SLAY THE NAIL FILE GAME: YOUR GUIDE TO FLAWLESS NAILS
Tired of chipped manicures and raggedy nail edges? Waving goodbye to expensive salon visits for a simple shape-up? Get ready to slay the nail file game! This guide equips you with all the knowledge you need to achieve flawless nails from the comfort of your own home. We’ll delve into the world of nail file grits, choosing the perfect tool for your needs, and mastering filing techniques for a salon-worthy finish. So grab your favorite nail polish (or rock the natural look!), and let’s get started on your journey to beautiful, healthy nails!
NUMBERS
Nail files often feature numbers with a slash, such as “180/180,” indicating the grit level. The higher the number, the finer the file; lower numbers denote coarser files. If the numbers are the same, both sides of the file have the same grit.
80 grit: Ideal for significantly reducing the length of very long nails or shaping thick, deformed acrylic or gel nails.
100 grit: Suitable for shortening nails and removing layers of acrylic.
150 grit: Perfect for shaping artificial nails.
180 grit: Used for preparing natural nails before applying any product, as well as for shortening and shaping the natural free edge.
240 grit: Essential for prepping nails before applying gel polish.
NAIL BUFFERS
Buffers are another type of nail file, designed not only for reducing length and shaping but also for making nails shine. They are less coarse than regular files and have their own numbering system with different meanings.
100/180: Used for removing scratches left by a coarser file.
220/280: Helps smooth nails before applying nail polish.
600/4000: Designed for creating a high shine on nails. Most brands feature buffers with one green side and one white side. The green side creates the shine, while the white side refines it.
MATERIALS
Another important factor when choosing a nail file is its material. Let’s explore the different types:
Metal: Best for use on polished nails for correction or shaping. Metal files can damage natural nails, leaving the tips exposed and prone to breakage or accidental over-filing.
Glass: Highly durable and easy to disinfect. These files seal the edges of nails, preventing chipping.
Abrasive: Vary in coarseness and have different bases. The base can be plastic or wooden. Plastic files are more flexible and popular, while wooden ones are firm and inexpensive.
SHAPES
The shape of the nail file depends on your specific needs, whether it’s shaping the edge, polishing the entire nail, or buffing the cuticle area.
Banana: Its rounded shape makes it perfect for the cuticle area, reducing wrist strain.
Straight: Ideal for straightening the sidewalls and the tip of the nail.
Oval: With its curved design, it can be used on the lower part of the nail and the entire nail surface, offering more versatility than a banana file.
Crescent: Similar to the previous shapes, the straight side is used for long movements on the sides, while the rounded side is for the cuticle area.
For instance, you can employ either an oval or crescent-shaped file to delicately adjust both sides of the free edge of the nail, as illustrated in the accompanying image.
MYTHS ABOUT HEALTHY NAILS
Firstly, cutting the cuticle is a misconception. The cuticle serves as a natural barrier that shields nails from bacteria and infections. Improper care of this area can result in the formation of bumps.
Secondly, the belief that white spots on nails indicate a lack of calcium is untrue. These spots can arise from various causes, often as a result of minor nail plate damage during polish removal. When nail polish is removed, nail cells are inadvertently stripped away, leaving behind white spots.
Finally, contrary to popular belief, nails do not require “breathing” space under nail polish. Nails, composed of dead keratin cells like hair, do not have respiratory functions. Instead, they receive nutrients from the bloodstream, not from the air.
CONCLUSION
With this knowledge under your belt, you’ve officially conquered the nail file game! You can now shape, smooth, and buff your way to flawless nails from the comfort of your own home. Remember, filing techniques take practice, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t feel perfect right away. Keep at it, and you’ll be a nail filing pro in no time, rocking beautiful, healthy nails that will have everyone asking, “What’s your secret?”
