A nail file is a device that is mandatory in a manicure set. With it, you can change the shape and length of the nail. There are many types of nail files on the market today. The choice and rules of use are described in the article.
Abrasivity
When choosing manicure tools, you need to pay attention to the degree of abrasiveness (hardness). This indicator is measured in a special unit - grits. The higher the abrasiveness, the softer and more careful the product will be. This affects the quality of processing. There are following types of nail files by abrasiveness:
- 60-80 grit This device is rigid, it is used in the correction of extended nails. They should not file natural nails, as this will result in delamination of the nail plate.
- 100-150. The tool is used for sawing off artificial nails and shaping them. If 100/150 is marked on the product, then this means that one side has 100, and the other side has 150.
- 150-240. This product has medium abrasiveness, it is used for final filing andshaping artificial nails. It is not worth treating natural nails with it to avoid injury.
- 240. This kind of nail file can be used for different types of natural nails.
- 240-400. This nail file is soft, it is used at the final stage for correcting and polishing nails - natural and artificial.
- 400-900. This is a soft file that prepares nails for polishing. It is used for artificial and natural nails.
- 900-1200. This variety includes microabrasives and buffs that give a mirror shine.
As you can see, there are different types of nail files in terms of abrasiveness. To choose the right option, you should consider what it will be used for.
Material
Different types of nail files according to the material, their quality and processing efficiency depend on it. Popular varieties include the following:
- Glass. This option is ideal for natural nails. The devices are durable, they are easy to clean and disinfect, the natural structure of the plates is not destroyed with them. The only downside is the price.
- Crystal. With them, you can file nails in different directions. Edges will be soft, smooth, and pleasant to the touch, eliminating the need for post-polishing.
- Sprayed. This is a ceramic version designed to shape the nail plates and eliminate rough skin around the nails. Another type are pomegranate files, which havehigh price, but such devices serve for many years. There is a zebra finish, consisting of a zinc coating and silicon carbide, which serves as a protection against dust and dirt.
- With fabric base. Products are flexible and have a high price. The middle part is usually made of plastic, wood or synthetics.
What else are there?
In addition to these options, nail files are made from other materials:
- With paper base. Devices cannot be disinfected, so only one person should use it, otherwise there is a risk of infection with a fungus. But if the product has waterproof paper impregnated with oil glue, then it can be used by several people, and also processed.
- With polyethylene foam. These usually include blocks and buffs. Such devices are perfectly washable and do not absorb moisture.
- Electrical. They are suitable for professional manicure. Files have different speeds and sizes. Smaller options are designed for home use.
- Polishers. They are used at the final stage. Polishing nail files add shine to the nails. It is advisable not to choose options created from suede. Due to the porous suede structure, they are difficult to disinfect.
- Metal. Devices harm natural nails. Masters advise not to use them.
Each type of fixture has its own properties, advantages and disadvantages. You should consider what it will be intended for. It is equally important to take into accountand safety of working with the device.
Metal
Metal fixtures remain the most in demand. But they can not be used on natural nails, as they adversely affect their condition. Metal is used for filing false or extended nails. When used on natural plates, there will be excessive delamination and cracking.
The advantages of products include a long period of operation and affordable cost. Thanks to the thin base, it will be possible to process the free edge of even brittle nails. Metal nail files come in different lengths and shapes. It is advisable to choose an oval tool, and even better coarse-grained or fine-grained. The former is preferred for cutting edges and the latter for shaping.
More tools differ in design. They may have a different appearance. When choosing these criteria, personal preferences must be taken into account.
Shapes
There are different types of nail files depending on the shape that determines the function:
- Oval. Used to shorten the length of the nail without trimming, shaping and trimming.
- Boomerang. It is used to round the corners of the plates when it is necessary to file artificial nails.
- Rectangular. Such a device is universal, it is used for different purposes.
- Buff. Used to complete the alignment of nails. Nail files are 2, 4, 6-sided. With them, you can eliminate small grooves.
In addition to the shape, the instruments also differ in length. It is advisable to choose a medium size. Such tools can be found in all stores where everything is sold for care. In this case, you need to know how to choose a nail file. Useful tips will help you choose the best option.
Choice
How to choose a nail file to fit perfectly? Knowing the range of fixtures simplifies the selection process. The following professional guidelines should also be followed:
- Don't choose metal fixtures. Even with short nails, you can find a worthy alternative.
- A laser file works great. Its special structure is similar to small honeycombs, and also the diamond coating has a sparing effect on the nails. It provides excellent processing and care.
- It is advisable to alternate the files to get an excellent result. Ceramics restores the structure of the delaminated nail plate, the paper product perfectly polishes, and the glass neatly shapes.
- It is important to remember the intended purpose of the files and consider when choosing a grit.
The indicated types of nail files and tips for choosing will allow you to purchase the right tool. Better yet, buy several. In practice, you can get acquainted with the features of the tools and understand which product is more suitable.
Cost
Approximate prices will help you understand which option is better to choose?
- GlassQVS products. They are based on glass with a rough fine-grained surface, therefore it is suitable for processing fragile marigolds. They are durable and resistant. Includes a textile case. The price is 290 rubles.
- Crystal version of Bohemia. With such a nail file, no frizziness is created, it does not heat the nails, keeping them he althy. During operation there is no loss of abrasive properties. It does not deteriorate from chemicals, water, high temperatures. The cost of the device is 200 rubles.
- Credo pottery. It has a rounded end, thanks to which it will be easy to give the desired shape to the nails. The price is in the range of 590-950 rubles.
- Pomegranate file Garnet Board Orly. A device with an abrasiveness of 120 grit costs about 36 rubles. With such a shelf, you can quickly process artificial nails, file the tips and round the shape of the plate.
- Electric Nail trinner. The file has many attachments for fast processing without damage. The price is 500 rubles.
- Brilliance polisher. The polishing block is used for processing artificial and natural nails. With the help of a file-polisher, you can give your nails an excellent shine without damaging the structure of the nails and cuticles. The price is 280 rubles.
- Laser file Messer&Nagel MN-1503. The nail file has a convenient shape, due to which the nail plate will not exfoliate. It is used for unedged manicure, as it is suitable for working with nails and cuticles. The device is durable, does not bend, allows you to process the cuticle under differentangle.
When choosing, do not rush. You will probably want to buy several options that will be used at different stages. The level of abrasiveness and purpose should be taken into account so that the processing is of high quality.
Terms of use
According to reviews, polishing nail files must be used correctly. Processing must be carried out according to the following rules:
- Do not use the product more than 1-2 times a week.
- Wet nails should not be treated to avoid damaging them.
- Do not move the file from side to side. You need to choose one direction - from the edge to the center.
- Processing must be done from the outside.
- Polishing is done with a soft file and no more than once a month.
Conclusion
Thus, nail files serve to shape the nails. However, you should not choose any of them. It is important to consider all these factors in order to purchase a quality product.