girls with average incomes to purchase it.
2. There are glass files different lengths, thickness and degree of abrasiveness (hardness of the working surface). They prevent delamination, carefully file and seal the free edge.
3. The service life of the tool reaches up to a year of daily use. During use, the coating wears off, indicating that it is time to replace the file.
4. Its universal properties allow you to sharpen fingernails and toenails, as well as work with artificial turf. Some ladies resort to using a glass file when they want to polish the surface of a plate.
5. The main disadvantage of glass devices is considered to be elementary fragility. If the file falls on the floor or is pressed by other manicure tools, the glass will break. The hard case that comes with the kit helps prevent this from happening.

Ceramic nail file

1. The device is different high quality due to ceramic coating. Due to the optimal degree of abrasiveness, this type of file is used on thin and weakened nails (after extension or shellac procedures).
2. A ceramic file is a professional tool. Manicure cutters are made on the basis of this material. In addition to effective filing, the device seals the free edge.
3. If we talk about the pricing policy, it is quite high. You won't overpay because the tool is durable. If used correctly, it will last more than a year.
4. Some types of files are suitable for removing cuticles. However, without proper skill, the procedure should be carried out with extreme caution. As a result, for reasonable price you get two tools in one.

1. Masters of the nail industry call such nail files laser. The tool appeared on sale relatively recently and literally exploded the market.
2. Diamond files allow you to process the free edge of the nail plate in all directions. Most other types cannot boast of this feature.
3. Due to its texture and diamond coating, the device does not injure the nails by sealing the tip. After two weeks of use, you can notice the cessation of delamination.
4. The laser file belongs to the professional segment; it is used by masters when working with natural or artificial nails.
5. A negative characteristic is the high pricing policy. The cost of the tool is almost 10 times higher than that of paper files.

Metal nail file

1. Files of this kind cannot be used on natural plates, since they have a detrimental effect on their health. A metal device is used for filing false or extended nails.
2. If you neglect the rule and file your natural nails, the next day you will encounter excessive delamination and cracks. Even when working with artificial tips, you should be careful.
3. The advantages of metal files include a long service life and low cost. The thin base allows you to process the free edge even on very brittle nails.
4. Files made from this material are available in various lengths and shapes. It is preferable to buy an oval tool, or better yet two – a coarse-grained and a fine-grained one. The first is suitable for sawing off the edge of the plate, the second will help give it shape.

1. This type Professionals call files cardboard, since the working abrasive surface is applied to a base made of hard cardboard. According to their characteristics, paper files are disposable, as evidenced by their low cost.
2. The working covering is located on both sides. If the first section becomes unusable, you can use the reverse part.
3. The advantage of paper files is their bright design and variety. If you add the low cost to the above, a manicure will be relatively inexpensive.
4. Cardboard tools are sold everywhere. You can easily take the device on a trip or vacation without fear of losing it.
5. If we talk about the disadvantages, using paper files on short nails is difficult due to the thickness of the tool. Also, the cardboard-based device is short-lived; the nail file is enough for 2-4 treatments.

Plastic nail file

1. The tool is a plastic base, which can be smooth or foamed. The first option is suitable for filing nails, the second acts as a grinder (buff for polishing).
2. The plastic nail file is available different shapes, size, thickness. It has a pleasant pricing policy, so the purchase will not hurt your wallet.
3. Depending on the selected instance, the device can be bendable or rigid. This manicure attribute is suitable for treating thin and soft nails.
4. Durability is considered an indisputable advantage, a large number of options for purchase, pricing policy and the ability to carry out high-quality disinfection without damaging the coating.

