How to File Natural Nails

A beautifully filed natural nail can make any ones hand look young and elegant. Filing natural nails keeps rough edges from ripping and keeps the nail in a healthy shape. Filing your natural nails should be a critical step to any nail care regimen. So whether you are giving yourself a salon quality manicure or just cutting your nails, do not skip filing them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Grasp the medium grade emery board in the opposite hand that you will begin filing your natural nails on. Hold the board as you would a pencil to be able to control how you file more gracefully.

2. Hold the natural nail that you will be filing straight out in front of you. The nail should be kept approximately 1 foot from your face so that you can see what you are doing.

3. Run the emery board towards the right side of the natural nail letting it gently rub against the end of the nail. Repeat this process 3 times for natural nails that are not ripped. If nail is ripped repeat as many time as needed to smooth the rip.

4. Turn the natural nail that you are filing on its side. Use the emery board to gently round of the corner of the natural nail. Turn the natural nail to the other side and repeat this action.

5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 with every natural nail on the hand that you decided to file first. Change the hand that is holding the emery board and repeat steps 2 to 4 with the rest of your natural nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a travel file on hand at all times to file your natural nails whenever they become ripped or break off.
• Pay close attention when you are filing natural nails. It is very easy to over file natural nails and make them too short.
• Do not file natural nails into a squared off nail. This will make them easy to break.