How to File Nails: Get Perfect Shaped Nails at Home

Gracefully shaped nails make your hands look well-groomed and polished. But improperly filed nails can snag painfully on fabrics and break uncomfortably. But the question is how to file nails? We're here to teach you.

Filing your nails correctly is the key to keeping them shaped to perfection between manicures. Don’t let jagged edges or unsightly length ruin the look of your hands! With some practice, filing your nails can become a quick weekly routine that keeps them neat and beautiful.

This comprehensive guide will teach you the right techniques and tools to file your natural nails smooth every time. Soon, perfectly rounded nail tips and edges will be an effortless part of your style.

Equip Yourself with the Right Tools

Before filing, gather a few key nail care tools:

- Nail file - Choose a high-quality emery board, glass or metal nail file that won't damage nails. Medium grit (150-180) is a good standard.

- Cuticle pusher - A must for keeping cuticles tidy before filing. Choose metal or wood.

- Nail clippers – Trim nails first with sharp clippers designed for precise cuts.

- Hand lotion – Hydrate and soften skin around nails by massaging in thick lotion before filing.

Learn Proper Filing Techniques

Filing motion matters more than pressure. Always use:

- Long, even strokes - Don't rub nails back & forth, which can weaken them.

- Light pressure - Let the nail file do the work. Pressing too hard damages nails.

- Side-to-middle - File from the left corner across to the right, avoiding edges.

- Bevelled shape - File at a 45-degree angle for a smooth finish.

Set up with proper posture and hold fingers steady as you file for best control.

Choosing the Right Nail File

When selecting a nail file, consider these factors:

- Grit - Finer grit files (150 and above) are better for smoothing nails. Coarser grits (100 and lower) remove more material. Start finer if possible.

- Shape - Files with rounded edges help file curved nail tips without leaving sharp corners better than straight edged boards.

- Size - Wider nail files make completing strokes across nails easier.

- Durability - Glass and metal files last longer than emery boards. Disinfect metal files regularly.

Aim for a wide, fine-grit file with smooth rounded edges to prevent over-filing.

Step-By-Step Filing Process

Follow these key steps every time for flawless nail filing:

1. Soak and Push Back Cuticles

First, trim nails to the desired length with sharp clippers. Then soak hand in warm water mixed with a drop of oil for 5 minutes until cuticles are soft. Use a cuticle pusher to gently move them back, revealing the nail plate. Dry thoroughly.

2. Shape the Nails

Starting with your pinky finger, hold the nail file diagonally at a 45° angle relative to the nail. File from the left side of the nail, using long strokes towards the right side. Apply light, even pressure and stroke across the nail just 1-2 times on each side to shape edges.

Repeat this movement for each finger, filing from left to right. Use caution; over-filing side edges can weaken nails!

3. Blend and Taper the Tip

Once nail edges are smoothed, use light downward strokes to file across the nail tip, blending it with the side edges seamlessly. Create a symmetrical arched or square shape.

Only file in one direction - never saw nails back & forth. Check for symmetry and use precise touches to taper the tip evenly.

4. Refine Surface

If needed, gently buff the top of the nail in one direction using short light strokes to smooth ridges or imperfections. Avoid pressure and never thin out or bend back the nails.

5. Finish and Hydrate

Always complete filing with an extra-fine emery board, going over the nails to remove any catches and give an ultra-smooth feel. Remove all dust under running water or with a soft brush. Finally, massage hand cream around the nail beds to nourish and protect hands.

And that’s it - perfectly shaped nails in minutes! With practice, you’ll be filing your natural nails flawlessly each week for beautiful hands that will make people look twice.

Techniques for Filing Different Nail Shapes

You may know how to shape your nails, now its time to learn techniques for filing you nails:

Squoval Nails

Use straight, center-outward filing motions. Blend the straight sides cleanly into the rounded corners with light diagonal downward strokes. Check sides are balanced.

Rounded Nails

File the nail tips edge using curved strokes following the round shape you want, almost tracing an oval. Then gently file side edges to meet tip for an evenly curved look.

Square Nails

The key is creating sharp 90-degree corners. File straight out from the side edges first. Then blunt, straight strokes across the free edge while checking the corners stay perfectly squared.

Stiletto Nails

Getting the skinny point even on both sides takes precision! Flatten the sides first using gentle diagonal outward motions. Save the center for last - filing out the tip using straight strokes to extend and taper it. Work carefully to avoid cracking stiletto tips while thinning them.

Addiional Tips

Additional Prep - Before filing, tidy up the nail surface by gently buffing ridges with a fine buffer block. Remove oils and lotions from nails which decrease file grip using a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover.

Filing Touch-Ups - It’s normal for edges to feel a little rough after the first week. Use an emery board to quickly smooth them by doing isolation filing. Glide the coarse side of the board back and forth over problem spots only 2-3 times to rapidly smooth them out

Weekly Filing - Don’t just set a schedule for when you file nails - set a duration limit too. File each nail for no more than 10 strokes per side to avoid over-thinning from overzealous filing.

Follow these key nail filing tips every time:

- Soak in oil/water mix first
- File side-to-middle only
- Smooth nail edges
- Shape tips precisely
- File once per week
- Apply lotion after

Conclusion

Filing your natural nails properly doesn't require expensive salon visits. With the right tools and by following fundamental techniques, you can easily file your own nails at home. Invest in quality nail files and accessories for comfortable, mess-free filing. Make filing a consistent part of your self-care routine by setting aside 5-10 minutes per week to tidy and shape your nails using proper form.

Not only will your nails look noticeably neater and healthier, but regular filing helps prevent painful breaks that damage nails long-term. Beautifully filed nails give your hands an instantly polished look while protecting your natural nails - it's a quick DIY process anyone can master at home. We hope our blog, "How to file your nails" may be helpful for you.