Nailing It: How Not To File Nails

From harsh detergents to poor diet, an array of internal and, external factors may contribute to the strength and health of our nails, but did you know that something as simple as inadequate filing can be equally as damaging? 

Although pointed nails may ooze elegance, forcing your talons to appear more narrow by filing the sides will not only drastically weaken the nail plate, but increase the risk of unsightly breakage. Why? Simple...
Much to contrary belief, it is in fact the sides of the nail which provides the nail plate with support. Therefore, once this particular area is filed away, the support is lost and nails are instantly weakened.

A great tip to determine whether you are guilty of nailing this common mistake is to bend your nail downwards. If inadequate filing has been performed, a line of weakness is created and nails will visibly bend and crack in the area where the sides of the nail have been filed away. Due to the nail plate failing to withstand the stress inflicted by mechanical knocks, this simple mistake will also force them to break low down (at the line of weakness) once grown to a reasonable length.

To minimize the risk of falling victim to the unsightly 'line of weakness' simply shape nails to appear straight at the sides, and rounded at the tip. Not only will this basic technique provide maximum support, but any unwanted pressure will be distributed evenly across the nail plate.