1. By abrasiveness we mean the degree of hardness of the working surface of the file, that is, grain size. The speed of manicure, quality, safety and the overall final result depend on the correctly chosen indicator.
2. The grain size of the file is selected taking into account individual preferences. Abrasiveness is measured in Grit. The lower the hardness index, the rougher the surface of the tool.
3. If the device is chosen to work with natural nails, the abrasiveness should be high. If you are building up tips, you should take a closer look at coarser specimens.
4. A file with an abrasiveness of 100 Grit is considered hard; it is used by masters for initial work with artificial nails. Using this file, you create a shape and grind off excess gel.
5. A file with a grit of 120 to 180 grit is also designed for extended nails. With its help, you can complete the processing of artificial plates, bring them to the creation of a pattern and apply the finish.
6. A file with a hardness of 190-300 Grit is suitable for normal nails. Not suitable for a plate that is too weak. Choose a more gentle device, for example, 400 Grit. Before starting the procedure, check how much friction abrades the plate. Otherwise, purchase a tool with a higher rating.
7. A file with an abrasiveness of 900 to 1200 Grit is preferably used for grinding and polishing. At the same time, it can be used to treat both natural and artificial nails. Ultimately, the plate receives a mirror shine and a perfectly flat surface.

Nail file shape

1. Straight file. Classic option Straight files are considered to be suitable for home use. With their help, you can carry out manicure and pedicure procedures on nails of varying hardness. It is enough to select the degree of abrasiveness, and then begin manipulation. As a rule, glass, paper, ceramic, metal, and paper instruments have this shape.
2. File in the shape of a block. This type of tools is called buffers. The file is a rectangle with 3-6 working surfaces of varying abrasiveness. Depending on the grain size, the buffer grinds and polishes the plate in stages.
3. Banana shaped file. This type of instrument is called a boomerang due to its curved base. Professional craftsmen prefer to work with banana files. They are especially convenient for filing the free edge of nails. Thanks to the boomerang frame, the file can be held in one position without having to work hard during the manicure process.
4. Figure files. In most cases, curly files are purchased by teenage girls and eccentric ladies who prefer to stand out from the crowd. The nail tools market is full of devices in the shape of a butterfly, a Coca-Cola bottle, a telephone, etc.

Important!
Leading manufacturers of professional tools for nail design artists annually supply new shaped files to the shelves. Tools can be in the shape of a dome, diamond, square and even cone. Thanks to this, work with the plate is done quickly, cleanly and efficiently.

It is not difficult to choose a nail file if you have an idea of ​​abrasiveness, shapes and available materials. The best option is considered to be glass, ceramic, or diamond files. Cheap devices include tools based on paper, metal, and plastic. Choose the grain size based on the individual structure of the plate.

Video: how to choose the right nail file

Filing nails and giving them suitable shape and length are one of the main components of manicure. By choosing the wrong file, you may not only fail to achieve desired result, but also seriously harm your nails. It is important to use only the right files and choose them according to your nail type, material, function and shape.

general information

Nail files can have a wide variety of types. They differ according to several criteria: material, shape, scope of application, abrasiveness and others. So, according to the material of the file, they can be:

1. Metal;
2. Glass;
3. Ceramic:
4. Wooden;
5. Cardboard.

In this case, the scope of application refers to the areas in which a particular file is used. Files for natural fingernails are the least abrasive. They are the least traumatic and therefore suitable for the thinnest plates. They can be used in other areas, but the file will quickly become unusable, and the work itself will proceed more slowly.

On the feet, nails are most often much denser and thicker. That is why special pedicure files are designed to work with them. They are rougher, and therefore allow you to treat your nails quickly and efficiently, without injuring them.

Files for extended and false nails are usually the coarsest and allow you to quickly process a nail consisting of a dense material - gel, acrylic or plastic. They are chosen primarily because they allow you to work with extended nails quickly. After all, there is no need to worry about nails not peeling, etc.

The abrasiveness of files refers to their grain size. Accordingly, coarse-grained files are able to quickly remove excess length, but are very harmful to the nails. Fine-grained ones are able to polish the nail without damaging it. However, working with them, sharpening the free edge, can take a very long time, although it is completely safe even for the most fragile nails.

