28 October 24

All About Nail Files

Nail files are an indispensable tool when it comes to having beautiful and well-groomed gel nails or natural nails. Whether you do your own gel nails at home or have them done in a nail salon, the nail file is used everywhere. In your nail care repertoire, the nail file is a must-have to shape your nails and adapt the surface to your needs. Here we explain what's important for filing your gel nails. Different types of nail files, as well as how to correctly file your nails.

Sand Files

Sand files are affordable and practical nail files, ideal for travel and shaping nails. Although they are less durable than other files, they are flexible and suitable for various gel nail situations. At Pink Gellac, we use sandpaper files because of their flexibility. The grit strength of a file is indicated by a number: the higher the number, the finer the file. A 100 or 180 grit file is suitable for shortening and shaping nails, while a 240 grit file is better for brittle, thin nails.

Glass Files

Glass files are particularly gentle on nails as they have no sharp edges. They are easy to clean by simply washing them with soap and water. One disadvantage is the price and the general fragility of the material.

How do I Find the Right Nail File for me?

It's essential to use the right nail file to avoid damaging your nails, as different grits serve various purposes. Grit refers to how rough a nail file is, ranging from coarse 80-grit, ideal for artificial nails, to fine 600-grit, typically used for polishing. At Pink Gellac, we recommend the standard 240-grit for most cases, but also offer 100 and 180 grits for artificial nails like gel, especially for shaping and shortening.

We provide a range of nail files for both gel and natural nails, with straight and rounded designs to suit your needs. Rounded files are particularly useful for working around the cuticle, giving you greater flexibility in your nail care routine.

How to use a Nail File Correctly?

Preparation is important, but you'll need to file your nails yourself for home gel nails. Follow these steps:

Always file in one direction, from the side to the center, to prevent splitting and damage.
Avoid applying too much pressure when filing, as this can harm both gel and natural nails, causing grooves or breakage.
Use the right grit: coarse grits for shaping gel nails, finer grits for natural nails and smoothing gel nails.
Take your time. Rushing can lead to unsatisfactory results.

How to Take Care of Your Nail File?

Since nail files are relatively inexpensive, it’s better to replace them too early rather than too late, as a worn file can damage or break the nail. Replace the nail file when it becomes worn or damaged. To extend the lifespan of your nail file, store it in a dry place. Additionally, clip your nails shorter before filing, instead of relying solely on filing to shorten them.