Q&A for How to File Your Nails

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  • Question
    What kind of nail file should I use at home?
    Mia Rubie
    Nail Artist
    Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.
    Nail Artist
    Expert Answer
    Use a softer nail file, around 180 grit. That's going to help your nails be nice and smooth, and you're not going to get scraggly edges around your nails.
  • Question
    What is the best way to clean my nails?
    Community Answer
    Use warm water with soap to remove oils or dirt. Use a nail brush to get under nails to remove dirt. Dry with a soft, fluffy towel. Add moisturizer or lotion.
  • Question
    I used to bite my nails, but stopped. However, they still are short and jagged. How do I make them proper again?
    Community Answer
    Wait for the nails to grow out first; use moisturizing and nutritious products to make them healthier. After that, clip the jagged parts, and file your nails to create a smooth line and desired shape.
  • Question
    How can I push down my cutcicles without a cutcicle pusher?
    Community Answer
    Use the nail of your other hand, provided it is rounded. If you have delicate skin, use a moist cloth between your nail and your cuticle. Apply lotion afterwards to keep your cuticles moist.
  • Question
    Can I file my nails when I am wearing nail polish?
    Community Answer
    It is best if you can file your nails when they're bare, otherwise the polish can flake and crack, leading it to look awful.
  • Question
    What products can be used to remove nail polish if I don't have nail polish remover?
    Community Answer
    Coat your colored polish with clear polish and rub it off before it dries.
  • Question
    I'm going to get my nails done at a salon. Will that make my nails grow faster and/or stronger?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    Getting your nails done at a salon doesn't have any extra benefits other than having color on you nails, which you can apply yourself at home.
  • Question
    Can I use cocunut oil for nail growth? When to apply it? And how many times?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can apply it as much as you want to, but it would be best to use it overnight so it will have plenty of time to absorb without being washed or wiped off as it would during the day.
  • Question
    I have different types of nails in my right hand, how do I make them look equal?
    Community Answer
    You should trim your nails equally, or grow them and file all the nails in the same way.
  • Question
    How do I care for nails that I've accidentally cut too short?
    Community Answer
    Use cuticle oil (or olive oil) to keep them moisturized. Make sure you keep your hands clean to prevent infections. File the nails so there are no edges that could get caught in fabric.
  • Question
    What kind of nail file is good to file men's nails?
    Community Answer
    Any nail file will work. You can probably find a plain one in most stores if you don't want a "girly" one. There is really no reason to buy anything different though.
  • Question
    What is the best shape to make your nails look longer?
    Community Answer
    There isn't really a shape to make your nails look longer, but if you file them in an oval shape, they might look a bit longer.
  • Question
    How can I make nail edges straight after giving square shape as it bends downward?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    File the sides of your nail to make them straight, but the downward curve is normal, it'll always happen.
  • Question
    I don't have a nail filer, is there any way I can file my nails without one?
    Cecilia Flores
    Top Answerer
    Sadly, you need a file to file your nails. I've seen people using very fine sandpaper, but I wouldn't recommend it.
  • Question
    Will this damage my nails?
    Community Answer
    No, filing shouldn't damage your nails unless you're doing it excessively.
  • Question
    Why should I file my fingernails?
    Community Answer
    Filing your nails can help you achieve the desired shape of your nail. It can also help you even out sharp points or uneven trimming on your nails.
  • Question
    What is the correct way of nail filling?
    Community Answer
    Never file in a zigzag, it weakens your nails. Rather, file them the same direction.
  • Question
    Can I put something else on my nails, like Vaseline?
    Community Answer
    If you go on YouTube and look up nail scrub it should pop up. I think you can, though.
  • Question
    Is there a way to make my own file using sandpaper?
    Community Answer
    Yes, of course, you can, just make sure you're gentle while using it. Also, make sure that it's not too coarse as it may cause your nail to break.
  • Question
    Where do I buy cuticle oil?
    Community Answer
    Any drug store or beauty supply store will carry it.
  • Question
    How do I get oval-shaped nails?
    Community Answer
    Clip your nails as a triangle shape, then clip them horizontally and then file them all the same way to make an oval shape .
  • Question
    What can I do to buff out white patches on manicured nails?
    Community Answer
    You can't buff them out, so don't try. Excessive buffing can cause weakness in the nails and more white patches. That said, weak nails or coloration problems are a sign that something is wrong with your diet. In this case, white patches mean that you are lacking calcium, so you should try to up your milk/yogurt/cheese intake to prevent white patches from forming again. I'm afraid that the only way to get rid of the ones you currently have is to wait for your nails to grow.
  • Question
    How do I file my nails if I don't have the tools?
    Community Answer
    You can gently file your nail with fine grade sandpaper. Just be very careful to avoid scraping your skin.
  • Question
    Is there anything I can use as a buffer if I don't already have one when filing my nails?
    Community Answer
    Use a small piece of felt or other soft smooth cloth (by itself or wrapped around an empty pill bottle.)
  • Question
    How do I make a nail file at home?
    Community Answer
    As a last resort you could use very fine grained sandpaper. However, this should not be a long term solution as this can damage your nails and is likely more expensive than just getting some nail files from your local pharmacist.
  • Question
    What can I do if I need to keep my nails short for sport? How do I still make them nice?
    Community Answer
    If you prefer your nails long, file them down to the longest length you can have with your sports. I recommend caring for them by applying jojoba oil, then applying aloe vera gel (the first ingredient must be aloe). Let it soak in and then finish with a small amount of petroleum jelly or lanolin. Go to bed with this on your nails and in the morning they should be a lot more moisturized.
  • Question
    What if I don't have a buffer?
    Community Answer
    You don't need a buffer, but it will help if you want to apply polish. If you want one, they are very affordable.
  • Question
    I have quite chubby fingers, so which nail shape should I go for to make them look slimmer?
    Isabelle McNease
    Community Answer
    Square nails will help look chubby fingers look skinnier. Plus, nails don't have to be too long to do square nails.
  • Question
    How do I stop biting my nails?
    Ervi
    Community Answer
    Having less nail provides less to bite and is less tempting. Apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails. Available over-the-counter, this safe but awful-tasting formula, discourages many people from biting their nails. Get regular manicures.
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