Nail files come in very different shapes, as can be seen in the photo. They can be oval, rectangular, narrow, or boomerang-shaped. Initially, it was believed that one or another shape was most suitable for one or another stage of filing, however, in fact, each master chooses the file that is convenient for him.

Metal files

The basic rule of manicure is that a metal nail file, as in the photo, should not be used on natural nails. A tool made from this material is intended exclusively for extended or false nails. When used on natural nails, it can cause cracks and delamination of the plate. Even with extended nails, you should be careful when working with this file.

Such files also have undeniable advantages. This is a very long service life combined with a low price. In addition, such files are thin and therefore indispensable when working with very short nails. For example, it is very difficult to file their corners with a glass or other file.

Thus, if you still prefer iron files, then you should purchase at least two. One coarse-grained one, to reduce the length of the free edge, and one fine-grained one, to give it shape. To minimize trauma to the skin, oval-shaped files are preferred.

Glass files

Many girls, when asked which nail file is better, answer that glass. However, its use on short nails is difficult, since it is quite thick. This file is not expensive, and it lasts quite a long time. In terms of service life, only an iron file can compete with it.

Glass tools are the least traumatic and cause minimal damage to nails even at high speed and significant abrasiveness. In addition, they are inherently universal and can be used in both manicure and pedicure and with artificial nails. Some masters even manage to use them for polishing nails or filing them when adding extensions.

The only drawback of such instruments is their fragility. Many users claim that such files often break and break, especially if they are not thick enough. They should be handled quite carefully.

Paper files

Paper or cardboard files are a common name for those tools that give the impression of being disposable. The working surface of such files is applied on both sides to a cardboard, paper or rubber base. The undoubted advantage of such files is the lowest price in the segment, as well as an attractive design - they can be very bright and interesting. In addition, they are convenient to take with you and you don’t mind losing them. Also, you can buy them almost everywhere.

The disadvantages include inconvenience for short nails. They usually have a fairly thick base, and therefore it is inconvenient to cut corners with them. In addition, they are extremely short-lived - they can withstand no more than three heat treatments.

Other files

These files are the most delicate and non-traumatic. They are used for sick or weakened nails, such as those affected by fungus. That is why, and also due to the very low price, they are most often sold in sets of several pieces and are considered disposable.

A ceramic nail file is also an excellent choice for damaged and weak nails. They are made from the same material as ceramic burrs. hardware manicure, and therefore are not only safe for nails, but also contribute to their health. In addition, these files can effectively remove cuticles, similar to the special cuticle files that will be described below. However, when working with cuticles like this, and not with a specialized file, you can damage the nail plate quite significantly.

Diamond (otherwise known as laser files) are a relatively new type of manicure tool. They have a rather unusual structure, thanks to which they do not cause delamination and injury to the nail. They can work in different directions, which cannot be done with other files. A nail file with a sealing effect, which prevents further delamination of the nail, belongs to this variety.

Thus, each user decides for himself how to choose a nail file. When choosing, you should take into account not so much the material as the grain size of the file and its ease of use.

Abrasiveness

The abrasiveness of a file is its grain size. A whole lot of factors depend on it - speed of work, its quality, safety for nails. You should select a file according to its grain size based on what nails you are going to use it for. As mentioned above, the abrasiveness of a file for natural fingernails should be lower than for toenails, which, in turn, should be lower than that of a file for artificial nails.

The grain size is measured in grits. The lower the amount of grit, the rougher and harder the file. Thus, a file up to 100 grit inclusive is intended for artificial nails on initial stages their creation. A 120 - 180 grit file is used for final processing of extended nails. However, it is also suitable for natural toenails, but only if they are very hard and thick, as is usually the case with older people.

A file of 200 - 300 grit is suitable for natural nails in normal condition. For weakened, thinned, dehydrated and peeling nails, as well as after removing extensions or gel, it is better to use files of lower abrasiveness, about 400 grit. All files with more large quantities grits are already polishings. The highest value is 1200, which characterizes suede polishers designed to add shine to nails.

