What should be a file for artificial nails? Types of nail files

They are not expensive at all, so you have the opportunity to experiment, choosing the most suitable one for yourself or several with different grain sizes. Do not forget that the quality of the tool depends on how easily and accurately you process the nails. Even with a good manicure technique, using a poor-quality nail file can lead to cracking of the nail plate.

Manicure nail files are distinguished by the following parameters:

1. Form (oval tool, block or rectangular file, banana file).
2. Material (soft-based emery, ceramic - these are also called glass, metal).
3. Functions (used for polishing, grinding, etc.).
4. Abrasiveness (hardness is determined in grits - from 80 to 400 grits).
5. Purpose (for untreated shellac nails - as a rule, these can be washed; for nails reinforced with gel or acrylic).

What is abrasiveness

Files differ in the level of abrasiveness (hardness). Below are the type designations and their corresponding stiffness values:

• 80 is the toughest
• 100 - very tough
• 120 - hard
• 180 - medium hardness
• 220 - medium
• 320 - softer than average
• 400 - soft

It is easy to guess that the softest files (the abrasiveness of which is 320 and 400) are mainly used for filing natural nails. The most common are double-sided abrasive tools 100/180: a hard surface is designed for processing extended nails. With the rough side (which has a value of 100), it is convenient to remove the length and level the surface of the nail if it is very bumpy. With a softer surface (abrasiveness 180), we shape the nails and even out small irregularities. If you do not know which of the tools you need to start with, then take a 320 grit, it will come in handy anyway. The delicate fine-grained surface is designed for grinding and finishing.

How to use different shaped files

Oval is used to align and shape the nails, as well as shortening the length.

It is convenient to align the edges of nails and make rounding corners with a “boomerang” nail file; it is also used for cutting gel (acrylic) in the cuticle area.

The rectangular universal nail file serves the same purposes as the oval nail file: it is easy to shape, remove excess gel in the cuticle area and smooth the surface of the nails.

Manicure nail file-"banana" is especially convenient: the tool is needed to align the nails along the edges and delicately round the corners.

What are the materials of files: differences and description

Glass is suitable mainly for filing your own (not reinforced with gel) nails. This is a modern replacement for metal, sapphire and diamond files, which have long outlived their usefulness, but for some reason are still advertised. The latter are inconvenient because of their small size, and also because of them, microcracks form on the nails, as a result of which the nails exfoliate. In addition, after sawing, they leave microscopic burrs. This can be easily verified. File a nail with a metal (diamond, sapphire) file and run it over tights or skin: you will immediately feel that the surface is not smooth, but rough.

But today, laser, glass and are in honor, their popularity abroad is at its peak, although in Russia they are not yet particularly common. The peculiarity of such tools is that they “glue” the scales, preventing the nails from exfoliating. Glass, crystal and laser files can be used in different directions (left to right and top to bottom), as well as clean the inner surface of the nail.

These nail files can be washed, disinfected and used again and again. The only drawback of glass manicure tools is that they cannot be dropped.

Any high-quality glass, crystal, laser nail file has a lifetime warranty: a good and reliable surface of the tools is not erased.

Soft sandpaper is used for both natural nails and artificial ones: it all depends on the grain size.

There are also cardboard nail files with varying degrees of abrasiveness (roughness). Usually they are used in beauty salons. Such a nail file can only be used once, it is impractical to use.

A buff is a bar with an abrasive surface on two or four sides. Buffs are needed for the final leveling of the surface and the removal of small grooves, the tool is also suitable for polishing. If the nail plate is not perfectly even, for example, after removing the gel after extension, it is necessary to grind with a harder base. On smooth nails, it is enough to walk several times with the soft surface of the buff.

The polisher is used to strengthen the nails with a special oil. This is the final stage of processing before painting with varnish.

Some additional information about laser, crystal and glass files

If you prefer euro-manicure, then it is most convenient and correct to do it with laser files. They can be used to file hardened side rollers. Professional tools with the same abrasiveness are also made for pedicure, treatment of corns and corns. In general, this is the most convenient device for a European manicure.

The surface on a laser file looks like a pattern on a metal file, but the grain is so fine and comfortable that it is a pleasure to use the tool.

You can conduct the same experiment as with a metal file: run your treated nails over tights or skin. There won't be a single clue left. A nail file is easy to smooth and remove roughness and irregularities.

The more often you use a laser file, the sooner the need for a cut manicure will disappear: the skin gets used to processing, grows more slowly and evenly. The file can be used to process both skin and nails.

Many customers leave their positive feedback after using glass, crystal and laser files. Try it too. Perhaps this is the tool you have been looking for.

What else do you need to know about nail files?

It is important to remember that regrown nails are not cut off with scissors or nippers, but only cut off. This will avoid microcracks and protect the edge of the nail from delamination.

In salons, to speed up the manicure procedure, the nail is really first cut off and then filed. This is done only on the condition that the nail is very long, and it will take a lot of time to cut it. The master processes the residual length with a file. But if you take care of your hands at home, it is better not to cut off the length at all, but to cut off the edge of the plate without damaging it.

If your nails are thin, take a file of medium hardness, if hard and dense, you can choose a harder one. Please note that files from 220 grit and above are suitable for your (not reinforced with gel or acrylic) nails.

It is important to purchase only goods from certified manufacturers: today there are many tools on sale that are made by artisanal methods. Such products can cause serious damage to your nails, and are generally dangerous to health.

How to protect nails from delamination and thinning

Whether your nails will be healthy depends on the choice of the file. But it's not just the tool you choose.

Few people know that the nail plate exfoliates, including from improper protection from aggressive household chemicals. You wash your hair, use various chemicals, all this falls under the free edge of the nail. When the nails are protected from all sides, this affects the beauty and health. Therefore, after processing, you should use the base for varnish, and you need to process not only the surface of the nail plate, but also the free lower part.

Remember to cover your nails with special oils, rubbing such products into the nail itself and the cuticle. Some time will pass, and you will not recognize your nails - they will become so healthy and beautiful.

In our Manicure Shop you will find the best types of modern manicure tools. All products are of high quality and are made by reputable manufacturers. We constantly replenish their assortment and we will be glad if you like our products.

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 on hand, you don’t have to worry that there is a meeting in the evening and you don’t have time for a manicure. It is the choice of nail file that is of great importance, because today in professional stores you can find many different types.

The abrasiveness of the nail file

The most important aspect that you should definitely 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 too soft nail file will not cope with hard nails.

The abrasiveness of the nail files is determined in grits, while the larger their number, the softer the nail file itself. The most common options are:

• 80-100 is the hardest nail file, so you need to use it while working with artificial nails. With its help, the desired shape is given to the nails, and their surface is also leveled during the extension procedure.
• 120–180 - a tool with a high rigidity index. As a rule, it is used during the final processing of artificial nails, as well as when polishing them. It can also be used to shape natural and hard nails.
• 240 - medium hardness. Recommended for use during adjustment and shaping of natural nails, but not suitable for very soft and weak nails.
• 400 is a soft nail file recommended for very thin and weak nails. Suitable for polishing the surface of natural as well as artificial nails.
• 900–1200 is a very soft nail file. It can be used during the polishing procedure for natural or extended nails. It helps to give the nail surface an almost mirror shine, which makes it one of the most popular. 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 to polish the surface, experienced craftsmen recommend using several nail files at the same time, which should be of different abrasiveness.

Forms of nail files

Equally important is the shape of the nail file. Since today there is a fairly wide assortment, it can be difficult to make the right choice. The most important thing is to choose the tool with which it will be convenient to work.

You can use nail files to create a manicure and pedicure, while almost any material can be used for the base of the tool. As a rule, paper, metal, ceramic and glass nail files are straight.

For polishing and polishing nails, 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, while each will have 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 manicures. Thanks to the curved frame, this tool is comfortable to hold in your hand.

In stores you can also find curly nail files, which have a very interesting shape. Such a tool, in almost all cases, is used by teenagers or for filing nails 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 purchase 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 nail files, or for some reason you cannot get a different look, then opt for a tool with a semicircular shape and a fine-grained surface. Such a nail file will cause minimal harm.

Diamond nail file

Perfect for polishing the nail plate. At the same time, it is recommended for both artificial and natural nails. A high-quality coating helps to achieve the perfect shape of nails, and give their surface an almost mirror shine.

Among the advantages of diamond nail files is 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 durability, unlike tools with an emery coating of artificial origin. Suitable for any kind of nails.

Ceramic nail file

As a rule, this type of nail file is used to give the nails the desired shape. This nail file can also be used during the treatment of rough skin around the nail plate. Ceramic nail files are just perfect for weak, brittle and very thin nails, as they do not injure them and do not provoke delamination.

Nail file with wooden base

This nail file is one of the most durable, because during operation it does not vibrate and does not spring, it is not very flexible. Therefore, for comfort during use, it is given a semicircular shape. It is not very easy to take care of 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

Helps to give the nails a beautiful shine 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 nail file with a coarse coating. It is strictly forbidden to use it more than 2 times during the year. If you neglect this advice, there is a risk that the nail will change completely, there is a strong thinning of the plate.

Sanding nail file

This type of nail files has become one of the most sought after. They are among the sparing, not capable of harming even weakened and thinned nails. However, it must be remembered that this tool is strictly forbidden to wash, and you can use a toothbrush for cleaning, but only completely dry, otherwise moisture will ruin the tool.

Glass nail file

More recently, glass nail files have become available and are used by professional manicurists. This is one of the best nail files, as it has a long service life, it 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 with a coarse-grained or fine-grained coating. The second option is recommended to be used during the polishing of 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 on both natural and artificial nails. Even with its regular use, the nail plate does not begin to exfoliate, does not become brittle.

If the glass nail file will be used directly for filing artificial nails, it is recommended to moisten it periodically 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 the procedure of boiling or sterilization. The glass surface does not wear out, so this 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 the nails, but also for polishing and treating the rough skin of the fingers. It is great for working with artificial nails, but while filing them, you will need to periodically moisten it with water.

Video on how to choose the right nail file:

In order to make the perfect manicure, you need to choose the right tools, in particular, a nail file. Due to the wide variety of nail files in stores, inexperienced craftsmen can get confused, so you should learn how to choose a nail file before buying.

When choosing a nail file for manicure, its abrasiveness, shape, as well as the material from which it is made are taken into account. Given all these features, you can choose the perfect tool suitable for natural or extended nails.

The abrasiveness of the file

Each nail file has a special coating that determines the level of its rigidity - this is abrasiveness. It is measured in grits– the higher the abrasiveness, the softer the coating. The tool packaging always contains information about the degree of hardness, as well as what material is used for spraying. Depending on the degree of abrasiveness, the scope of the tool changes:

• From 80 to 100 grit - used for extended nails.
  

  This rigidity of the tool makes it easy to cut even the thickest layer of gel, as well as shorten the length.

• From 120 to 180 grit - the rigidity of such a file is considered average, it is used to give the necessary shape to the nail plate.
• To work with natural nails, abrasiveness from 220 to 320 grit is used.
• The nail file has a hardness of 340-900 grit.
• For polishing, a soft tool with an abrasiveness of 900 to 4000 grit is used.

In order not to harm the nail plate, you need to use the right tools. In addition to spraying, material is of no small importance. – the base of the nail file and its shape.

The table in the picture below will help make the choice even easier:

The main types of nail files

Each of the materials used for the base of nail files has its own characteristics:

1. Glass base. This is a sparing file on which they stop their choice owners of natural nails. The main advantages of this tool are the soft processing of the insert and its long service life.

1. Laser files are diamond-coated tools that are used to process the nail plate, as well as the skin around it.

1. Files on a plastic basis. Such tools have an affordable price, are easily disinfected and are presented on the market in a wide range.

Recently, an electronic file has gained popularity in the nail service. An example of a tool in the photo:

Included with the tool, there are three nozzles of different hardness. The first is used to shape the nail plate, the nail is polished with the second nozzle, and the nail is polished with the third. To see such a file in action, you can watch the video:

The electronic nail file provides professional care at home. Even a person who has no experience in such procedures can perform a manicure with such a tool.

How to independently determine the thickness of your nail?

In order to choose the right nail file, you need to know how thick your nail plate is. This is easy to do: you need to press your thumb on the tip of the index nail.

If the nail easily bends, while no pain symptoms are felt, it means that it has a fine structure.

If there is a slight resistance and slight pain, then these are nails of medium thickness. When pressed, pain is felt, and the plate does not bend - these are signs of thick nails. Also, color can tell about the thickness. To do this, not painted nails need to be brought to the light. A thin nail plate will be translucent, while a thick one will be cloudy. Features of the use of nail files depending on the thickness of the nail:

1. For thick ones, it is possible to use a metal nail file, which can easily cope with the dense structure of the nail plate. Glass, however, is not at all suitable for them because of its delicate abrasive.
2. For nails of medium thickness, all nail files with an abrasiveness above 120 grit are suitable.
3. For thin ones, glass and ceramic nail files are ideal. They do not contribute to delamination, and ceramic is able to seal the damaged edge of the nail.

Properly selected nail files for natural nails will help to delicately process the nail plate without damaging it.

Choice of file shape

To choose a suitable file shape, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of each of them:

• oval- suitable for correcting the nail plate and giving it the necessary shape.

• Boomerang- such nail files are also called "banana" or "crescent", it has a very convenient curved shape, which perfectly files extended nails without damaging the cuticle. An example of such a saw is shown in photo below:

• Rectangular- used to smooth the nail surface.

For grinding and polishing, use files - buffs, which are made in the form of a bar. They have from four to six working planes with different abrasiveness.

