Nailing It: Filing Masterclass

Learning how to file your nails correctly is vital in preventing unwanted damage to the nail plate. Not only will the right technique strengthen and neaten the free edge, but minimize the risk of unsightly splitting and flaking between salon visits.

Although we are all guilty of filing our nails backwards and forwards in an aggressive manner, this particular action is a classic, yet common mistake so many DIY nail addicts fall victim to. In fact, shaping your talons using a sawing motion does more than just create an irritating 'grating' effect. Confused? Allow me to explain...
No matter how strong your talons appear to be, inflicting a saw like motion on to the nail not only promotes weakness and splitting, but creates a free edge prone to flaking. This is simply due to the actions impact forcing the layers of the nail plate to separate, and the small amount of moisture located between these layers to dry out as a result of friction induced heat.

So, how exactly should you shape your nails? Simple...
A great tip is to use a 240 grit emery board to shape the nail plate from the outside, to the center, on alternate sides. Holding your file at a 45 degree angle as close to the end as possible will ensure long, flowing strokes while reducing the risk of cutting surrounding skin tissue. This technique is demonstrated in the above picture and should be performed each time you file your nails.