Filing your nails, a trivial step? Not so fast! This ritual is the essential first step for every manicure. With this simple gesture, you define the shape of your nails, contribute to their good health and ensure the success of your next nail polish application. Here are all the tips you need to master the different nail files!
Why is it essential to file your nails?
You might think using a nail file is just about aesthetics, but that’s not the case: this simple step is the foundation of nail care. By filing your nails regularly, you avoid unevenness, broken edges and uneven lengths. A nail file is your key to neat, elegant hands! Here are the benefits:
✂️ A protective care step: by avoiding nail scissors and other nail clippers, you better respect the nail’s natural keratin and limit the risk of splitting, cracks and other weakening.
👌 A harmonious shape: square, oval, round or almond-shaped, choose the shape that suits you best to structure your hands and enhance your manicure. Find out which shape suits you best in our dedicated article here.
💅 Longer-lasting nail polish: with neat nail edges, you improve nail polish adhesion, helping your manicure last longer and making it less likely to chip.
With beautiful, clean and well-filed nails, you’re guaranteed an impeccable look and irreproachable nail health!
Which nail file should you use and how do you use it?
The ideal nail file depends on the nature of your nails and the result you’re looking for. Here are all the right tools to help you choose:
The white file for natural nails: an effective essential
Classic and versatile, you could call it the ATF: All-Terrain File. Before every manicure, this white file lets you shorten your nails and shape them as desired without damaging them. It’s perfect for regular weekly use on healthy nails. On the logo side, its fine grit (180) is ideal for filing fingernails. On the other side, the coarse grit (100) is suitable for filing toenails or thinning a thick nail.
👉 How to use: hold the file perpendicular to the finger and file the edge of the nail in a circular arc. Start by working on the corners, then shape as desired (square, rounded, almond, stiletto…).
⚠️ Warning! It is important to avoid filing the surface of the nails, as this could weaken them. This area is reserved for the prep file. Also make sure to always file in the same direction to avoid damaging the keratin layers.
A video tutorial to understand how to use a nail file for natural nails correctly.
The Premium glass file: gentle and ultra-precise
Designed for those who love precise filing, this premium glass nail file, 100% recyclable, is a concentrate of performance and gentleness for nail care. Its fine 180 grit respects the nail matrix and prevents splitting. Its design and lightness make it easy to hold and optimise filing precision. Finally, it is cleanable with soapy water (or disinfectant spray) and reusable as often as you like, unlike traditional disposable files.
👉 How to use: as part of your weekly routine or before every manicure, start by shortening and filing the sides of the nail, then finish with the edge to perfect the shape.
☝️ Pro tip: to boost the shine of your natural nails, finish by buffing the nail surface with the Glass Buffer.
The Premium file and glass buffer, a great duo for making your natural nails shine.
The nail file for fragile nails: ultra-gentle and protective
It is the ally of weakened, brittle or soft nails. This double-grit nail file for fragile nails features a central cushion and allows for gentle, tailor-made filing, without damaging the nail plate. Its "coarse-grit" side (180) is ideal for shortening without damaging the nail structure. Its fine-grit side (240) gently defines the shape.
👉 How to use: always file your fragile nails in the same direction to preserve the keratin layers and prevent splitting.
☝️ Pro tip: on soft nails, gently file the underside of the edge to reduce the risk of splitting.
File for fragile nails, preparation file: every file meets a specific need.
The preparation file: the essential pre-polish step
This preparation file is ideal for smoothing and preparing the nail surface before applying nail polish. It removes small imperfections and slightly opens the keratin scales, helping products adhere better. It also has two different grits: a soft grit (280) on the logo side and a coarse grit (220) on the opposite side.
👉 How to use: After pushing back your cuticles, run the fine-grit side over your nails to soften ridges. Reserve the coarse-grit side for toenails. Then, remove residue with a dust brush and apply a little degreaser (before applying Green™ nail polish) or a gentle nail polish remover (before applying Green Flash™ gel polish) for a perfect finish!
☝️ Important: this is not a file for shortening nails, but a nail plate preparation tool. Unlike the glass file, it is made of sponge and cannot be rinsed.
Our tips for a perfect nail-filing routine
At Manucurist, we share all our tips to turn this care moment into a true cocooning ritual.
⏳ How often should you file your nails?
Every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your nail growth, and before every nail polish application. In case of splitting or breakage, act without delay to avoid making the damage worse!
🧐 Should you file clean or polished nails?
Ideally on makeup-free, clean and dry nails. This helps avoid shaping mistakes and gives you a clear view of your nails’ condition. Ideally, do it after a shower or bath, when keratin is more supple.
📡 Always in the same direction
This is THE golden rule! Filing back and forth weakens the nail plate and encourages splitting.
🖐️ Angle, pressure, posture: the right moves
Hold the file at a slight angle and follow the natural curve of the nail. Use a gentle, steady motion, without excessive pressure: it’s the consistency of the movement that does the work, not force!
👣 What about toenails?
Same routine, but with the right tools! For toenails, which are generally thicker, choose a coarse-grit file (100). As a complement, discover the premium glass foot file for gentle, effective heel exfoliation. To complete your routine, apply a few drops of Complete Serum to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin.
Your feet deserve the best care too!
Adopting a filing routine means giving your beautiful nails the best foundation. Whether for hands or feet, short nails or long nails, it is essential to choose quality tools and use them with care and gentleness. Well-filed, your nails will not only look beautiful but also be strong and ready to shine brightly ✨🥰
