Filing your nails is an essential part of strengthening your nails as well as giving shape to your manicure. Filing your nails incorrectly is not only unsightly but it can also make your nails more likely to break. It's a simple task to file your nails correctly, and only requires a few simple tools.
Step 1
Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Keeping your hands clean eliminates germs from the surface of your hands and prevents infection to the nail bed or cuticles.
Step 2
Cut nails straight across with a nail clipper, if necessary.
Step 3
Use a nail file or emery board to file the left side of your nail in one direction toward the center of the nail. Continue by filing the right side in one direction, toward the center. Filing from the outside in reinforces the nail edge and prevents it from splitting. File until your nails are an even shape and have no jagged edges.
Step 4
Soak your nails in warm water for five minutes. Pat your hands dry and use a cotton-wrapped cuticle stick to push back cuticles. Trim excess cuticles or hangnails.
Step 5
Apply a nail treatment, such as Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails as a base coat, if you want. A nail treatment strengthens your nails and protects them from breaking. Continue by applying your desired nail color or apply an additional coat of nail treatment for a polished look.
Step 6
Repeat this process weekly to promote strong fingernails.
Things You'll Need
- Nail clipper
- Nail file or emery board
- Cuticle stick
- Cotton wool
- Nail scissors
- Nail treatment (optional)
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