There are several filing techniques in nail care that are used to shape and smooth the nail plate. Choosing the right filing technique depends on the desired nail shape, nail type, and personal preference.
There are many different ways to file your nails into your desired shape, and just as many different shapes to choose from. The classic nail shapes are Square, Ballerina, Stiletto, Almond, and Round.
To avoid damaging the nail while filing, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Choose the right file: Use a good-quality nail file that is suited to the task. We recommend using a Nailster Nail File or a Nailster Glass File, as these are gentler than, for example, a metal file.
File in one direction: Always file in one direction, preferably from the outer edge of the nail toward the center. Avoid filing back and forth, as this can cause splitting and weaken the nails.
Avoid over-filing: Avoid filing your nails too often or too aggressively, as this can lead to weak and brittle nails over time. We recommend not using a grit lower than 220 on the natural nail.
There are different techniques for filing different nail shapes. Make sure to shape your nails before buffing the nail plate.
Square
To achieve a more square shape, it is important to keep your nail file completely straight when filing the sides. Once the sides have been filed into shape, file the tip of the nail straight across. Keep the file straight here as well to achieve a neat result. You can gently soften the corners slightly to avoid sharp edges.
Almond
File from the side of the nail towards the center to create a pointed tip. Gently file the tip in a curved motion to create a softer, more rounded point. Check the shape from several angles to ensure an even result.
Stiletto
Hold the file at a diagonal angle and file from the sides towards the center of the nail to create a sharp point. Here, it is important to file both sides equally thoroughly. Check the shape from several angles for a more even look.
Ballerina
This shape is filed in the same way as a stiletto. Hold the file at a diagonal angle and file from the sides towards the center of the nail to create a sharp point, then gently soften the edges to create an elongated, pointed shape. Finish by filing the tip of the nail straight across to create a flat edge.
Round
File the nail at a diagonal angle from the side of the nail towards the center. As you get closer to the center, file in a soft, curved motion to create a rounded nail shape.