Nail Files

Nail files - The right choice for beautiful and well-groomed nails

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.

What types of nail files are there

Nail files come in different types and materials. The most common types are:

Sandpaper nail files

Sandpaper nail files are the classic nail file and they are characterised by being a particularly cheap and practical option. While they are less durable than alternative nail files with other materials, they are ideal for travelling and for building up a repertoire of different sizes, shapes and grits. That's why at Pink Gellac we also use sandpaper nail files, as this flexibility is important to us, so you can be prepared for any gel nail situation.

Glass nail files

Glass nail 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.

Metal nail files

Metal nail files are sturdier than sandpaper and glass nail files and they are particularly good for thick nails. They are also quite easy to clean, but should be disinfected regularly. Metal nail files are quite expensive and usually not a good choice when different grits are needed.

Electric nail files

Electric nail files are ideal for professional use in the nail salon as their usage is quick and effective. However, they are also the most expensive option and should be used by experienced people. They are less suitable for home use.

How do I find the right nail file for me?

It is important to use the right nail file for you to avoid damaging your nails. Basically, nail files have different grits, each with different functions. The grit is indicated in the unit "grid" and simply describes how rough the surface of the nail file is and how coarsely it files your nails. In the trade, nail files are available with grits ranging from 80, which are particularly coarse and sharp-edged, to 600, which are very fine and are rarely used. Many nail files have 2 different grits: Either on 2 different ends of the same side or on 2 different sides.

For most cases, we at Pink Gellac recommend a file with a grit of 240. This grit is considered the "standard grit". However, we also have grits of 100 and 180 in our range, which covers the majority of applications. Low grit grades such as 100 or even 80 are particularly suitable for working on artificial nails, e.g. gel nails. Especially when shortening nail tips or filing to a desired shape, these nail files are ideal for gel nails.

From a grit of 240 and higher, however, we are more in the area of filing natural nails. Although it is of course possible to work on gel nails, it is less efficient in terms of wear on the nail file compared to coarser grits. Grits of 400 and higher are usually more suitable for polishing the surface of acrylic nails, for example, and they are used less in gel nail polish. However, if you have particularly weak, thin or damaged natural nails, a finer grit may be worthwhile to protect your natural nails in phases until they have regenerated.

At Pink Gellac, we offer the most important grits so that you are well prepared for filing gel nails as well as natural nails. For added flexibility, we offer classic straight nail files as well as rounded versions that can make it easier to file along the cuticle.

How to use a nail file correctly?

Preparation isn't everything, of course - you'll have to file your nails yourself if you want to make your own gel nails at home. The following steps should be followed:

• Always file in the same direction - from the side of the nail to the center. Avoid filing back and forth frantically as this can cause the nail to split and make your nails look damaged.

• Be careful not to apply too much pressure when filing. Too much pressure can damage both gel nails and your natural nails. This can result in grooves or even nails breakage.

• As far as possible, always use the right grit for the right job. Coarse grit nail files are more suitable for gel nails and tend to be used to adjust or correct the length and shape of the nail. Finer grits, on the other hand, are more suitable for filing natural nails so as not to damage them unnecessarily, and are also used in smoothing and polishing gel & acrylic nails.

• Take enough time to file your nails. It takes time to achieve beautiful gel nails - if you rush the process and you are impatient, you reduce the chances of achieving a result you will be happy with.

How to take care of your nail file?

A nail file should be cleaned and cared for regularly for hygienic reasons. Proper care also helps to prolong its effectiveness and durability. Here are some tips for caring for your nail file:

• Clean your file after each use with soap and water or an alcohol-based disinfectant.

• Avoid sharing your nail files with other people to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure better hygiene for your nails.

• Keep nail files in a dry place to avoid moisture and mould.

Replace your nail file regularly when it is worn or damaged. As nail files are relatively cheap, it is better to change them too early than too late. A worn nail file can cause the nail to become damaged or broken, or it can have little effect.

Conclusion

A nail file is an essential tool for beautiful and well-groomed nails, whether natural or gel. There are different types of nail files, including glass, metal, sandpaper and electric nail files. It is important to choose a nail file correctly in terms of grit and shape, but also to use and take care for it properly to avoid damage to the nails. Choose a nail file that suits your needs and nail type to get the best results. Also, before you buy, think about whether you might need several different grits, especially if you plan to switch between gel and natural nails.