Blog about sharpening. Nail files: types, abrasiveness and rules of use What should be the abrasiveness of nail files for polishing and grinding

They are not expensive at all, so you have the opportunity to experiment, choosing the most suitable one or several with different grain sizes. Don’t forget that the quality of the tool determines how easily and accurately you can process your nails. Even with good manicure technique, using a low-quality file can lead to cracking of the nail plate.

Manicure files are distinguished according to the following parameters:

1. Shape (oval tool, block or rectangular file, banana file).
2. Material (soft-based emery, ceramic - these are also called glass, metal).
3. Functions (used for polishing, grinding, etc.).
4. Abrasiveness (hardness is determined in grit - from 80 to 400 grit).
5. Purpose (for nails not treated with shellac - as a rule, these can be washed; for nails strengthened with gel or acrylic).

What is abrasiveness

Files differ in their level of abrasiveness (hardness). Below are typical designations and their corresponding stiffness values:

• 80 is the toughest
• 100 - very hard
• 120 - hard
• 180 - medium hardness
• 220 - average
• 320 - softer than average
• 400 - soft

It is easy to guess that the softest files (the abrasiveness of which is 320 and 400) are mainly used for filing natural nails. The most common are double-sided abrasive tools 100/180: a hard surface designed for processing extended nails. The rough side (which has a value of 100) is convenient for removing length and leveling the surface of the nail if it is very bumpy. Using a softer surface (180 abrasiveness) we give the nails shape and smooth out minor unevenness. If you don’t know which tool you need to start with, then take 320 grit, it will be useful to you in any case. The delicate, fine-grained surface is suitable for sanding and finishing.

How to use different shaped files

Oval is used to straighten and shape nails, as well as shorten the length.

A boomerang file is convenient for straightening the edges of nails and rounding corners; it is also used for filing off gel (acrylic) in the cuticle area.

A rectangular sanding universal nail file serves the same purposes as an oval one: it is easy to shape, remove excess gel in the cuticle area and smooth the surface of the nails.

A banana nail file is especially convenient: the tool is needed to straighten nails along the edges and delicately round corners.

What types of file materials are there: differences and descriptions

Glass is mainly suitable for filing your own (not strengthened with gel) nails. This is a modern replacement for metal, sapphire and diamond files, which have long since become obsolete, but for some reason are still advertised. The latter are inconvenient because of their small size, and also because they cause microcracks to form on the nails, causing the nails to peel. In addition, after filing they leave microscopic burrs. This can be easily checked. File your nail with a metal (diamond, sapphire) file and run it over tights or skin: you will immediately feel that the surface is not smooth, but rough.

But today laser, glass, etc. are in high esteem; their popularity abroad is at its peak, although in Russia they are not yet particularly common. The peculiarity of such tools is that they “glue” the scales together, preventing the nails from delaminating. Glass, crystal and laser files can be used to work in different directions (from left to right and from top to bottom), and also to clean the inner surface of the nail.

These files can be washed, disinfected and used again and again. The only drawback of glass manicure tools is that they cannot be dropped.

Any high-quality glass, crystal, laser file has a lifetime guarantee: the good and reliable surface of the tools does not wear off.

Soft sandpaper is used for both natural and artificial nails: it all depends on the grit.

There are also cardboard nail files with varying degrees of abrasiveness (roughness). They are usually used in beauty salons. This file can only be used once; it is impractical to use.

A buff is a block with an abrasive surface on two or four sides. Buffs are needed for final leveling of the surface and removal of small grooves; the tool is also suitable for polishing. If the nail plate is not perfectly flat, for example, after removing the gel after extensions, it should be sanded with a harder base. On smooth nails, just walk over the soft surface of the buff several times.

The polisher is used to strengthen nails using special oil. This is the final stage of processing before painting with varnish.

Some additional information about laser, crystal and glass files

If you prefer a European manicure, then it is most convenient and correct to do it with laser files. They can be used to file away roughened side ridges. Professional instruments with the same abrasiveness are made for pedicures, treatment of corns and calluses. In general, this is the most convenient device for European manicure.

The surface on a laser file looks like a pattern on a metal one, but the grain size is so fine and comfortable that using the tool is a pleasure.

You can do the same experiment as with a metal file: run your treated nails over tights or skin. There won't be a single clue left. It is easy to smooth out and remove roughness and unevenness with a file.

