News flash: you don’t have to pay a professional manicurist to get flawless, healthy, polished nails. Many of today’s trending nail art designs–from marble nails to ombre nails–are easy enough to do from the comfort of your own home. While your nail polish application skills are important, the devil is in the details when it comes to the perfect DIY nails, and that means properly filing your nails first.
Even more than your choice of nail colors, your choice of nail file and the technique with which you use it has a huge impact on how clean and high-quality your manicure looks. Smooth edges, consistent nail shapes (whether you’re going for a square shape or oval shape), and even nail lengths are all contingent on the nail file.
Continue reading below for our guide to how to file nails, and we guarantee no one will be able to tell your at-home mani apart from the salon version.
1. Don’t file back and forth.
Listen up, because it’s time to unlearn everything you’ve been taught about how to file nails over the years. The correct way to file your nails doesn't involve sawing back and forth, but following one direction. No, we’re not talking about Harry Styles: we’re talking about using gentle, fluid motions in one single direction until you’ve reached your desired shape. Sawing the tip of the nail off with back-and-forth strokes will result in damaged, weak nails. Not to mention, it can feel uncomfortable and even painful. Go easy on your nails and they’ll look (and feel) better in the long run.
2. Use a high-quality nail file.
Any manicurist will agree that a high-quality nail file is an essential tool of proper nail care. What separates quality nail files from the basic options? Glass nail files tend to be gentler on nails than emery board options. They also last longer and are easy to clean and reuse. The crystal nail file from DECO MIAMI is finely etched to allow you to file your nails with expert precision and control, whether you're shaping long nails or short nails. Plus, it comes in several different neon color options and can be easily taken on-the-go thanks to its handy white velvet carrying case.
3. File outside-in, stopping halfway.
Once you’ve got that high-quality nail file in hand, it’s time to focus on your movements. Imagine your nail bed is divided into two vertical halves. Instead of haphazardly swiping all around the tip of the nail, use your nail file in gentle, fluid motions (as mentioned in section #1), starting at the outside of the nail and stopping right at the middle of the nail. Then, continue the same motions on the second half. This allows you to follow and reinforce your natural nail shape, causing as little friction (and, hence, damage) as possible.
4. Don’t rush it.
With manicures, slow and steady really does win the race. You wouldn’t pay for a celebrity manicurist to do your nails and be done within 15 minutes, would you? Take the time you need and don’t rush. Enjoy the “you” time by putting on your favorite playlist or TV show in the background. Slowing down leads to fewer mistakes, less risk of breakage, and that coveted, salon-level quality you’re looking for.
5. Flick under your nail for a smooth edge.
Once you’ve filed your nails to your dream shape and length, clean them up by tucking the round edge of your nail file right underneath your nail tip to flick out any loose nail filings. It’s an easy finishing touch that means the difference between DIY and to-die-for nails. With a freshly clean surface, apply a touch of moisturizing cuticle oil, and you’re ready to start applying your favorite nail colors.