Cuticle files

Separately, it is worth considering this type of manicure file as a cuticle file. It can be diamond coated, laser sharpened or ceramic. It has a honeycomb structure and is designed for filing cuticles on nails.

Thanks to its structure, it is able to act as an effective scrub, erasing cuticles into dust. Each such tool is equipped with special protrusions along the edges that prevent the working surface from coming into contact with the nail plate. Thus, you can work with this file not too carefully, since it will not damage the nail. But even if there were no such protrusions, the file would still remain safe, since its structure is such that it is not capable of scratching hard tissue.

There are laser files that are suitable even for the most sensitive skin and thin cuticle. They are designed in such a way that when exposed to, they affect only dead skin cells and do not injure living ones. Thus, the processing process with such a tool is completely painless. However, if there are hangnails and other inflammations of the skin, it is better to postpone the use of such a file until the pre-nail ridges are completely healed and the inflammation disappears.

Polishing files

Polishing files represent a separate category. Otherwise they are called buffs. These tools are designed to level the area of ​​the plate and give it shine. The types of such nail files are also very different in scope. They can be manicured or intended for extensions.

The simplest buff is a cube or parallelepiped made of foam rubber or other dense but flexible material. On its four sides there are working surfaces glued, which are most often numbered in the order of use in manicure. They differ from each other in abrasiveness.

• The first file is designed to level the plate. It is quite rough, and therefore it is worth using it locally, that is, cutting off the tubercles directly. You should not resort to this procedure more than once a month;
• The second file is needed to smooth out small irregularities, such as, for example, longitudinal grooves. It is more delicate, and therefore can be used a little more often, up to two to three times a month. However, it should also be applied locally;
• The third file is designed to work with plate delaminations. It can be used to file down uneven surfaces, thereby preventing further peeling and “clinging” of scales on clothes, etc. It should be used as needed;
• The fourth file is most often suede. It does not harm the nails or thin them, and therefore can be used very often. This treatment gives the plates shine and healthy looking.

The abrasiveness of polishing nail files is very low. Therefore, they can be used to file the free edge of the thinnest, most fragile and damaged nails. However, with such use, the polishing surface can quickly become unusable.

Manicure files for correcting nail length and the shapes of the free edge are different appearance, degree of hardness (abrasiveness), material of manufacture. Thanks to the wide variety of types of files, you can choose the appropriate option for home care of natural or artificial nails, for delicate treatment of weakened nail plates, for grinding and polishing the surface of the nail, for giving the desired shape to the free edge.

By the way, the metal file, which was popular at one time, is not at all suitable for processing natural nails, since after the procedure, delamination and cracks on the nail plate may appear, and the structure of the nail may be destroyed. But to give the desired shape to artificial nails (false nails, gel extensions), a metal file is quite suitable.

If you have little free time for home manicure and you want to quickly and efficiently prepare the nail plate before applying gel polish, then you can purchase an electric file for grinding and polishing nails. For example, the Sholl electric file, which is powered by one AA battery, has proven itself well. The Scholl electric file kit includes attachments for grinding, for shaping the free edge, and for polishing the nail plate. If you don’t have a machine for hardware pedicure, then you can choose a special scholl set, which includes attachments for treating rough skin of the feet and heels, and for polishing toenails.

When choosing nail files, it is important to consider the degree of hardness (abrasiveness) of each manicure tool. For example, for processing natural nails, choose files with an abrasiveness of 190 to 300 grit, and for correcting artificial nails (and especially those extended with gel), manicure files with an abrasiveness of 90 to 180 grit are suitable.

