Due to the wide variety of nail files, choosing a tool to create the perfect manicure is very difficult. The following article describes in detail the different types of nail files, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. A nail file is considered the key to a beautiful manicure and well-groomed hands, while it does not matter at all whether artificial or natural nails. There is not always time for a regular visit to the master, and having a nail file at hand, you can not worry that in the evening there is a meeting and you do not have time for a manicure. The choice of a nail file is of great importance, because today you can find many different types in professional stores.
File abrasiveness
The most important aspect that you must pay attention to when choosing a nail file is abrasiveness, that is, rigidity. It is strictly forbidden to file thin, weak and brittle nails with coarse nail files, as this will only worsen their condition. A file that is too soft will not cope with hard nails.
The abrasiveness of the files is determined in the grits, while the more their number, the softer the file itself. The most common options are:
- 80–100 is the toughest nail file, so you need to use it when working with artificial nails. With its help, the nails are given the desired shape, and their surface is also leveled during the extension procedure.
- 120–180 - a tool with a high stiffness. As a rule, it is used during the final processing of artificial marigolds, as well as when polishing them. Can also be used to shape natural and hard nails.
- 240 - medium hardness. Recommended for use when adjusting and shaping natural nails, but not suitable for very soft and weakened nail plate.
- 400 is a soft nail file recommended for very thin and weak nails. Suitable for sanding the surface of natural and artificial nails.
- 900-1200 is a very soft nail file. It can be used during the polishing procedure for natural or extended marigolds. It helps to give the nail surface an almost mirror-like shine, which makes it one of the most sought after. As a rule, this type of nail files is used at the final stage of creating a manicure.
To give the nails the desired shape, as well as for polishing the surface, experienced craftsmen recommend using several files at the same time, which should be of different abrasiveness.
Nail file shapes
The shape of the file is of no less importance. Since today there is a fairly wide range of products, it can be difficult to make the right choice. The most important thing is to choose the tool that will be convenient to work with.
You can use nail files to create manicure and pedicure, while almost any material can be used for the base of the tool. As a rule, paper, metal, ceramic and glass files are straight.
For polishing and grinding the marigolds, buffs or blocks have been specially developed, which can be thin or very thick. Almost all models of buffs have 6 working surfaces at once, with each having a different abrasiveness.
Banana, or boomerang, is considered one of the most comfortable and easy-to-use forms of nail files, which are usually used for home manicure. Thanks to the curved frame, this tool is comfortable to hold in the hand.
You can also find curly nail files in stores, which have a very interesting shape. Such a tool, in almost all cases, is used by adolescents or for filing marigolds for children.
Types of nail files
Today there is a really large number of a wide variety of nail files. The most important thing is not to be greedy and buy a quality tool that will help you not only get the perfect manicure, but also maintain the health of your nails.
Metal nail file
This type of nail file almost always has a coarse-grained surface, and is recommended for use only for artificial nails (acrylic). You should not use this tool for natural nails, as it can cause serious damage to the structure of the nail plate, which, in turn, provokes the onset of delamination.
If you like to use only metal files, or for some reason you cannot get a different look, then stop the choice on a semicircular instrument with a fine-grained surface. Such a nail file will cause minimal harm.
Diamond nail file
Perfect for polishing the nail plate. Moreover, it is recommended for both artificial and natural marigolds. The high quality coating helps to achieve the perfect shape of the nails, and give their surface an almost mirror shine.
The advantages of diamond files include a long service life. This tool is recommended for filing strong, unbreakable, hard nails.
Corundum nail file
These nail files are quite expensive. They are characterized by their durability, unlike artificial emery tools. Suitable for working with any kind of nails.
Ceramic nail file
Typically, this type of nail file is used to give the nails the desired shape. This file can also be used during the treatment of hardened skin around the nail plate. Ceramic nail files are just perfect for weakened, brittle and very thin nails, as they do not injure them or provoke delamination.
Nail file with wood base
This nail file is one of the most durable, since it does not vibrate or spring, and is not very flexible during operation. Therefore, for comfort during use, it is given a semicircular shape. It is not very easy to care for it - it is not recommended to wash it with water, but it should be stored in a special case, which will extend its service life.
Polishing nail file
It helps to give beautiful shine to the nails and is used at the final stage of manicure. As a rule, 4-in-1 files are presented, with each side having a different degree of abrasiveness.
Very carefully you need to use a file with a coarse dusting. It is strictly forbidden to use it more than 2 times a year. If you neglect this advice, there is a risk that the nail will completely change, there is a strong thinning of the plate.
Emery nail file
This type of nail files has become one of the most popular. They are among the sparing ones, unable to harm even weakened and thinned marigolds. However, it must be remembered that it is strictly forbidden to wash this tool, and you can use a toothbrush for cleaning, but only completely dry, otherwise the moisture will ruin the tool.
It is recommended to stop the choice on such a nail file, which has a polyurethane base, as it will last much longer. But the cost will also be higher than that of a paper-based tool.
Glass nail file
More recently, glass nail files have become available and are used by professional nail artists. This is one of the best files, as it has a long service life, can undergo any disinfection and sterilization. In addition, it is not capable of harming the health of the nails.
This type of nail file can be coarse-grained or fine-grained. The second option is recommended to be used while polishing the nails, to level their surface and give the desired shape to weak and thin nails. However, it is not recommended to grind the nail plate too often, as this can lead to its severe thinning.
The glass nail file is an ideal tool that can be used for both natural and artificial nails. Even with its regular use, the nail plate does not begin to exfoliate, does not become brittle.
If a glass nail file will be used directly for filing artificial nails, it is recommended to periodically moisten it with clean water during operation.
When using this type of nail file at home, it will be enough just to rinse it with plenty of water and wipe it dry with a napkin. You can also carry out a boiling or sterilization procedure. The glass surface does not wear out, thanks to which such a tool will last for several years.
Crystal nail file
This nail file has a rather high cost (about 400 rubles), which directly depends on the manufacturer and the size of the tool.
A high-quality crystal nail file is completely safe for human health. It can be used not only for shaping nails, but also for polishing and treating the hardened skin of the fingers. It is perfect for working with artificial nails, but during filing, you will need to periodically moisten it with water.
Video on how to choose the right nail file:
