5 Mistakes You Might Be Making When Filing Your Nails
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Frequent trips to the nail salon are the most-convenient way to stay up to date with the latest nail trends. But aside from the financial impact, constantly undergoing harsher salon services like acrylic manicures and dip powder can leave your nails weak and brittle — fabulous though they may look. Many people find that DIY manicures are often best for their bank accounts and improving their nail strength, and a crucial part of the process is filing.
While simple in theory, filing your own nails can damage them if you make some of the most-common mistakes that many people aren't even aware of. In an exclusive conversation with Glam, double-board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology Dr. Brendan Camp reveals that the biggest filing blunders are easy to avoid if you know what you're doing. Filing without knowing what your desired shape is, moving in the wrong direction, and not using the right tools will all leave you with a lackluster DIY manicure. The dermatologist recommends beginning by clipping your nails with a clipper — if they need to be shortened — and then moving on to filing.
"A nail or cuticle oil can be applied to help repair rough or worn nails," he notes, though products should always be incorporated once the actual filing is complete. There's a difference between a crystal nail file and an emery board, but thankfully, the process is easy as pie, whether you're using something like the Bona Fide Beauty Czech Glass Nail File or a disposable option like the SALVMARY Mini Disposable Wood Nail Files. Whichever tool you use, though, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Don't file wet nails or run the file in both directions like a 'saw'
According to Dr. Brendan Camp, one of the biggest mistakes you need to stop making with your at-home manicures is filing wet nails. "File nails when they are dry, because filing them when they are wet can make them more prone to damage," he advises us. A product like the Bliss Kiss Nail Oil Cuticle Pen may work wonders in leaving your fingertips feeling smooth, but you should only apply it to finish off the process. On that note, the dermatologist explains exclusively to Glam that filing "left and right in a saw-like motion" is also an error since this can cause damage to the nail bed, leading to an array of problems from splitting to peeling. "File nails in one direction to avoid a rugged look," he suggests. "Some recommend starting from the outside of the nail and then moving towards the center."
If you've ever had your nails filed in a salon, you may be tempted to face your fingers outward, the way you would with a technician. But those rules go out the window when you're filing your own nails; instead, face your hands toward you to give you the best view of your nails. Pay special attention to the edges of your nails, as filing this area will determine the shape. It's also important to buff your nails when you're finished filing since this will smooth over any bumpy bits. Even though nail-filing is easy and simple, don't rush it. If you try to file too quickly, you risk being too rough and either filing your nails into the wrong shape or damaging the nails.
Trying to wing it is the most common nail-filing blunder
Most of the magic happens during the nail-filing process, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you even pick up a file. First, Dr. Brendan Camp warns us that this isn't an act where you can wing it. "It helps to have a shape or idea in mind before starting," he shares exclusively with Glam. If you aren't already, this will require you to get familiar with the most-common nail shapes, as well as with your nail bed, since some shapes will suit you better than others. The main shapes are almond, round, square, squoval, coffin, and stiletto, and round nails tend to be the easiest for beginners to file. Also, take into account length and practicality; stiletto nails are reserved for long nails, for example, and these can make it harder to go about everyday tasks. Ultimately, if you go in unprepared, you're likely to end up with a hybrid nail shape that's neither here nor there.
It's also key to avoid using the wrong file. "Some files are disposable, while glass (sometimes referred to as crystal) files are reusable and washable," Dr. Camp reveals. While both can get the job done, glass files tend to be better for natural nails because they're gentler due to their finer grit, while disposable alternatives are useful for acrylic nails or natural nails with a harder coating, such as dip powder. "Understand what grit number refers to; higher numbers indicate that the file is finer or smoother," Dr. Camp notes. Just be sure to wash your glass file in between uses to avoid the accumulation of bacteria.
Finally, Dr. Camp shares that the last common mistake to avoid is either over- or under-filing your nails. "The frequency with which to file nails and the length at which to keep them may vary based on how quickly one's nails grow and personal preferences about length," he explains. "In general, filing once weekly is a common recommendation." With this in mind, avoid filing your nails too regularly or not enough to give yourself the best DIY manicure.