How to choose a nail file: useful tips

A nail file is rightfully considered an integral attribute of a manicure set. The tool allows you to align the free edge of the nail plate and give it a shape. A poor-quality device can also do harm. For this reason, many girls are wondering about how to choose a nail file correctly. Tools vary in material, abrasiveness (degree of rigidity), pricing policy. We will analyze the main features, give practical advice.

Glass nail file

1. Glass nail file is considered the most durable, easy to use, sparing. The cost of the device is relatively low, which makes it possible for girls with an average income to purchase it.
2. Glass nail files come in different lengths, thicknesses and degrees of abrasiveness (rigidity of the working surface). They prevent delamination, carefully file and seal the free edge.
3. Tool life reaches one year of daily use. During operation, the spraying cools off, indicating that it is time to replace the file.
4. Universal properties allow you to sharpen nails on the arms and legs, as well as work with artificial turf. Some ladies resort to using a glass file when they want to sand the surface of the plate.
5. The main disadvantage of glass fixtures is elementary fragility. If the nail file falls to the floor or is pressed by other manicure tools, the glass will crack. A hard case that comes with the kit helps to prevent this outcome.

Ceramic Nail File

1. The device is of high quality due to ceramic spraying. Due to the optimal degree of abrasiveness, a nail file of this type is used on thin and weakened nails (after the extension procedure or shellac).
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 pricing, it is quite high. You do not overpay, because the tool is durable. When used correctly, it will last more than a year.
4. Some types of files are suitable for removing cuticles. However, without proper dexterity, the procedure should be carried out with extreme caution. As a result, for an affordable price you will get two tools in one.

Diamond nail file

1. Masters of the nail industry call such nail files laser. The tool appeared on sale relatively recently and literally blew up 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 such a feature.
3. Due to its texture and diamond spraying, the device does not injure the nails, sealing the tip. After two weeks of use, the cessation of delamination can be noticed.
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 a high pricing policy. The cost of the tool is almost 10 times higher than paper files.

Metal nail file

1. Files of this kind cannot be used on a natural plate, since they adversely affect their health.A metal device is used to file false or extended nails.
2. If you neglect the rule and file native 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 from this material are available in various lengths and shapes. It is preferable to buy an oval tool, and preferably two - coarse-grained and fine-grained. The first is suitable for sawing off the edges of the plate, the second will help give it a shape.

Paper nail file

1. Professionals call this type of files cardboard, because the working abrasive surface is applied to the base of rigid cardboard. By their characteristics, disposable paper files are evidenced by their low cost.
2. The working cover is located on both sides. If the first section becomes unusable, you can use the back.
3. The advantage of paper files is its vibrant design and variety. If you add to the above low cost, a manicure will be relatively inexpensive.
4. Cardboard tools are sold everywhere. You can easily take the device on the road or on vacation, without fear of losing it.
5. If we talk about the shortcomings, the use of paper files on short nails is difficult due to the thickness of the tool. Also, the device on a cardboard basis is short-lived, there will be enough nail files for 2–4 treatments.

Plastic nail file

1. The tool is a plastic base, which can be flat or foamed. The first option is suitable for sawing nails, the second acts as a grinding machine (buff for polishing).
2. Plastic nail file is available in various shapes, sizes, thickness. It has a pleasant pricing policy, so the purchase will not hit the wallet.
3. Depending on the selected specimen, the fixture can be bent and rigid. Manicure attribute is suitable for the treatment of thin and soft nails.
4. An indisputable advantage is durability, a large number of options for purchase, pricing and the ability to conduct high-quality disinfection without damaging the coating.

Abrasiveness of nail files

1. By abrasiveness is meant the degree of rigidity of the working surface of the file, that is, graininess. The speed of the manicure, quality, safety and the overall end result depend on the right indicator.
2. The grain of the nail file is selected taking into account individual preferences. Abrasiveness is measured in Grit. The lower the stiffness indicator, the rougher the surface of the tool.
3. If the device is chosen to work with natural nails, abrasion should be high. If you are building tips, you should look at more coarse instances.
4. An abrasive file of 100 Grit is considered to be hard, it is used by masters for the initial work with artificial nails. Such a nail file creates a shape and grinds excess gel.
5. A file with a grain size from 120 to 180 Grit is also designed for extended nails. With its help, you can complete the processing of artificial plates, bring them out to create a picture and apply the finish.
6. A file with a hardness of 190-300 Grit is suitable for normal nails. For too weak a plate will not work. Choose a more gentle device, for example, 400 Grit. Before starting the procedure, check how much friction abrases the plate. Otherwise, purchase a tool with a higher rate.
7. An abrasive file from 900 to 1200 Grit is preferably used for grinding and polishing. At the same time, it can handle both natural and artificial nails.Ultimately, the plate gets a mirror-like sheen and a perfectly flat surface.

Nail File Shape

1. Direct file. A classic option are straight files that are suitable for home use. With their help, you can carry out the procedure of manicure and pedicure on nails of various stiffness. It is enough to choose the degree of abrasiveness, and then proceed to the manipulations. As a rule, glass, paper, ceramic, metal, paper tools have this form.
2. Block file. This type of tool is called buffers. The file is a rectangle with 3–6 work surfaces of various abrasiveness. Depending on the grain size, the buffer grinds and polishes the plate in stages.
3. A file in the shape of a banana. This type of tool is called a boomerang due to the curved base. Professional craftsmen prefer to work with banana files. It is especially convenient to file up the free edge of the nails. Thanks to the boomerang frame, the file can be held in one position, without being sophisticated in the process of manicure.
4. Nail files figures. In most cases, teenage girls and eccentric ladies who prefer to stand out from the crowd buy curly files. The market for nail tools is full of devices in the form of a butterfly, a bottle of Coca-Cola, a telephone, etc.

Important!
Leading companies producing professional tools for nail designers annually supply new form files to the shelves. Tools can be in the form of a dome, rhombus, square and even a cone. Thanks to this, work with the plate is performed quickly, cleanly and efficiently.

It’s easy to choose a nail file if you have an idea of ​​abrasion indicators, shapes and materials. The best option is glass, ceramic, diamond files. Cheap tools include paper, metal, plastic tools. Select grit based on the individual structure of the plate.

Video: how to choose the right nail file