HOW TO DO DIP NAILS AT HOME
Doing dip nails at home is not only a creative experience but also a fantastic way to express personal style. This process not only provides a sense of autonomy but also helps you save time and costs. If you’re unsure how to create dip nails at home, read this article to gain a better understanding of each step. Keep reading!
WHAT ARE DIP NAILS?
A dip powder manicure is a technique that involves the application of both color and a resilient acrylic finish to the nails. The process begins by applying a base, reminiscent of super glue, onto the nails, followed by a dipping step into a colored powder. After layering the powder through successive applications, an activator is then employed to solidify the manicure, transforming it into a robust shell-like coating. This method not only adds vibrant color to the nails but also provides a durable and protective finish, ensuring a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing result.
WHY SHOULD I GET A DIP MANICURE?
Dip nail manicures boast remarkable durability. Typically, I can enjoy a set of dip powder nails for at least two weeks, even though I’m known for frequently peeling off regular polish. The use of the appropriate polishes in dip powder application results in a robust, thick layer that adheres firmly to the nails, rendering it nearly impervious to peeling. Despite my rough treatment of my nails, following these steps ensures minimal chipping, and if any occurs, it’s usually quite minor.
WHY SHOULD I DO DIP NAILS AT HOME?
The most advantageous aspect of performing your own dip manicures is the significant cost savings compared to visiting a salon. With a kit priced under $50, you can achieve numerous applications. This is approximately the cost of a single professional dip nails session Moreover, it’s a time-efficient process for me. I can complete my nails in an hour or two every few weeks while watching TV at night, a time when I would likely be using my phone or watching TV anyway. This is a much more convenient alternative to spending hours at a nail salon.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO DIP NAILS AT HOME?
At-home nail dip kits typically include dip colors, bond, base, seal protect, top coat, and clear dip powder. If not using a kit, you’ll need to buy these items separately. Besides powder and liquid polishes, gather general supplies like a nail buffer, file, dust brush or lint-free towel, cuticle pusher, and alcohol. Optionally, consider a dip powder recycling system and cuticle oil.
HOW TO APPLY DIP NAILS AT HOME
Use polish remover as well as a cuticle pusher
If there is existing polish on your nails, employ a non-acetone nail polish remover on a lint-free pad to remove it. Use a cuticle pusher to delicately push back your cuticles. Then, gently eliminate any excess cuticle protruding with a cuticle trimmer or scraper. By following these steps, you create space for new nail growth, enhancing the longevity of your manicure before requiring a refill.
Buff the top surfaces of the nails
Regardless of whether your nails are natural, acrylic, or gel, ensure the surfaces are smooth by manually filing them. Utilize a 180 grit file or block, or opt for a natural nail stone. Clear away the filing residue using a nail brush or a makeup powder brush.
Pay special attention to buffing the grooves and the cuticle area for a polished finish.
File away any problematic areas
Inspect the edges of your nails for any signs of looseness or damage. Additionally, check for any lifting if you are performing a refill on a previous dip manicure. Employ a coarse nail file (100 or 180 grit) to address any such areas. If you don’t have tips applied already and wish to add them for added length, trim your natural nails to a short length. Utilize the nail file to smooth the edges for a polished finish.
Sanitize your nails with alcohol
Moisten a paper towel or lint-free pad with alcohol or nail sanitizer, which can be in the form of an antiseptic spray or a pourable container. Gently rub the dampened towel over your nails and fingers, moving from the nearest knuckle to your cuticles and down towards your nails. This process effectively cleans and dehydrates the nail surface, ensuring they are properly prepared for a dip manicure. The goal is to avoid sealing in any bacteria or grime during the application.
Find the right-sized tips
To lengthen your nails, select tips that cover no more than one-third of your nail bed. Ensure each tip spans the entire width of your nail, from groove to groove, without extending onto your skin. Apply tip resin to the wells of the tips. Gently but firmly hold each tip to the nail at a 45-degree angle for twenty seconds. In case you can’t find a nail tip of the right size, use a nail file to make minor adjustments for a secure fit. Pinch the sides of the tips briefly to adhere them to the curvature of your nail edges. Be cautious not to get resin on your fingers.
Trim and file the tips
File the edges of the tips evenly across. Buff the top surfaces of the tips to eliminate their shine. Proceed to buff the entire nails.
COATING YOUR NAILS WITH POWDER
Paint on the bonder
Follow the steps outlined in this procedure for each nail individually. Apply the product in small strokes, beginning approximately 1/16” away from your cuticles. Ensure even spreading to prevent any buildup near the cuticle area. Allow it to sit for one minute.
Brush resin onto your nails
Apply the resin methodically and uniformly, using the brush applicator’s belly to dot it on rather than employing strokes similar to nail polish. Strive for an even and neat application, with particular attention to creating a clean edge just above the cuticle, as this will be the foundation for the powder adhesion. For a fill, if two weeks have passed since your last dip manicure, apply resin to your desired thickness, such as three to four coats. No additional powder application is necessary at this stage. If you’re conducting a manicure on your natural nails or it has been three or more weeks since your last dip manicure, apply a single coat of resin at this point.
Dip your finger into the container of clear nail powder
Start by shaking the sealed container of powder thoroughly. After opening the container, use a nail stick or pusher to mix the powder. Gently push your finger forward into the container and roll it softly. Allow your finger to remain in the powder for five seconds. Lift your finger and tap the edge of the container. Then, using your other hand, tap the dipped finger to shake off excess powder back into the container. Once the nail has dried, employ a nail brush to eliminate any remaining excess powder over a paper towel. Avoid using colored powder at this stage. If you wish to add color, that step will come after applying more resin.
Apply more resin and powder
Cover the entire nail, including the tips, with a layer of resin. Apply it slowly and evenly across the nail surface. If you wish to incorporate colored powder, this is the appropriate stage to do so! Dip your finger into the nail powder once again, then eliminate any surplus powder. Follow up with a third and final application of resin. If you desire, you can repeat this step once more to attain a slightly thicker and stronger manicure.
CURING AND FINISHING THE NAILS
Brush on activator
Apply it using strokes, much like you would with regular nail polish. Let it sit on the nails for five seconds. Follow up with a second coat and allow that to sit for another five seconds.
File the nail edges to dull and shape them
Employ a soft-grid file on the exposed edges and lateral sides of the nails.
Finish with a top coat
Ensure it’s a top coat specifically designed for acrylic nails. Keep your fingers still and allow your nails to air-dry for two minutes. Gently massage cuticle oil into the skin surrounding your fingernails. Apply the top coat just as you would regular nail polish.
Wash your hands
Ensure your nails are entirely dry beforehand. Use warm water, hand soap, and a nail brush, making sure to clean around and underneath the tips of your nails. Gently pat your nails dry with a towel.
Maintain your manicure
Follow these guidelines to extend the longevity of your manicure. Your manicure has the potential to last three to four weeks before requiring a fill. However, if you observe new nail growth near the cuticle area, you may choose to perform the fill as early as two weeks after your dip manicure. When applying colored polish over your manicure, be careful not to get it on your cuticles to prevent chipping and lifting of the polish. Additionally, mix the polish by rolling it between your hands instead of shaking it to avoid the formation of air bubbles that may contribute to chipping. If you use a fan for nail drying, opt for cool air rather than warm air. Consider using a blow dryer on the cool setting. To prevent chipping, reapply a clear top coat every few days. Massage cuticle oil onto your nails daily, if possible. When washing your hands, use mild soap instead of hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is potent and dehydrating, posing the risk of eroding your protective top coat
CONCLUSION
Doing dip nails yourself at home is not only an experience but it is also very interesting for those who want to explore and learn. You can start with the basic steps we have outlined in the article. Hopefully after reading our article, you will know how to dip your nails at home and create beautiful nails for yourself.