♦ TYPES OF MANICURE FILES

❶ Laser.
Let's start with one of the most popular manicure tools for nail treatment today. The laser file is equipped with small grooves coated with diamond. With its help, it is very convenient to process the cuticle, adjust the length of the nails, and polish the keratinized layer of the periungual lateral ridges. The file is very elastic, making it very convenient for you to process your nails at any angle. At the same time, the laser file is durable and ideal for home unedged manicure;

❷ Glass.
A universal option for treating both natural and artificial nails. It is advisable to have several glass files with varying degrees of abrasiveness in your arsenal. This tool is also used in manicure when filing, during gel extensions, and when correcting the shape of nails in pedicure. The most important advantage of glass files is safety for the nail plate with minimal impact on its structure. The disadvantages include the fragility of this instrument and its rather inconvenient use for correcting short nails;

❸ Crystal.
A very convenient and practical tool that makes it easy to file the nail plate in different directions. In addition, you can use a crystal file to polish the rough skin of the periungual ridges so that it is soft and smooth. But the most important thing is that after treatment with a crystal file, the nail will not be rough and there is no need to additionally polish it with a buff;

❹ Disposable (paper or plastic).
These are inexpensive files with quartz or Teflon coating on a cardboard or plastic base. The advantage of using them is that such tools can be taken with you on vacation, used and thrown away. But using a disposable nail file is very inconvenient to file corners and carefully process the edges of the nail;

❺ Ceramic.
As convenient and practical as glass files. This tool is distinguished by its abrasiveness and spray structure on the working surface. A ceramic file is convenient for treating rough skin around the nails and giving the nail plate the desired shape. Pomegranate files coated with silicon carbide and zinc are distinguished by very high quality and durability;

❻ Metal.
Not recommended for use on natural nails. But a thin and flexible metal file is convenient for giving shape to extended nails;

❼ Buffs for polishing.
A very convenient manicure tool in the form of a bar for leveling the surface of the nail plate and giving it shine. As a rule, the basis of the buff is hardened polyethylene foam, consisting of four working surfaces with varying degrees of abrasiveness. One side of the buff can be used to carefully level the surface of the nail plate, the second can be used to smooth out grooves and other irregularities, the third can be used to file down areas of the nail with peeled areas and prevent further delamination of the plate, and the fourth side with a suede working surface can give a healthy look and shine to the plate.

♦ FORMS OF MANICURE FILES

▪ Boomerang file.
It is very comfortable to hold in your hand thanks to the curved banana-shaped base. Used for rounding the corners of square-shaped nails, for filing extended nails in the cuticle area;

▪ Straight file rectangular shape.
The classic shape of a file for polishing and correcting the length of nails. Convenient to use for manicure and pedicure at home (glass, ceramic);

▪ Oval file.
Used to shorten the nail without using nail scissors. By treating your nails with this tool, you can quickly give them the desired shape;

▪ Dome-shaped, diamond-shaped.
Usually used experienced craftsmen for more precise filing of the nail plate;

▪ Rectangular buffs, blocks.
Used for grinding and properly polishing nails before applying coating (gel polish, acrylic). There are thin buffs with two working sides and blocks that can have six working sides with different abrasiveness.

♦ ABRASIVENESS. FILES BY DEGREE OF HARDNESS

The hardness of manicure files is measured in grits. The more grit is indicated on the file, the more gentle and softer it acts on the surface of the nail plate. If, for example, 140/180 grit is indicated on the file, this means that different working surfaces of the tool have different degrees of hardness.

50-80 grit.
A very hard file designed for active grinding or shortening of artificial nails. Never use this tool on natural nails;

90-140 grit.
Also intended for treating extended or false nails. This tool is convenient for filing the surface and adjusting the shape of artificial nails;

150-230 grit.
This is a medium degree of abrasiveness. Sometimes used to shape the free edge on long natural nails. Usually used for final filing and correction of the shape of extended nails;

240-420 grit.
A fairly soft file that makes it easy to polish natural nails and give the free edge the desired shape;

450-850 grit.
It is convenient to level the surface and remove roughness of the free edge of the nail. Preparing the nail plate for polishing and subsequent coating;

900-1300 grit.
Very soft files and buffs for polishing the nail surface to a mirror shine. Used for polishing both natural and artificial nails.

♦ VIDEO LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS