Nailfile

When performing a manicure, many different tools are used that are necessary for high-quality surface treatment and removal of rough skin. One of the most necessary tools is a nail file. Such an accessory allows not only to give the plates the desired shape and adjust the length, but also levels their surface, improves the relief, gives smoothness and shine.

What files to use for artificial nails?

Building materials, acrylic and gel, after drying, become very durable, much harder than natural nail plates. Therefore, their processing should be carried out with files with a low abrasive index and hard spraying.

Experts recommend using the following types of nail files:

1. Metal. The tool, as a rule, has a coarse-grained coating, ideal for filing acrylic nails. In other cases (gel extension or natural nails), the metal device is considered too aggressive.
2. Plastic. An excellent budget option, both for a nail salon and home use. The file is made of ordinary or foamed plastic (polyurethane), easy to clean and disinfect.
3. Paper. Usually such a tool is purchased for self-treatment of nails. The basis of the nail file is compressed paper, the coating is the same as in the previous paragraph – quartz, granite, teflon chips. But it can not be washed and wiped with a disinfectant solution.
4. Corundum. This tool is almost identical to a plastic file, differs in durability thanks to natural dusting with ruby ​​particles.
5. Glass. With proper and careful care, such a nail file can last a long period of time. It disinfects well and cleans well. The glass fixture is preferably used in the processing of gel build-up, for acrylic it is not rigid enough.

Which nail file is best for natural nails?

Caring for natural nail plates involves a soft and gentle treatment that will not damage the surface. Especially carefully you need to select tools in the presence of brittleness, delamination and fragility.

Manicurists advise using glass and laser files for natural nails. They provide careful removal of the stratum corneum, do not spoil the structure of the plates. In addition, such accessories help to avoid cracks, delamination and fragmentation during processing.

More expensive, but very durable and of high quality are crystal and ceramic nail files. In addition to features such as gentle filing and sealing of damaged edges, these tools are versatile. They can be used to remove rough skin, cuticles and side ridges. The only drawback of the considered files is the fragility of the material from which they are made.

How much grit should a nail file have for natural and extended nails?

An indicator of the rigidity of the fixture is their abrasiveness, which is measured in grits. The higher it is, the finer the grinding used for spraying.

For natural nails, relatively soft files with an abrasiveness of 180-320 grit should be selected.

Nail plates extended with gel or acrylic require the use of harder nail files, from 80 to 180 grit.

Tools with very high levels of abrasiveness, from 320 to 1000 grit, are designed for grinding the surface of the nails. Their final polishing and glossing is carried out with files from 1000 grit.