Nail files.. Holy shit!

[greengoesmoo]

So today I hear rumour that most of you guys don't touch emery boards/sand files.

I have always always used disposable boards, and those four sided ones. (One of which was over £20!) I always assumed they were fine and have never had any nail problems other than normal breakages.

Can anyone give me the low down on this matter please?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[BEA2LS]

most people say crystal is best, it does not tear your nails, etc. but honestly i do go to sandfiles at times and i do not notice too much of a difference.. as long as you file in one direction and only file when needed (once a week max) you should be fine.

 

[gildedangel]

Boards aren't terrible, but I don't use them. They tear up my nails and make them peel more, so I use a glass/crystal file. They are a little better for your nails and they last a lot longer (although I do not believe the claim that they never wear down). It's a personal preference for me, if I have to use a board I will.

 

[BEA2LS]

^^ Same here, I perfer a crystal file but I do not boycot the regular kind if it is the only one i got.
i also have had crystal files wear out

 

[kittykit]

I prefer using crystal files. My nails are weak and boards usually tear them up.

 

[Nicala]

I've never even heard of crystal files before..

I always use the disposable ones. I haven't had any problem with them so I stick to whats useful.

 

[greengoesmoo]

Thanks for the info guys, I think I might get a glass one anyway.
I'm glad my nails wont fall off or anything from the sand ones though.

 

[Dreamergirl3]

I alternate. Regular standard emery boards are better for filing down a lot of length and better for rough shaping. But after that, I'll use a glass file because it creates a much smoother free edge and my nails are much less prone to snagging afterward. I'd say both are a must have!

 

[greengoesmoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamergirl3 I alternate. Regular standard emery boards are better for filing down a lot of length and better for rough shaping. But after that, I'll use a glass file because it creates a much smoother free edge and my nails are much less prone to snagging afterward. I'd say both are a must have!

Haha wicked! That sounds more like it! So I do NEED both?

 

[LMD84]

i have always used a normal emery board (sandfile) and my nails are fine. i only do it once every two weeks though so perhaps it's because i don't over do it...

 

[purrtykitty]

I always use a sandfile, and I use ones with varying degrees. I'll use a coarser one if I'm filing my nails down and a finer one for smoothing and finishing. I've never had any problems. I also take Biotin supplements regularly to keep my nails strong. They rarely peel anymore, and if they do, it's usually because I've forgotten my supplement for a few days.

 

[BEA2LS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by greengoesmoo Haha wicked! That sounds more like it! So I do NEED both?

my guess is that it is up to you and how strong your nails are, how long you like to keep them, etc. you can get a crystal file and see how you like it and if it works for you.
i do agree though that they are not good for taking off lenght.. i sometimes feel they do not do as good as a job as the other ones but i guess that is what makes them more gentle.

 

[cazgh]

Hey there...Im learning manicure at college at the mo and we use the standard emery boards. We file from the outside in on both sides - no sawing motions. And if you bevel the filing at an angle on the bottom of the nail and the top you sort of seal the nail and stop it from weakening. Sorry I have had a look online for some examples of what I mean but can't find any. If you need any help with this, let me know and I'll scan in the page from our text book

 

[greengoesmoo]

I love you guys!

I've ordered myself a glass file for xmas, and I'm going to give it a try when it gets here.
I'm going to look into the Boitin supplement thing as well.

 

[macgirl3121]

<----Professional Nailtech here. You have to be mindful of the file grit. If you waltz into Sally's and pick up a 100/180 file and use it on natural nails, you will likely have a problem. I can use this file on my nails because they are really strong. If you are not using a crystal file your file should be 240 at the lowest, 320 is probably best for most folk.

 

[ambodidi]

I can't rec the crystal files highly enough, they make a huge difference to my nails, they're so much less weak now.