The more often you use a laser file, the sooner the need for trimmed manicure will disappear: the skin gets used to the treatment, grows slower and more evenly. The file can be used to process both skin and nails.

Many customers leave their positive reviews after using glass, crystal and laser files. Try it too. This might be the tool you've been looking for.

What else do you need to know about nail files?

It is important to remember that overgrown nails are not cut off with scissors or nippers, but only filed down. This will avoid microcracks and protect the edge of the nail from delamination.

In salons, to speed up the manicure procedure, the nail is actually first cut off and then filed. This is only done if the nail is very long and filing will take a lot of time. The master processes the remaining length with a file. But if you are caring for your hands at home, it is better not to cut off the length at all, but to file off the edge of the plate without damaging it.

If your nails are thin, take a file of medium hardness, if they are hard and dense, you can choose a harder one. Please note that files from 220 grit and above are suitable for your own nails (not strengthened with gel or acrylic).

It is important to purchase only products from certified manufacturers: today there are many instruments on sale that are made using artisanal methods. Such products can cause serious harm to your nails and are generally dangerous to your health.

How to protect your nails from splitting and thinning

The choice of file determines whether your nails will be healthy. But it's not just about the chosen tool.

Few people know that the nail plate peels due to improper protection from aggressive household chemicals. You wash your hair, use various chemicals, all of this ends up under the free edge of the nail. When nails are protected from all sides, this affects beauty and health. Therefore, after treatment, you should use a base for the varnish, and you need to treat not only the surface of the nail plate, but also the free lower part.

Don't forget to cover your nails with special oils, rubbing such products into the nail itself and the cuticle. Some time will pass and you will not recognize your nails - they will become so healthy and beautiful.

In our Manicure Shop you will find the best types of modern manicure tools. All products are high quality and manufactured by reputable manufacturers. We are constantly expanding our range and will be glad if you like our products.

Hello. With today's review, I open a series of reviews devoted to various devices for sharpening knives. So, in the first episode we will look at the classics. Namely, an artificial water sharpening stone with a grain size of 3000/8000 grit. Who is interested in this - welcome to cat.

The order was made on April 1st. Already on April 2, the store sent the goods and on April 14, I picked it up at the post office:

Inside, wrapped in bubble wrap, and on top of many layers of foamed polyethylene lay a water stone, which will be the subject of today’s review:

The stone measures 16 x 6 x 2.7 centimeters. It has silicone frames on both sides that protect the corners of the stone during storage and transportation. And they also prevent the stone from sliding on the table while sharpening knives:

Side view. Grit marking applied:

The store indicates that this is the Japanese JIS grading system. Here is a small plate on the grit level:

Side 3000:

Let's take a closer look:

And the maximum magnification:

Side 8000:

Larger:

Maximum:

Specifically, to show the difference in grit, I took a block purchased offline:

There are no markings on it. But most of all it is similar to 120/240 grit.

Side 120:

Larger:

Maximum:

Side 240:

Larger:

Maximum:

But let's return to our water stone for now.

Let's check.

Take a pencil and draw a grid on the 8000 side:

We soak the stone, then take a mirror and straighten the stone using our own suspension:

It took me over an hour to get this. My mistake was that I took a new mirror, where the stones had not yet been straightened. And the 8000 grit water stone simply polished the glass. When I took the already rough and slightly matte mirror after 3000, the work became more fun:

I don’t have calcium carbide for such a fine grain (at least F240). Therefore, only on your own suspension.

And now two hours have passed, along with changing the mirror and drinking tea, and we get:

The 8000 side provides little suspension. The grain size is very fine:

Now look at the 3000 side:

We also apply the mesh and soak it:

I try it on a smooth mirror:

Here the work was clearly more fun:

And after exactly five minutes, which included the time when I photographed the stone, we get:

A lot of suspension is released:

The larger the grain in water stones, the softer the stone and produces more suspension. But the more often it will need to be corrected.

Water stones are generally softer and are used only with water. Due to their softness, they quickly wear down and constantly expose new abrasive grains. And the spent grains, together with water, form the very suspension that is involved in sharpening. And it is impossible to remove the suspension during sharpening. To prevent the block from drying out when sharpening, it must be regularly sprayed with water so that the suspension remains liquid.