Sanding file

Grinding fine-grained nail file - buff is used for artificial and natural nails. This tool has several varieties, in order to choose the right one, you should know the features of each.

Types of grinding tools:

• Made from polyethylene foam. Such a tool has an inexpensive price and is easily disinfected. Suitable for all types of nails. Most often has four work surfaces, numbered in order of use .

Foam sanding file in the photo.

1. It is used for sawing off bumps or large furrows that are on the plate. To resort to such a procedure should not be more than once a month.
2. Echoing the surface, it is used to eliminate small irregularities.
3. Designed to eliminate small delaminations.
4. Used to polish nails and give them a healthy shine.

• Suede buffs are only suitable for natural nails and cost an order of magnitude higher than plastic ones. Such a tool is not amenable to disinfection, therefore it is suitable for home use.

Plastic nail files are used to polish the nail plate. Like buffs, they are low cost, suitable for both natural and artificial nails, and can be treated with disinfectants. The only difference from buffs is the shape of the file.

If you responsibly and seriously approach the choice of a file, then your nails will always be healthy and look beautiful. It is best to use instruments that do not lose their function after sterilization and are designed for repeated use.

In contact with

A nail file for adjusting nails has become an indispensable attribute of a woman's cosmetic bag. Many girls carry it with them everywhere. Surely, in addition to a varied number of home files, you also have a mini version that you always keep ready in any situation. A little magic wand helps to maintain self-confidence, despite external circumstances. In our article, we will consider what nail files are, for what purposes they should be used and how to choose the best option. You will learn a lot of useful and interesting information that you can use when buying a new instrument.

First of all, it should be noted that all nail files differ in the degree of hardness. The abrasiveness of a manicure tool is measured in grits. The higher this indicator, the finer the coating and, accordingly, the softer the canvas itself.. Nail files for artificial nails have abrasiveness from 100 to 180 grit. For natural tips, a canvas with a stiffness index of 180 to 240 units is used. Abrasiveness from 240 to 500 grit is used for polishing nails. Well, polishing is done with a buff or nail file with an indicator of more than 1000 units.

The abrasiveness of the tool is not the only significant indicator. Nail files are made of different materials and have different shapes. These factors also affect the final result. Glass, metal, laser nail files - they all act differently on nails. Success in solving tasks depends on the form of the tool. We suggest you take a closer look at the main types of files.

Looking at large shop windows and shelves when buying the necessary tools, one's eyes involuntarily run wide - what a wide choice! Let's see what tasks certain nail files solve, and which ones are the safest for nail health. After all, the material from which the tool is made, in the first place, does not affect the abrasiveness, but the quality component of the spraying.

A distinctive feature of the tool is its base. Specially processed cardboard or a multi-layered layer of paper is coated with a coating, which is used as granite, quartz or teflon chips. A paper nail file can be disposable - in a salon or reusable - for individual use. This is due to the impossibility of disinfecting this instrument.

As a rule, materials and accessories for manicure are quite expensive, but there are exceptions. A budget and very convenient nail file is made of foam or plain plastic. Due to the soft gentle treatment, the instrument can be used to correct fragile thin tips. Plastic types of nail files are easy to clean and disinfect. A huge assortment and low price allow you to choose a model for every taste.

The only advantages of such a manicure tool are durability and strength. Due to rough spraying, the file significantly damages the surface of the nails, leading them to delamination, so it is better not to use it! An exception may be only extended tips. The metal sheet is ideal as a file for artificial nails. Because of habit, it is sometimes difficult to give up your favorite thing, but for the sake of your health, this must be done.

Progress does not stand still, penetrating into all areas of human life. Taking care of the health of their consumers, more and more manufacturers are launching sparing types of manicure tools on the market. The glass file won the love of many women's hearts. Soft processing of marigolds and long service life are its main advantages. A glass file has only one single drawback - the fragility of the material. For this reason, the instrument must not be dropped, and it is better to store it in a special case or case.

You know that any care can be superficial or, on the contrary, very deep. A glass nail file is fine for correcting the shape and length of the tips, but if you want to seal the tips, it will not be enough. If you often encounter delamination of the nail plate, it is better to try using a silicon or ceramic manicure bar. The abrasiveness of the canvas allows you to gently grind all existing scales. A ceramic file, like a glass one, is very fragile and, as a rule, is completed with a special case. With careful use, a silicon bar will serve you for a very long time.

Relatively recently, a manicure tool has appeared that not only corrects the length of the nails, but also cleans the cuticle. The laser file has a fine diamond coating, but its main distinguishing feature is small grooves. The holes resemble honeycombs and are not noticeable at first glance. A laser file, like a glass file, has a very gentle effect on the tips. It can be used for grinding, removing cuticles, as well as for removing rough skin on the side rollers.

Nail files also differ in their shape. Thanks to a wide range, you can easily choose the right tool with which it will be convenient to work. Traditionally, there are several forms of abrasive cloth.

1. Straight nail files are used for both manicure and pedicure. Any material can serve as the basis of a classic instrument. Most often, metal, paper, glass and ceramic nail files have a direct shape.
2. Blocks (buffs) are mainly intended for grinding and polishing and can be both thick and quite thin. As a rule, they have up to 6 working planes of the same or different sequential abrasiveness.
3. Boomerang or the so-called "banana" is a particularly convenient form of nail file, which is designed for home manicure. The curved frame allows you to hold the tool in the most comfortable position.
4. Figured nail files are made in an interesting and unusual form. They are usually intended for children and teenagers.

Some large organizations produce diamond, square and dome-shaped nail files for manicure masters. A professional tool allows you to saw the nail plate as accurately and cleanly as possible.

Deciding which nail file is right for you is not an easy task. Therefore, before choosing the next purchase in the cosmetic department, understand the essence of the issue in detail by watching a very interesting video lesson. Beauty blogger Julia will talk about how to determine the abrasiveness of the tool, and why a glass nail file is the best friend of natural nails. Enjoy watching, dear girls! Love yourself and be beautiful!

Every woman's cosmetic bag contains a nail file. It is thanks to her that the manicure will remain beautiful every day. Even if a girl regularly visits a nail salon, you still need to file your nails every day.

After all, with the help of a nail file, you can adjust the shape of the nail, or shorten their length. It is worth noting that files for natural nails and artificial nails are slightly different, so you need to choose a high-quality model for natural nails.

Several criteria must be taken into account in order to end up with a high-quality and durable file for natural nails. Abrasiveness is the main criterion when choosing a nail file, which you need to pay attention to. It is a special coating on a nail file, which is often measured in grits. It is worth noting that the larger the value of the grit indicated on the package, the softer the nail file will be.

A nail file that has low abrasiveness is suitable for artificial nails, as it has a high rigidity. If the nail file has a high abrasiveness, then it is suitable for those who have brittle, weak and thin nails. Abrasiveness in this case will have from 200 to 300 grit.

If the grit range ranges from 900 to 1200 grit, this indicates that such a model is quite soft, so it can only grind and polish nails, giving them a certain shine. It should be noted that you only need to polish your nails a few times a month. This amount will be enough to make the nails look healthy.

Files for natural nails can be metal, glass and cardboard. Therefore, many doubt which one to choose, because each has its own individual properties.

Metal nail files are the most common and versatile. But, unfortunately, they are excessively rough, so they can cause delamination of the tips of the nails. Despite this fact, a metal nail file continues to be chosen, as it is durable and inexpensive.

According to experts, it is not advisable to use metal for natural nails; it is better to use such a nail file to maintain the shape of toenails.

To date, manufacturers produce metal nail files with diamond chips. They are best used in the salon, as they are both convenient to work with and sterilize well.

Ceramic nail files should be chosen by those who have exfoliating nails. They are even called "healing", as they gently align the shape of the nail, and also fill the void in its structure. In addition, with such a nail file, you can safely exfoliate dead skin cells near the nail plate, on the knees and elbows.

Glass nail files are another type of nail files that are very beautiful in appearance. They are able to act on the nails in such a way as not to damage their edge, to resist delamination. This option is suitable for any type of nails, they are very easy to use and very effective.

But those who decide to purchase a glass nail file should know that it requires careful handling, as it can break if dropped. If you store it in a case, then it will serve its owner for a long time. In addition, it is convenient to wash it and it will not be washed, unlike metal, so it is quite expensive.

There are also "sand" nail files, framed with a cardboard or plastic base. This type of nail file has gained great popularity over the past years. And for good reason, since such a nail file is soft to the touch and does not injure nails, so those who have fragile and thin nails can safely use it.

In addition, such nail files are also in demand because they are inexpensive and convenient to use. But since fine sandpaper acts as an abrasive, its service life is short-lived, about 4 months. Also, the "sand" nail file is afraid of water, so it must be protected.

As for the form of choice, you need to choose it based on your taste, since it does not really matter, the main thing is to feel comfortable when using it. It can be curved, curly or resemble the shape of a boomerang.

Which file to cut natural nails - you need to choose based on the above characteristics. It is worth noting that the nail file, like a toothbrush, must be personal, and must also comply with sanitary standards.