How to file nails properly: tips and tricks for beginners & professionals
Mitgründer Health Routine
Felix Kleine
Filing your nails correctly is an essential step towards well-groomed and attractive hands. But do you know how to do it best? Many of us simply reach for the file without considering the technique or the nail shape. The wrong filing technique can weaken the nail structure and lead to cracks or breakages.
In this guide, we'll shed some light on the subject and explain how to file your nails properly and treat them gently. From choosing the right file to professional filing techniques , here you'll find everything you need to know to take optimal care of your nails and give them a healthy and attractive look .
Let's master the art of nail filing together and get your nails in top shape.
How to file nails correctly: Expert tips at a glance
Filing your nails properly is a skill that requires both care and expertise . With the expert tips below, you can not only shape your nails , but also promote their health and strength .
Here are our top tips for filing your nails properly.
🌿 Tip 1: Choose the right file
A quality nail file is crucial for the health and beauty of your nails. The best choice is a glass file. Unlike metal files or rough paper sanders, it is gentle on your nails, prevents splintering and ensures a smooth nail edge.
🌿 Tip 2: File in one direction
To prevent splitting and weakening of the nails, always file in one direction. Filing back and forth can damage the nail structure and should be avoided.
🌿 Tip 3: Find the right nail shape
The shape of your nails should suit your hand. Look at the shape of your cuticles and choose a nail shape that resembles it - whether round, oval, square or squoval.
🌿 Tip 4: Keep your nails clean and dry
Before you start filing, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Wet nails can crack or split more easily.
🌿 Tip 5: Don’t file too short
Do not file nails too short. A little length protects the nail tips and prevents them from wearing down or breaking too quickly.
🌿 Tip 6: Regular care
Regular filing helps keep nails in shape and prevents them from cracking. Incorporate filing into your weekly nail care routine.
🌿 Tip 7: Gentle filing
File gently and with light pressure. Filing too hard can damage the nail surface and weaken the nails.
The 7 most popular nail shapes: How to achieve them!
Choosing your nail shape is a crucial step in giving your hands an individual and well-groomed look . From natural and round to eye-catching stiletto nails, each shape has its own charm and style .
In this section, we will show you how to file different nail shapes to make your nails perfect.
1. Natural and round nails
Round nails are ideal for a natural and well-groomed look .
- To file round nails, start at the sides and gently file towards the center of the nail.
- Hold the file at a slight angle to create a gentle curve.
This shape is especially flattering for short nails and is great for emphasizing and enhancing the natural shape of your fingernails .
2. Almond-shaped nails
Almond-shaped nails are feminine and elegant .
- To file this shape, start at the sides and file toward the tip to create an almond-shaped curve.
- The tip should be narrow and slightly rounded to achieve the characteristic almond shape.
This shape is ideal for longer nails and adds a touch of sophistication.
3. Ballerina nails
Ballerina nails are a trendy choice and are reminiscent of the shape of ballet shoes .
- To file this shape, start with a square base and file the sides slightly at an angle to taper the tip.
- The ends should be flat and straight, giving them a unique and modern look.
4. Stiletto nails
Stiletto nails are eye-catching and bold .
- To file this pointed shape, start at the sides and file diagonally toward the tip.
- The nails should taper to a fine, pointed shape.
This shape is particularly eye-catching and is ideal for a statement design , giving the hands a dramatic and fashionable look .
5. Square nails
Square nails are modern and look particularly good on longer nails .
- To file square nails, start at the sides and file straight down.
- Then file the tip in a straight line to emphasize the square shape.
This shape offers clear, striking lines and is ideal for an eye-catching nail design.
6. Oval nails
Oval nails are an elegant choice and visually lengthen the fingers.
- To shape oval nails, file the sides at a slight angle and gently round the tip.
- Make sure that the side lines are even to achieve a harmonious oval shape.
This shape is ideal for medium length nails and offers a classic, timeless elegance.
7. Squoval nails
Squoval nails are a combination of square and oval , offering the best of both worlds.
- File the sides straight
- and gently round the corners to create a soft, square shape.
This shape is versatile and suits almost any nail type, combining the strength of square nails with the softness of oval nails .
Choosing the right nail file: everything you need to know!
Choosing the right nail file is an important step for perfect nail care. We would particularly like to recommend the glass file from Health Routine . This file is not only an effective tool for nail care, but also a stylish accessory.
The microfine grain of the glass file from Health Routine ensures particularly gentle care for your nails. It is Ideal for sensitive and brittle fingernails as it gently and effectively smoothes the nail ends without damaging them. The durable glass material makes the file not only efficient but also long-lasting.
A big advantage of the glass file is its hygiene . It is easy to clean , making it a clean option for your nail care. Compared to traditional paper files, the glass file also does not wear out as quickly, making it an environmentally friendly choice .
It also seals the nail and protects it from drying out and splitting , which is crucial for the health and strength of your nails.
Using the glass file is easy: dry the nails, file them from the outside to the middle and finish the tip last. This will give you the best results.
With its elegant design, the Health Routine glass file is not only a practical but also an aesthetically pleasing tool in your nail care routine.
How do I find the perfect nail shape for my hands?
Choosing the right nail shape is an important aspect of putting hands in the spotlight . Different nail shapes can affect the impact of your hands and fingers in different ways.
Here are some tips on how to find the ideal nail shape based on your natural hand and finger shape:
✔ For wide hands: Do you want to make your hands look more delicate and elegant? Then oval, almond-shaped or pointed nail shapes are ideal. Longer nails emphasize the grace of your fingers. Combine them with delicate jewelry such as thin rings and delicate bracelets to enhance the effect.
✔ For narrow hands: If you want to give your narrow hands more fullness, straight and square nail shapes are a good choice. They give your hands more volume. Complete the look with eye-catching statement rings and wide bangles to make your delicate limbs appear wider.
✔ For short fingers: To visually lengthen short fingers, longer nails are an effective solution. Ballerina nails or almond shapes can balance out wide, short fingers in a trendy way. If you wear round nails a little longer, your fingers will naturally appear slimmer.
✔ Color selection for nail polish: The color of the nail polish also plays an important role in the visual effect of your hands. Light colors such as pastel tones and nude shades create a delicate look. Dark, striking colors and matte textures, as well as glitter and glamor details emphasize the width of your nails and are perfect for visually stretching narrow shapes.
Expert tip: By keeping these tips in mind, you can find the perfect nail shape for your hands and make the most of their natural beauty. Experiment with different shapes and colors to find what works best for you and your individual style.
Conclusion
Filing your nails is a simple but effective way to beautify and show off your hands. With the right techniques and tools, such as the Health Routine glass file, you can care for your nails gently and effectively.
Remember that the shape of your nails will affect the visual impact of your hands. A suitable shape can make your fingers appear slimmer or longer and add a touch of elegance to your overall appearance.
Take care of your nails regularly and enjoy the attractive result: beautiful, healthy nails that reflect your personality and emphasize your natural beauty.
FAQ
What is better, filing or cutting nails?
Filing nails is generally gentler than cutting them. Filing helps prevent cracks and splinters that can occur when cutting. When cutting, the nails are literally "squeezed" between the scissors' blades, which can lead to tension in the nail.
These tensions can weaken the structure of the nail and increase the risk of nail breakage. It is also more difficult to achieve a uniform and desired shape with scissors. Filing allows for more precise shaping and gentler treatment of the nail.
In which direction do you file nails?
It's best to file nails in one direction rather than sawing back and forth. Start at one side of the nail and gently file toward the center.
This prevents the nail from splitting and weakening. A consistent, gentle movement ensures a smooth surface and a uniform shape.
How often should you file your nails?
The frequency of filing depends on the growth rate and condition of your nails. In general, it is advisable to file your nails about once a week.
This keeps them in shape and prevents them from getting too long and breaking. However, if your nails are brittle or grow quickly, it may be helpful to file them more often.
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