So, the stone is leveled. Let's check it in action. To correct a slightly dull knife, this 3000/8000 water stone is quite enough. To sharpen a dull knife, you need to take another whetstone, for example, from 600 to 1000. Depending on the circumstances. To change the sharpening angle or resharpen a “dead” knife, you can first take my offline stone 120/240 described above. And then successively reducing the grain size, approximately by half, to bring it to the finish line.
But to show you the difference in gridness, I use only two stones when sharpening. 120/240, and then immediately 3000/8000. Without intermediate bars. The knife is just dull. And he doesn’t need a 120/240 bar at all. Rather, it is harmful to him. Therefore, I took a simple knife, which is not so sorry, and now I will show you these differences.

So, side 120:

After sharpening it, let's look at the rk:

Maximum:

Strong metal scuffs are visible.

Turn the block over and go to side 240:

There are fewer bullies.

Let's move on to water stone 3000/8000.

We sharpen on the 3000 side:

On the rk - a slight shine appears.

Let's look:

Larger:

Move to the 8000 side. The cutting edge begins to shine:

Let's look:

Maximum magnification:

This is already good.

After the 8000 stone, we try to shave the hair on our arm:

What conclusions can be drawn? And the conclusions are simple. This is quite a decent water stone. There is nothing more to say. It was a pleasure working with him.

And at the end of the review. My collection. No. Not a collection, but a collection of knives to which not all of them came. They don't sit on shelves. They are used somewhere. Some are in your pocket, some in the garage, some in the car, in tools, etc. Be that as it may, they all work, albeit periodically. And I’ll tell you right away. I don’t have knives that fall under the category of edged weapons.

Nail files vary in shape, material and hardness. Don't know which one is right for you? We will show you how to choose the nail file you need.

A nail file is an important tool in a manicurist’s arsenal. Using a file, you can give your nails the desired shape, cut off excess length and polish the surface of the nail plates to a shine.

Types of nail files

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a nail file is the material from which it is made.

• Disposable files consist of multilayer cardboard or polystyrene foam coated with fine quartz, Teflon or granite chips. This is ideal for one-time use in the salon. It should be taken into account that such files cannot be washed and sterilized, as they can deteriorate under the influence of high temperature and moisture. Therefore, they can be used only once or have a separate, individual set in stock for each client. Considering their low cost, this is beneficial and does not present much difficulty. Plastic and wood-based files also cannot be sterilized, but they are slightly more durable than disposable files.
• Files with wooden base They have a rigid structure, do not bend and are very convenient to use. They can be disinfected in liquid solutions, which allows them to be reused many times for individual use.
• Metal files can serve you for several years without replacement. They are not recommended for filing peeling and brittle nails, as this can lead to even greater delamination. But they do an excellent job of forming extended nails. Therefore, every master needs to have a metal file in his arsenal. It can be sterilized in any way, including in dry heat.
• Glass files won the love of many manicurists. They are more gentle on nails, carefully file the nail plates and allow you to carefully form the desired length. They can also be sterilized in all ways: glass is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals.
• Ceramic files- this is the most suitable option for thin, brittle and peeling nails. They are quite soft and gently file natural nails without allowing them to peel. In addition, you can use a ceramic file to treat the skin around your nails.
• Laser files are know-how in the world of manicure tools; they appeared not so long ago. This is an ultra-modern answer to the problem of peeling nails! The laser file “seals” the edges of the nail plate, thanks to which the nails maintain a healthy appearance and do not peel off.

Abrasiveness of files. What do grits mean?

The abrasiveness (hardness) of files is measured in grits. The more grit, the finer the file is sprayed and the softer it is. Depending on the hardness, nail files are divided into several types.

. They are used to file only artificial nails; they are not recommended for use on natural nails. These files can easily handle tips and nail extensions with gel and acrylic.

. Natural nail plates are delicately filed and are suitable for forming an arch on artificial ones.

. Gently lift the scales of the nail plate. Serve for polishing nails before coating with gel polish or extensions, for better adhesion of the material to the surface of the nail.

. Essential for giving nails a glossy shine. Polishers are used to treat acrylic nails after extensions, and in some cases - for natural nails.

If your file shows two numbers, for example, 180/240 grit, this means that one surface is softer and the other is harder. Buffs can have up to 6 working surfaces with different abrasiveness. And the unique block from Zinger can be a file, a grinder, and a polisher at the same time - amazing versatility!

Nail file shapes

The files also differ in shape. But this is a subjective matter: who likes and is comfortable working with what.

Straight shape

Classic straight files usually have the shape of a regular rectangle. They are useful for many types of work.

Arc (boomerang, banana)

Thanks to its smooth shape, this file is easy and convenient for beginners to work with. It will help to form a correct and smooth nail contour.

Buff (block)

Their main advantage is versatility. Typically, buffs are suitable for both natural and artificial nails.

Files and buffs Smart

Life hack for craftsmen - with replaceable files. The files are attached to a metal base. You can change the working surface of the file whenever you need it. The bases can be of different shapes and lengths: each master chooses the most convenient one for himself. Files on a foam backing have different abrasiveness from 100 to 320 grit. New generation Smart files are an easy and practical way to always have a supply of files for each client.

How to file your nails correctly?

To keep your nails from peeling and to be healthy, you need to file them correctly: strictly in one direction, avoiding movements in different directions. Do not file wet or steamed nails; at least 4 hours must pass after bathing or showering.

If you want to be a successful manicurist and easily cope with any task that arises during work, you need to understand the types, shapes and abrasiveness of nail files. And, of course, all types of files, grinders and polishers should be in your arsenal.

We wish you successful work!

Best regards, imkosmetik online store.

…:::★☆★ Good hour! ★☆★:::…

It is no coincidence that I chose a festive atmosphere for photographs. Files are my passion, I adore them: different sizes, colors and hardness. I like choosing them, looking at them and of course using them. Every new file in my house is a real holiday, because it is followed by a discovery in its application. I am a new person in the world of manicure, there is still a lot to learn and discover. Sometimes when I see a nail file, I don’t know what to do with it or how best to use it in a manicure. This time my holiday was a saw Dona Jerdona grinding 180/240 semicircular, it's marshmallow pink in color, reminiscent of the vibe of Barbie doll in her playhouse.

I chose a file in the section for natural nails, since I have never had extensions and don’t plan to. But I am gradually putting my nails in order after their unfavorable condition and brittleness. Despite its fragility, I do not consider this a reason to delay caring for and shaping the nail plate. And this is where my favorite nail files come to my aid, of which there are a selection for every taste and for different tasks.

Product Description:

File for artificial and natural nails 180/240 semicircular pink Dona Jerdona.

Article: 100384

Hardness:

Hardness level 180/240.

• Price: 72 rubles.

• Volume: 1 piece.

• Where to buy: direct link to the product.

〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰

˙·٠ ●Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ● ٠·˙ GENERAL INFORMATION: ˙·٠ ●Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ● ٠·˙

The file is large and quite long, semicircular in shape and has a pleasant pink tint. It reminds me of marshmallow or doll pink, which has already become my favorite. The nail file is packaged in a transparent film with the article number and sealed at the bottom. I really like the packaging, because I love opening the product and knowing that it was sealed before me in production. It looks very cute and pleasant, the design is exactly girly - medium pink.

.°☆ ‧°‧°☆∴ Design. On the front side is the company logo and digital designations. They tell the owner about the hardness and what the file is intended for in manicure. The inscriptions are located on different sides of the file, which gives it a special charm, it seems to me. The beautiful color does not cover up the unnecessary information, which pleases my eyes, and was not chosen by chance.

.°☆ ‧°‧°☆∴ Quality. The file is comfortable to hold in your hand, it does not slip and does not cause problems or the need to get used to the tool. I started working with a saw without any skills with similar tools, much less professional ones. Therefore, at first I wanted to work as a straight one, but I like its shape.

.°☆ ‧°‧°☆∴ Shape and material. The semicircular shape makes the file convenient to use when comfort and quality of the product are important. To the touch it resembles hard foam rubber with an abrasive coating; when pressed, it compresses slightly and immediately takes its usual shape. In the middle you can see exactly in the middle a white layer of material between the two pink halves. The white part consists of plastic, it is hard and represents the base of the file, like a stiffening rib. As far as I understand, for longer service and endurance in work. The file itself consists of a soft material like foam rubber and when pressed it immediately returns to its usual appearance in a split second.

.°☆ ‧°‧°☆∴ My experience. During operation, the file gently processes the surface of the nails, does not file too much and does not remove much, so I use it at the final stage. When it is important for me to finish polishing the surface of the nail plate, it is convenient that when I don’t need to remove much, the file minimally injures the nail. The stiffer the analogues, which is important for my fragile nails.

• In case of brittleness (which has become a little less for me lately), I try not to polish my nails, but only process the edge of the nails and gently file them. Therefore, I use this file to finish the nail shape so that there are no sharp or sharp areas along all edges.

• The file does its job gently and delicately without filing down the nail. It removes part of the nail in small quantities and you can easily control not only the shape and treatment, but also the result obtained. In addition, I sometimes like to do without scissors and do manicures only with a file and occasionally with clippers.

• When cutting, marks remain on the file, which can be easily removed by simply wiping the file with a cloth. This does not affect the appearance in any way, since the instrument restores its original qualities after caring for it. It is convenient to file the edges of nails thanks to the semicircular shape, although I mainly use only the edges of the file for work.

• The file does not damage the nails due to its delicate action, it does an excellent job of removing sharp edges and gives the nails a shape close to natural. It takes longer than usual to saw due to the softness of the coating, but I like this option and I don’t dare to use harder files yet. Moreover, the tool not only carefully removes the excess, but also does not lead to additional layering of the plate, which I try to avoid at all costs.

It is convenient that it is not glass and can be carried in the pocket of a bag or backpack with you without fear of breaking or breaking. It’s very convenient to have a similar tool at hand that can always cope with weak nails that are prone to breakage on any object.

✧✧✧RESULT✧✧✧

A convenient file for brittle and thin nails that require delicate care. I like the appearance and color of the tool, which does its job perfectly. Caring for it is as easy as shelling pears - just wipe it and the file is like new again!

So far I like to master the intricacies of manicure, and the file helps me shape and maintain my nails in the desired shape. I usually grind after length correction or when the plate becomes sharp, so I always carry this file with me in my bag.

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

.ﻩ❀  pros : ●❀ﻩ.

✔ beautiful;

✔ does not spoil the nail plate;

✔ comfortable shape;

✔ soft abrasive;

✔ won't break in your bag.

.ﻩ❀ Minuses : ●❀ﻩ.

I’m glad to see you on my page and in your reviews, thank you for your attention! ❤

Abrasiveness (granularity)

The main characteristic that you should pay attention to when purchasing. The finer the abrasive, the more delicate the file behaves. The optimal value for natural nails is an abrasiveness of 180-240 grit. The weaker and thinner the nails, the more delicate the file should be. Using coarser files of 100-180 grit can lead to delamination of the natural nail plate. These are only suitable for processing artificial forms.

Options with a higher abrasiveness value (from 240 to 800 burns) are suitable for polishing the nail plate. A file with an abrasiveness of 800-4000 grit can give your nails a mirror shine. Now many manufacturers offer multifunctional blocks, each side of which has its own characteristics. So, with the first you can cut the length, with the second you can give it shape, with the third you can remove the gloss from the nails, and with the help of the fourth you can polish it.

Material

Just a few years ago, cosmetic bags always contained a rough metal file that damaged your nails. Now in the assortment of stores you can find paper, crystal, ceramic and gentle metal versions. Paper or cardboard nail files tend to break down quickly and are used mainly in salons.

For home use, the most versatile and suitable for most girls are a crystal or ceramic nail file. Their delicate abrasiveness does not damage the nail structure and does not provoke delamination. But the real hit of recent years is a metal file with a sealing effect, the fashion for which came from Korea. Unlike old metal files, it not only does not damage the nails, but also helps strengthen them by sealing the ends: after a few movements, they become smooth and shiny, as if polished.

Cuticle file

This category of funds appeared relatively recently. The main purpose of such files is to process the cuticle and side ridges. Of course, you can use ordinary paper files with an abrasiveness of 180 grit for this purpose, but special cuticle files have diamond coating, which allows them to file only what is really necessary. The risk of injury is minimized. With regular use of this file, the cuticle becomes more neat, and the skin on the side rollers does not become so rough.

A modern girl should have at least three nail files in her makeup bag:

• Shaping file

Crystal, ceramic or with a sealed effect. It should be used not only once every 1-2 weeks to shorten nails, but also in between manicure procedures to maintain the shape of the nails.

• Buff for grinding and polishing

It should not be used more than twice a month. However, after each treatment of nails with ordinary, non-sealing files, it is worth polishing the end to avoid delamination.

• Cuticle file

It can be used as needed 1-2 times a week, but only on dry skin.